Medicaid entitlement for 9 - FY 2026 - T21

The Department of Public Health-Division IV of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) received a $17.63 million block grant from the Centers for Medicaid and CHIP Services (CMCS) under the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP, CFDA 93.767) for Fiscal Year 2026. This award, obligated on October 1, 2025, extends through September 30, 2027, and funds the CNMI State Medicaid Agency's administration and delivery of health insurance coverage and medical assistance services to low-income children and eligible pregnant women in the territory.

Under this block grant, the awardee provides critical healthcare products and services including medical care payments on behalf of eligible low-income individuals, health insurance premium assistance, program enrollment and eligibility verification, claims processing, and overall healthcare delivery management. As the designated state CHIP administrator for the Northern Mariana Islands, the Department of Public Health-Division IV ensures that vulnerable populations—including children, pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities—maintain consistent access to comprehensive healthcare coverage. The $17.63 million represents a portion of the agency's total FY 2026 CHIP and Medicaid funding, which exceeds $105 million and supports sustained operations in providing essential medical services to qualifying territory residents.