MIP vendors could get payments (partially)

by Mindy Aguon

Guam - Government officials are trying to identify some money to make partial payments to vendors for the Medically Indigent Program. The Government of Guam currently owes $5.8 million to various vendors, including National Cornerstone Healthcare Services, Inc.  The company recently sent a letter demanding payment for the close to a million dollars the government owes.

Healthcare Committee chairman Senator Frank Aguon, Jr. says the biggest challenge is identifying the cash as the government is already $12-16 million behind in collections.  "What they're trying to do is identify those that they can make partial payment to and then continue processing in terms of receiving. When we're looking at is possibly the middle of the week if not sooner," the policymaker told KUAM News.

The Department of Public Health processed $5.8 million in invoices for the 126 MIP vendors, but those invoices are sitting at the Department of Administration until money is identified to pay the debts.