King-Hinds Announces Passage of Federal Funding Bill with $21.4 Million for CNMI Medicaid

September 3, 2026 Press Release Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds announced that the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2027 has passed both chambers of Congress and is now headed to the President for signature. The legislation includes $21.4 million in additional federal Medicaid funding for the Northern Mariana Islands. The legislation increases the CNMI’s fiscal year 2026 Medicaid allotment by $21.4 million and allows the additional funding to remain available until expended. The funding may also be used for eligible services provided during fiscal year 2026 even when the Commonwealth makes payment for those services during fiscal year 2027. “This is a major step forward for healthcare in the CNMI. An additional $21.4 million in federal Medicaid funding will help strengthen access to care, support our healthcare providers, and provide critical relief following the recent natural disasters. “This funding addresses an immediate need, but the work does not end here. We must continue advocating for a fair and sustainable long-term Medicaid solution that ensures the CNMI receives the support our community deserves,” King-Hinds said. “I thank the Senate and House committees for including the CNMI’s Medicaid needs in response to Super Typhoon Sinlaku. I also thank the CNMI Medicaid Agency for its work in supporting this request. We will continue working as Congress takes up the next round of funding discussions in December to address the additional needs of the Medicaid program and other priorities of the Commonwealth.” A continuing resolution, commonly referred to as a CR, provides temporary funding for federal agencies and programs when Congress has not yet completed the regular annual appropriations process. The legislation continues federal government funding through December 11, 2026, averting a government shutdown while Congress completes work on fiscal year 2027 appropriations. The continuing resolution also keeps several federal programs important to the Northern Mariana Islands operating through December 11. These include federal highway and transit programs, territorial assistance programs administered by the Department of the Interior, FEMA disaster response and recovery activities, and several veterans health care, housing, transportation, and benefit programs. The legislation passed both chambers of Congress and is now on its way to the President for signature.