Medicaid director testifies on status of healthcare initiatives and benefits

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The American Samoa Medicaid State Agency (ASMSA) Director Louise Kuaea testified before the House Health Committee on the status of Medicaid services in the Territory last week and this week her agency held its 2025 Annual Medicaid Health Summit, rounding off two weeks of conveying to the public an understanding of the Medicaid Office and its initiatives.

During the House hearing, she noted that there are no confirmed federal cuts specifically directed at the local program, but her office is closely monitoring potential changes that could impact their funding, saying that the good news is that the US House continuing resolution that kept the federal government open provides stability for the funding up to Sept. 30 of this year.

Current funding for Medicaid is at $92Mil but has been adjusted due to the required local match of 37% not being viable under the Territory’s 2025 budget, especially as the current administration has instituted a 10% cost containment policy across the government’s budget, which affects the local match share.

During the House hearing, Faipule Vala Liusamoa recommended that Kuaea request the Governor to exempt Medicaid from the 10% reduction in its budget as the health needs of the territory should be a priority.

Kuaea also mentioned that when she was in Washington DC, as part of the Governor’s delegation to the NGA meeting, she tried to meet with Congresswoman Uifaatali Amata to discuss Medicaid funding but unfortunately it did not happen, and she met instead with one of Uifaatali’s staffers.

Of her meeting with the Congresswoman’s staffer, Kuaea reported that she asked for Uifaatali’s “stance on all these cuts that are going to impact us” and “he couldn’t give me an answer, we have to wait it out and see what’s happening in Congress.”

She stated that “my concern is that we are not receiving the communication we need from our Congress representative.”

Samoa News reached out to Congresswoman Uifaatali for comment about Kuaea’s concern, and she explained that when she met up with Governor Pulaali’i, who came to DC Feb.19- 24 with his staff to testify at the IGIA at DOI and also attend the NGA meeting, “the Governor made no request of me (to meet with the local Medicaid director) and he and I talk regularly.”

The Congresswoman further explained, “I was not going to be in town the balance of that week so I had my senior staffer Legislative Director and Chief Counsel Richard Stanton meet with several of the Governor’s staff for several hours over at their hotel for their convenience including Luisa Kuaea, Lorena Rios, Lewis Wolman and my former staffer Kiso Skelton with whom we keep in close contact on a regular basis.

“I am even aware both staffs had a follow up zoom call to get better acquainted a week or so later and we have been working well together with the Governor’s team on a host of issues, particularly on pushing for our renewal of 30A the American Samoa Economic Development Credit and preserving our fishing rights and pushing for greater Coast Guard presence.

“So we will continue to work with everyone in these areas, education, Medicaid, economic development and others to insure the best outcomes from all the federal programs by working closely together.”

2025 Annual Medicaid Health Summit

The ASMSA began its annual Health Summit, on Monday, March 24 to Wednesday, Mar. 26 at the ASCC Multipurpose Center.

This year’s summit was centered around the theme, "Working Together for a Healthier American Samoa,” according to a government media release.

It continues: “The event brought together Fono and Cabinet members, health specialists, and members of the public who are eager to gain a deeper understanding of the Medicaid Office and its initiatives.”

Acting Governor Pulumataala Ae Ae Jr., who was scheduled to be the keynote speaker, was unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances. However, he conveyed his gratitude to the Medicaid State Agency for the opportunity to share his message.

Pulumataala’s message conveyed his belief of leading by example and that he “speaks from the heart”. He pointed out that “ I often walk through communities, spending time in the field, where I have observed firsthand that many of our elderly, bedridden individuals, village residents on dialysis, individuals with disabilities, and even members of our workforce are not receiving the quality healthcare they deserve.”

He also emphasized his commitment to tackling drug use in the territory, acknowledging the fear it instills in families. He urged the youth to care for their elders, strive for success, and prioritize their health and well-being.

"I firmly believe that Medicaid can and will expand its efforts to provide additional services under the State Medicaid Plan, ensuring greater benefits for our people," the Acting Governor added, and reaffirmed his for a healthier American Samoa.

"The Governor and I want to empower our people to live as our ancestors did. They were active — walking, working the land, growing vegetables, singing, dancing, and fellowshipping [sic] with one another.

“Medicaid should work with various health agencies and nonprofit organizations to revise the State Medicaid Plan to better serve the needs of our community and deliver quality healthcare."

The media release stated that in her opening remarks, AS Medicaid Director Kuaea said that “our Medicaid team is deeply committed to serving the people of American Samoa and fulfilling our mission to provide access to quality healthcare."

She also acknowledged the challenges faced by the department, particularly the inability to provide healthcare benefits to all residents on the island. However, she expressed confidence in her team’s ability to overcome these obstacles.

"Challenges are simply opportunities in disguise," Kuaea noted.

The ASMSA Director Kuaea concluded by emphasizing the importance of public awareness and accessibility to healthcare services.

"To empower our community, we must do more to help our people understand their healthcare options.

“The purpose of this summit is to ensure that every individual is aware of the healthcare services available to them.

“Through outreach programs, public awareness efforts, and the support of our government, healthcare partners, and the community, we will continue working to enhance and expand access to essential services.

“Healthcare is a basic human right that every resident of American Samoa deserves,” she said.

This year's Health Summit focused on expanding healthcare access, strengthening partnerships, and enhancing Medicaid services in American Samoa.

Attendees were given the opportunity to engage with the Medicaid team, explore valuable resources, and participate in discussions aimed at identifying effective healthcare solutions for the community, the media release concluded.