Guam - Health oversight chairman Senator Dennis Rodriguez, Jr. introduced legislation that would allow policymakers to participate in GovGuam's healthcare insurance negotiating team. Bill 56 states that in light of GovGuam's current fiscal situation, that the annual task of negotiating the upcoming fiscal year's healthcare insurance plans should be conducted and completed with the input of lawmakers.

Rodriguez states, "We must not have a repeat of what occurred last year where we were greatly surprised by the enormous increase in the employees and governments' contributions.  It is imperative that this situation not be repeated."

He adds that by including two members from the Legislature to the team, it will better ensure that taxpayers will not be exposed to an unanticipated and unaffordable healthcare plan.