Federal Block Grant Award Summary

The Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services (CMS) awarded $10.0 million to the Department of Public Health-Division IV of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands under the Grants to States for Medicaid program (CFDA 93.778) for fiscal year 2026. The award, effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026, supports the delivery of medical assistance and healthcare coverage to low-income populations in the U.S. territory. The awardee administers critical Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) operations that ensure eligible residents—including cash assistance recipients, children, pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities—receive access to comprehensive healthcare services and coverage.

Under this federal block grant, the Department of Public Health-Division IV delivers essential healthcare administration and medical assistance services, including medical care payments on behalf of qualifying low-income individuals, health insurance premium assistance, program enrollment and eligibility verification, and claims processing. The agency operates under an HHS-approved Medicaid State Plan and maintains responsibility for healthcare delivery management to Northern Mariana Islands residents who meet federal income and resource requirements. This award represents continued federal support for the territory's Medicaid infrastructure, with recent fiscal year 2026 allocations totaling over $105 million across multiple grant cycles.