The National Association of Medicaid Directors has awarded Guam's Department of Public Health and Social Services the 2025 spotlight award for its innovative tri-state and territorial collaboration to modernize its Medicaid IT system. 

The initiative, in partnership with West Virginia and the U.S. Virgin Islands, leveraged reuse strategies to secure over $39 million in federal funding and implement pharmacy benefit management services for Guam's 43,000 medicaid beneficiaries.

NAMD Executive Director Kate Mcevoy said the collaboration shows how strategic partnerships can accelerate modernization and improve member care. 

At the center of the effort is Guam's PBM solution, made possible by reusing the U.S. Virgin Islands’ contract and receiving project support from West Virginia.

Public Health Director Theresa Arriola said the modernization has resulted in quicker access to medications, reduced paperwork, and a stronger sense of care. 

The effort was enabled by Guam's Leverage and Reuse Law and has improved procurement timelines, reduced administrative costs, and enhanced fraud detection and claim processing. 

Arriola added that the modernization shapes a future where Medicaid serves the community with dignity, speed, and reliability.