PALIKIR, Pohnpei — On July 19, 2024, Vice President Aren B. Palik welcomed the FSM MiCare Board of Directors for a courtesy call at the Office of the President. The delegation included Kosrae State Lt. Governor Arthy Nena, Chairman Samson Pretrick, Dr. Marcelle Gallen, and former Governor of Yap State Sebastian Anefal. MiCare Administrator Jackie Solomon and MiCare Legal Attorney Robert Nakasone Jr. were also present. Representing the Office of the President were Vice President Palik, Special Assistant Ari Skilling, Special Advisor Kandhi A. Elieisar, Special Assistant Belan Yoma, and Special Assistant Jack Harris.

The primary purpose of the meeting was to update the Vice President on the Board’s activities and the outcomes of their recent meeting. Key updates included the enrollment of over half of the FSM population in MiCare services and efforts to enhance enrollment by integrating state insurance programs, particularly in Chuuk.

The Board announced plans to expand subscription categories from $50,000 to $150,000 and broaden enrollment eligibility to include non-government individuals. Additionally, discounts for senior citizens aged 65 and older will be introduced. The Board also highlighted a new referral agreement with India and explored expanding referral services to Guam, Thailand, the U.S. West Coast, and the South Pacific, aiming to alleviate congestion in Guam and Hawaii and improve service accessibility in Oregon, Washington, and Fiji.

To increase access and affordability, the MiCare Board is considering public outreach initiatives to remote and outer island communities using land and sea transport. They are also exploring medical technologies that could reduce off-island referrals by providing immediate in-country care.

The meeting concluded on a positive note, with the Board expressing optimism about extending the enrollment period by an additional month and considering the possibility of open enrollment throughout the year.

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