SAIPAN – The Commonwealth Medicaid Agency (CMA) has completed its move from Capitol Hill to the Horiguchi Building in Garapan, expanding space and services for more than 19,000 beneficiaries across the CNMI.
CMA Director George Cruz said the relocation followed consultations with staff and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services after identifying fire hazards and unsafe conditions at the former office. The new Garapan site offers 12,900 square feet—triple the size of the previous 4,000 square feet.
The transition, originally slated to finish in August, faced delays but was finalized with assistance from the Department of Corrections, which handled logistics and spearheaded renovations. Executive Assistant Jennalyd Babauta, who managed the project, said the team adjusted its timeline to meet realistic goals.
With expanded space, CMA has doubled its staff since January, strengthening compliance, eligibility and enrollment, and claims and audit functions. Program Integrity has also grown, enhancing oversight of beneficiaries, providers, and internal staff compliance.
The agency’s hours have now extended to 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Rota and Tinian offices will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with lunch breaks observed. Previously, Saipan walk-in service ended at 1 p.m. due to backlogs.
Officials say the central Garapan location improves accessibility and parking while setting the stage for modernized online systems. Work is underway on an eligibility and enrollment platform to allow beneficiaries to register without visiting the office.
