Straub Medical Center, part of the Hawai‘i Pacific Health (HPH) system, is now officially enrolled as a Medicaid provider for American Samoa. A press release from the Medicaid Office says its agreement with Straub marks a significant step forward in strengthening the healthcare options available to American Samoa’s Medicaid beneficiaries.
Under this new partnership, Straub Medical Center will accept American Samoa Medicaid patients with prior authorization for off-island care. Reimbursement will follow the terms of the territory’s Medicaid State Plan. The initial phase will prioritize Medicaid beneficiaries, including those with dual Medicare eligibility. After the first year, the agency will evaluate the partnership and consider expanding referral options.
“This is a big win for our people, ” said Luisa Kuaea, Medicaid Director.
“Straub’s enrollment gives our residents access to high-quality care, and reflects our commitment to expanding the provider network, improving health outcomes, and restoring trust in how we manage off-island referrals.”
The agreement includes clearly defined terms for prior authorization, referral timelines, and reimbursement procedures, offering transparency and consistency for both patients and providers.
It also ensures compliance with federal Medicaid guidelines and safeguards patient rights under HIPAA, civil rights laws, and documentation standards.
Straub Medical Center now joins the American Samoa Medicaid Provider Network, a significant achievement for the territory. The American Samoa Medicaid State Agency is actively engaging additional hospitals and specialty providers in Hawai‘i to improve access to quality healthcare for Medicaid beneficiaries.
