King-Hinds: Key services for the CNMI, including Medicaid, remain protected

05/26/2025 - (Press Release) Washington – Following the U.S. House of Representatives’ passage of the 2025 Reconciliation Bill, also known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill (H.R. 1),” Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds highlighted key provisions that benefit working families across the country while reaffirming that Medicaid funding and services in the CNMI remain fully protected.

“While the bill makes changes to some federal programs, I want to assure the people of the CNMI that our Medicaid funding, structure, and service delivery remain unchanged,” said Congresswoman King-Hinds. “The 83 percent federal match rate and annual capped funding that support thousands of CNMI residents are still in place. This is a win for the stability of our healthcare system.”

The CNMI’s Medicaid program continues to receive an annual federal grant, currently set at approximately $66 million, along with the highest federal medical assistance percentage allowed under law. These provisions are unaffected by the reconciliation package. In addition to preserving Medicaid, the bill includes important economic relief for working families. It increases the child tax credit from $2,000 to $2,500 per child and eliminates federal taxes on tips, overtime pay for hourly workers, and interest on auto loans for American-made vehicles. “

These provisions are good for the CNMI and for families doing everything they can to get through these tough times,” said Congresswoman King-Hinds. “People deserve tax relief and the ability to keep more of what they earn, especially when the cost of living remains high.” King-Hinds noted that the preservation of Medicaid follows her continued advocacy to protect essential programs from proposed federal cuts. Earlier this Congress, she joined members of the Congressional Hispanic Conference in urging House leadership to focus on fiscal discipline without cutting programs like Medicaid, nutrition assistance, and Pell Grants.

“We’ve been clear that it’s possible to rein in spending without undermining programs that families depend on,” said King-Hinds. “This bill shows that we can lower taxes, support working families, and preserve access to care.” As Congress enters the next phase of budget and appropriations work, King-Hinds reaffirmed her commitment to protecting the programs that matter most to the Marianas.“I will continue to fight for the priorities that make a difference in people’s lives—healthcare access, economic opportunity, and support for working families,” said Congresswoman King-Hinds.

“This bill is one step, and we’re going to keep pushing for more wins for our community.” H.R. 1 now moves to the U.S. Senate. Congresswoman King-Hinds emphasized that the legislative process is dynamic, and provisions can change as the bill advances.

While the bill has drawn criticism for broader cuts to federal programs, Congresswoman King-Hinds noted that key services for the CNMI, including Medicaid, remain protected. She will continue to monitor the process of the bill to ensure the final package maintains essential support for the Marianas.