Governor & resident commissioner confident in bipartisan agreement to extend Medicaid funding

Gov. Jenniffer González Colón and Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández Rivera sounded optimistic regarding congressional efforts to extend the federal Medicaid funds that finance Puerto Rico’s government healthcare plan.

By THE STAR STAFF

Gov. Jenniffer González Colón and Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández Rivera expressed optimism on Thursday regarding congressional efforts to extend the federal Medicaid funds that finance the “Plan Vital” (Vital Plan) government healthcare plan, as Puerto Rico approaches the final year of the current allocation.

“Puerto Rico’s very survival depends on this effort,” González Colón stated during a press conference for the opening of a health clinic in Isabela. “I believe there is an understanding, in both the federal Senate and the House, of what this means for Puerto Rico.” 

The governor noted that officials from both parties have participated in the discussions and that the government, the private sector, municipalities and healthcare organizations have provided Congress with information regarding the impact a reduction in funding would have.

“For us, the worst-case scenario would be simply maintaining what we currently have,” she said. “The best-case scenario would be expanding certain services for Puerto Rico.”

González Colón cited the inclusion of long-term care services -- which are not currently part of the coverage available on the island -- as one of her priorities.

Hernández Rivera stated that conversations with congressional leadership lead him to anticipate a favorable outcome.

“We are very optimistic that the work we are doing together -- crossing party lines -- will result in a positive outcome for Medicaid funding, which finances the ‘Plan Vital’ and upon which more than a million Puerto Ricans depend,” the resident commissioner said.

Addressing the possibility that midterm elections could alter the composition of Congress, González Colón gave assurances that efforts have been conducted with both Republican and Democratic leaders in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate.

“There have been Republicans extending funding when they held the majority, and Democrats extending it when they held the majority in the House,” she said. “So, it has happened on both sides.”

The governor noted that members of both parties with jurisdiction over the matter have visited Puerto Rico, requested additional data, and expressed support for addressing the issue.

“I believe this is when we have worked together the most, and with plenty of lead time,” González Colón said.

She added that she has also discussed the matter with officials from the Trump administration, the federal Department of Health and Human Services, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

Hernández Rivera agreed that there is bipartisan awareness regarding the consequences Puerto Rico would face if the funding were lost, though he acknowledged that the outcome could vary depending on which party controls Congress.

“My impression, following conversations with the leadership of the committee with jurisdiction over this issue, is that both Democrats and Republicans understand the problem and are committed to addressing it,” the resident commissioner stated.

“That said, simply due to each party’s political philosophy, a Democratic-controlled Congress would likely be more inclined to be generous, but we will see what happens in November,” he added.

González Colón warned that a funding cut would not only affect the Plan Vital -- which is in effect the island’s Medicaid program -- but also the operations of “330 health centers,” which provide services to uninsured patients, immigrants and low-income communities.

“Pharmacy services are affected, as is the funding that sustains daily operations -- not just for this center, but for the ones in Vieques, the mountain region and Santurce,” the governor said.

She highlighted that the 330 health centers treat patients with chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, as well as individuals facing food insecurity.

“Everyone is treated here, whether or not they have health insurance,” González Colón said. “And that is the beauty of these 330 centers.”

The governor noted that Puerto Rico has nearly 120 clinics, satellite centers and service points linked to the 330 centers. She pointed out that, because they are non-profit entities, revenues are reinvested into expanding and strengthening health services.

“As they generate revenue, it is reinvested into services for the public,” she said.