Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata Radewagen highlighted American Samoa’s urgent healthcare needs during a Natural Resources hearing with DOI Secretary Deb Haaland. KHJ News Washington DC correspondent Matt Kaye reports…
Uifa’atali Amata reminded Secretary Haaland that LBJ Hospital remains in a state of failure and disrepair.
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Amata pointed out in earlier hearings that an Army Corps study found LBJ replacement costs could hit $900 (M) million. Meantime, she thanked Haaland for proposed level funding of more than $24 (M) million for ASG—
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Haaland was sympathetic to American Samoa’s needs…
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Even more pressing on the healthcare front, is another looming Medicaid ‘cliff’ on October 1st, when Medicaid funding for American Samoa could collapse to pre-pandemic levels.
Amata has said higher and more stable Medicaid reimbursement through her Insular Areas Medicaid Parity Act, would avert the next fiscal ‘cliff.’
She told the House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee in March, American Samoa was receiving an 89-percent federal cost-share or some $90 (M) million, up from the usual $12.5 (M) million.
Separately, Honolulu VA Regional Director Sergio Chao notified Amata’s office, the VA will honor the request of local veterans and establish a permanent benefits counselor in American Samoa. The VA says filling the post will take a few months.
