DPHSS Prioritizes Service, Sustainability, and Community Trust
Hagåtña, Guam – The Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) is ushering in a new era for the island’s Medicaid program, backed by a transformative $39 million federal investment from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). An additional $4.5 million in federal funding is pending CMS approval, which would further accelerate Guam’s Medicaid modernization efforts. This funding marks a significant step forward in Guam’s ongoing efforts to enhance healthcare access and services for those who need them most.
After years of operating under constraints, Guam’s Medicaid program is finally turning a corner toward modernization and trust. Public perception of the program is improving as long-needed reforms begin to take shape. The renewed focus on service helps ensure that every eligible resident receives timely, high-quality service through a more efficient, transparent, and responsive system.
“This funding is a turning point. For too long, our people have navigated a system that was under-resourced and outdated. Today, we’re moving toward a Medicaid program that meets families where they are, treats them with respect, and delivers the kind of care they deserve. I commend Director Arriola and her team for driving this transformation forward with vision, accountability, and a deep commitment to the people of Guam,” said Acting Governor Josh Tenorio.
“For years, too many families have struggled to access the care they qualify for, and our staff has worked under challenging conditions to do more with less. This transformation changes that. With this historic investment, we are modernizing our systems, strengthening our workforce, and creating a culture of service rooted in trust and compassion. Guam deserves a Medicaid program that works, and our team is committed to delivering just that,” said DPHSS Director Theresa Arriola.
Key Areas of Focus
Workforce Development
DPHSS is addressing critical staffing shortages by creating new career pathways for eligibility specialists, expanding partnerships with local colleges, and launching a Community Health Navigator Program to support enrollment and outreach.
Systems Modernization
With the approved federal funding, Guam plans to modernize its eligibility and enrollment system, launch a Pharmacy Benefits Manager (PBM) solution, and update its outdated Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS) to streamline operations and reduce delays.
Program Integrity and Transparency
To build trust and improve oversight, DPHSS is introducing new measures to enhance transparency and better reflect the community’s expectations.
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