New Health Plan Litigation & Other News Relevant to Life in Palau
No TRO issued vs. health care plan.
Wednesday, 06 October 2010 15:51
By Bernadette H. Carreon - For Variety.
KOROR (Palau Horizon) - The implementation of the new health care plan will go on as scheduled as the Koror State government failed to secure a temporary restraining order. A hearing on the TRO is yet to be scheduled to hear the lawsuit. Chief Justice Arthur Ngiraklsong will be hearing the case. The court has not acted on the motion for TRO.
Last week, the Koror State Government sued the national government and the National Healthcare Financing Committee to put a stop to the implementation of the new care plan by Oct. 1. The Koror State is seeking a temporary restraining order and an injunctive relief to the scheme that will require deductions from state employees to be paid in the mandatory health care plan. Named defendants in the suit are members of the committee, Vice President Kerai Mariur, Stevenson Kuartei, Gregorio Ngirmang, Leilani Reklai and Mason Whipps.
The suit said that by Oct 1., KSG’s 266 employees already hold a commercial health insurance coverage and so are private companies such as Palau Pacific Resort, Palau Royal Resort, Palasia Hotel, Morita Corporation, Western Caroline Trading Corporation, Palau Community College, Palau Shipping Company, Palau Public Utilities Corporation, Palau National Communications Corporation, Palau Social Security Administration and Palau Community Action Agency.
The lawsuit stated that there are at least 1,000 people who are covered by private insurance company. The government according to the plaintiff relied on “faulty assumptions” that no one in the country has obtained a commercially available health care coverage. Under the new law all employees and employers in the country are required to participate in the new plan.
Earlier the private sector employers requested the government to delay the implementation.
The proposed payment into the plan are the following; for employees: a minimum of 2.5% of their insured earnings; for employers: a minimum of 2.5% their employee’s earnings; and for the self-employed, will pay both the employee’s and the employer’s share, for a total of minimum contribution of 5% of insured earnings.
Under the plan, a person becomes eligible for coverage by the health insurance benefit after two full quarters of paying into the health care system. The health insurance benefit will generally cover inpatient care at the Belau National Hospital and off-island care that is approved by the Medical Referral Committee. The coverage will be subject to a co-payment, which will be the responsibility of the covered patient. The amount of the copayment will be 20% of the cost of the medical service, but will be capped based on a sliding scale, to be determined by income.
For general medical services that cap will be from $200 to $400, and for inpatient care or medical referrals, it will be anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000.
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25 countries join the Parade of Nations.
Wednesday, 06 October 2010 15:50
By Maripet L. Poso - For Variety.
KOROR (Palau Horizon) - Some 25 different nationalities representing all continents participated in the Parade of Nations during the country’s Independence Day celebrations on Friday. The parade started at 8:00 in the morning on Friday led by Palau with its representatives from 16 States, followed by the US Civic Action Team, Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, France, the Netherlands, Bangladesh, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Australia, Federated States of Micronesia, Indonesia, Korea, Republic of Marshall Islands, Nepal, CNMI, American Samoa, Mexico, Romania, Nigeria, Slovakia, Germany, and Solomon Islands.
In his speech, President Johnson Toribiong expressed deep gratitude to their friends from abroad. “Today we witnessed some 25 countries living in Palau marching before us, representing all the continents of the world,” Toribiong said. “And I say that diversity when there is unity brings beauty and harmony.”
Italian Ambassador Luca Fornari joined his two fellow Italians in the parade.
Romania was represented by the island’s new veterinarian Monica Minciu and husband Ionut Lesovici. Minciu and her husband arrived in Palau early this year. Minciu said there are only three of them Romanians living in Palau.
Armando Canseco and his two kids represented Mexico. He said as far as he knows he, his wife and three kids are the only Mexicans living in Palau. Canseco works as a dive guide for Cruise Control and has been in Palau for five years.
Slovakia was represented by Danka Ledgerwood. Two Nigerians joined the parade. France and Netherlands have one woman representative each.
During their speeches, country representatives expressed their warm wishes, congratulations and gratitude to Palau for its hospitality and for allowing them to be part of the occasion.
India prayed for Palau’s economic progress and growth. Taiwan wished for Palau’s “perpetuate prosperity and happiness” as well as strong bond and alliance between Palau and Taiwan.
Japan has 310 Japanese residents living and working in Palau. “Both countries have enjoyed 16 years of friendly ties that have been strengthened through trade and investments, financial and technical assistance, and exchange of culture and skills,” a Japanese representative said.
Italy hoped that the friendly relationship that has been established between the two nations will deepen.
“Independence is never achieved on a silver platter,” a representative from Ghana said. “It requires vigorous and dedicated attitude on the part of those leaders fighting for the freedom for the nation. We the people of Ghana commend your effort and struggle to achieve the independence of your nation.”
Bangladesh people expressed gratitude for Palau for giving them the opportunity to live and work on the island.
Korea said, “God created so many countries and Palau is one of the paradise he made.”
According to the Nigerian representatives, “We share this memorable day in common because Nigeria took her independence this same day 50 years ago. Today, it is a double celebration for us because we consider Palau our second home.”
Most of the representatives have worn their national costumes during the parade and proudly waved their flags.
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First US Ambassador joins Palau’s Independence Day celebration.
Wednesday, 06 October 2010 15:47 By Maripet L. Poso - For Variety.
KOROR (Palau Horizon) - The United States first ever Resident Ambassador to Palau arrived on the island Thursday night just in time to join the festivities of the country’s 16th Independence Day celebration on Friday. Helen Reed-Rowe was among the many diplomats and dignitaries who joined President Johnson Toribiong and other government officials during the opening ceremony of Palau’s Independence Day celebrations.
She presented her credentials to President Toribiong on Thursday night at the Palau International Airport.
“It’s a great day to be here,” Reed-Rowe said in an interview on Friday. She said she was excited to see so many different nationalities living in Palau. She was referring to 25 different countries that joined the Parade of Nations.
“I have not seen much of the country because I came in so late,” Reed-Rowe added. “I’m looking forward to meeting the people.” Reed-Rowe said she was still pretty much jet-lagged. “But it’s a pleasure to be here, and I’m excited to start work.” Palau is Reed-Rowe’s first ambassadorial appointment. She also serves as a Senior Advisor to the Office of Performance Evaluation in the Department of State.
Reed-Rowe held several positions overseas, such as Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Majuro, Republic of the Marshall Islands; Supervisory General Services Officer in Jamaica; Regional Personnel Officer in Ecuador; and Personnel Officer in Niger.
“With more than 20 U.S. government agencies conducting programs in Palau, I believe it is important to improve coordination among them to ensure our efforts are effective and implemented with transparency and accountability,” Reed-Rowe said in her Ambassadorial Nomination Statement in July.
Wednesday, 06 October 2010 15:51
By Bernadette H. Carreon - For Variety.
KOROR (Palau Horizon) - The implementation of the new health care plan will go on as scheduled as the Koror State government failed to secure a temporary restraining order. A hearing on the TRO is yet to be scheduled to hear the lawsuit. Chief Justice Arthur Ngiraklsong will be hearing the case. The court has not acted on the motion for TRO.
Last week, the Koror State Government sued the national government and the National Healthcare Financing Committee to put a stop to the implementation of the new care plan by Oct. 1. The Koror State is seeking a temporary restraining order and an injunctive relief to the scheme that will require deductions from state employees to be paid in the mandatory health care plan. Named defendants in the suit are members of the committee, Vice President Kerai Mariur, Stevenson Kuartei, Gregorio Ngirmang, Leilani Reklai and Mason Whipps.
The suit said that by Oct 1., KSG’s 266 employees already hold a commercial health insurance coverage and so are private companies such as Palau Pacific Resort, Palau Royal Resort, Palasia Hotel, Morita Corporation, Western Caroline Trading Corporation, Palau Community College, Palau Shipping Company, Palau Public Utilities Corporation, Palau National Communications Corporation, Palau Social Security Administration and Palau Community Action Agency.
The lawsuit stated that there are at least 1,000 people who are covered by private insurance company. The government according to the plaintiff relied on “faulty assumptions” that no one in the country has obtained a commercially available health care coverage. Under the new law all employees and employers in the country are required to participate in the new plan.
Earlier the private sector employers requested the government to delay the implementation.
The proposed payment into the plan are the following; for employees: a minimum of 2.5% of their insured earnings; for employers: a minimum of 2.5% their employee’s earnings; and for the self-employed, will pay both the employee’s and the employer’s share, for a total of minimum contribution of 5% of insured earnings.
Under the plan, a person becomes eligible for coverage by the health insurance benefit after two full quarters of paying into the health care system. The health insurance benefit will generally cover inpatient care at the Belau National Hospital and off-island care that is approved by the Medical Referral Committee. The coverage will be subject to a co-payment, which will be the responsibility of the covered patient. The amount of the copayment will be 20% of the cost of the medical service, but will be capped based on a sliding scale, to be determined by income.
For general medical services that cap will be from $200 to $400, and for inpatient care or medical referrals, it will be anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000.
______________________________________________________________
25 countries join the Parade of Nations.
Wednesday, 06 October 2010 15:50
By Maripet L. Poso - For Variety.
KOROR (Palau Horizon) - Some 25 different nationalities representing all continents participated in the Parade of Nations during the country’s Independence Day celebrations on Friday. The parade started at 8:00 in the morning on Friday led by Palau with its representatives from 16 States, followed by the US Civic Action Team, Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, France, the Netherlands, Bangladesh, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Australia, Federated States of Micronesia, Indonesia, Korea, Republic of Marshall Islands, Nepal, CNMI, American Samoa, Mexico, Romania, Nigeria, Slovakia, Germany, and Solomon Islands.
In his speech, President Johnson Toribiong expressed deep gratitude to their friends from abroad. “Today we witnessed some 25 countries living in Palau marching before us, representing all the continents of the world,” Toribiong said. “And I say that diversity when there is unity brings beauty and harmony.”
Italian Ambassador Luca Fornari joined his two fellow Italians in the parade.
Romania was represented by the island’s new veterinarian Monica Minciu and husband Ionut Lesovici. Minciu and her husband arrived in Palau early this year. Minciu said there are only three of them Romanians living in Palau.
Armando Canseco and his two kids represented Mexico. He said as far as he knows he, his wife and three kids are the only Mexicans living in Palau. Canseco works as a dive guide for Cruise Control and has been in Palau for five years.
Slovakia was represented by Danka Ledgerwood. Two Nigerians joined the parade. France and Netherlands have one woman representative each.
During their speeches, country representatives expressed their warm wishes, congratulations and gratitude to Palau for its hospitality and for allowing them to be part of the occasion.
India prayed for Palau’s economic progress and growth. Taiwan wished for Palau’s “perpetuate prosperity and happiness” as well as strong bond and alliance between Palau and Taiwan.
Japan has 310 Japanese residents living and working in Palau. “Both countries have enjoyed 16 years of friendly ties that have been strengthened through trade and investments, financial and technical assistance, and exchange of culture and skills,” a Japanese representative said.
Italy hoped that the friendly relationship that has been established between the two nations will deepen.
“Independence is never achieved on a silver platter,” a representative from Ghana said. “It requires vigorous and dedicated attitude on the part of those leaders fighting for the freedom for the nation. We the people of Ghana commend your effort and struggle to achieve the independence of your nation.”
Bangladesh people expressed gratitude for Palau for giving them the opportunity to live and work on the island.
Korea said, “God created so many countries and Palau is one of the paradise he made.”
According to the Nigerian representatives, “We share this memorable day in common because Nigeria took her independence this same day 50 years ago. Today, it is a double celebration for us because we consider Palau our second home.”
Most of the representatives have worn their national costumes during the parade and proudly waved their flags.
_____________________________________________
First US Ambassador joins Palau’s Independence Day celebration.
Wednesday, 06 October 2010 15:47 By Maripet L. Poso - For Variety.
KOROR (Palau Horizon) - The United States first ever Resident Ambassador to Palau arrived on the island Thursday night just in time to join the festivities of the country’s 16th Independence Day celebration on Friday. Helen Reed-Rowe was among the many diplomats and dignitaries who joined President Johnson Toribiong and other government officials during the opening ceremony of Palau’s Independence Day celebrations.
She presented her credentials to President Toribiong on Thursday night at the Palau International Airport.
“It’s a great day to be here,” Reed-Rowe said in an interview on Friday. She said she was excited to see so many different nationalities living in Palau. She was referring to 25 different countries that joined the Parade of Nations.
“I have not seen much of the country because I came in so late,” Reed-Rowe added. “I’m looking forward to meeting the people.” Reed-Rowe said she was still pretty much jet-lagged. “But it’s a pleasure to be here, and I’m excited to start work.” Palau is Reed-Rowe’s first ambassadorial appointment. She also serves as a Senior Advisor to the Office of Performance Evaluation in the Department of State.
Reed-Rowe held several positions overseas, such as Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Majuro, Republic of the Marshall Islands; Supervisory General Services Officer in Jamaica; Regional Personnel Officer in Ecuador; and Personnel Officer in Niger.
“With more than 20 U.S. government agencies conducting programs in Palau, I believe it is important to improve coordination among them to ensure our efforts are effective and implemented with transparency and accountability,” Reed-Rowe said in her Ambassadorial Nomination Statement in July.