OPA hearing health insurance protest this week

by Mindy Aguon

Guam - A hearing is scheduled in two weeks regarding the Government of Guam's health insurance contract that is currently stalled due to several protests. Department of Administration director Benita Manglona tells KUAM News that she hopes there's some resolution as recent laws changing how GovGuam should negotiate its health insurance contract complicated matters by forcing DOA to negotiate six contracts.

Last year TakeCare Insurance, Calvo's SelectCare and Staywell all filed protests relative to the 2012 health insurance contract negotiations.  The entire bid was scrapped due to numerous errors on the government's part. "It was continued, there was a HIPPA requirement to continue coverage and we have that for the remainder of 2013 and are in the process of preparing for the new RFP for 2014. Hopefully soon, and we'll be meeting with the negotiating team hopefully this month," said Manglona.

The hearing is set for January 22 at 9am before the Office of Public Accountability.