July 22, 2026 – Washington, D.C. – As part of Governor Jenniffer González-Colón's Administration's efforts to secure fair treatment for Puerto Rico in federal healthcare programs, the Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration (PRFAA) hosted a Congressional Briefing on Monday to educate congressional offices on the urgent need to strengthen Medicaid and Medicare Advantage funding for the Island.

Moderated by PRFAA Executive Director Gabriella Boffelli, the briefing brought together dozens of Republican and Democratic congressional staff to discuss the current state of Puerto Rico's healthcare system and the importance of securing a long-term solution before the current Medicaid funding agreement expires on September 30, 2027.

The event was held in collaboration with and featured Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade and Senior Member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, which has jurisdiction over the Medicaid program. Congressman Bilirakis reaffirmed his commitment to continue working alongside Governor González Colón to ensure equitable access to federal healthcare programs for Puerto Rico.

The panel featured Puerto Rico Secretary of Health Dr. Víctor Ramos; Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Health Insurance Administration (ASES) and Medicaid Director Carlos Santiago; Congressional Research Service (CRS) Health Financing Specialist Alison Mitchell; and Luis Pizarro, Chairman of the Health Committee and the Federal Affairs Educational Series of the Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce.

During the briefing, panelists highlighted the unique healthcare challenges Puerto Rico faces compared to the 50 states and other U.S. jurisdictions. Unlike the 50 states and the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico's Medicaid program is financed through capped federal funding and a statutory Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP). The current Medicaid funding agreement was secured when Governor González Colón served as Resident Commissioner through Public Law 117-328, enacted on December 29, 2022. The law authorized a 76 percent FMAP and additional federal funding for Puerto Rico's Medicaid program from Fiscal Year 2023 through Fiscal Year 2027.

In addition, more than 670,000 seniors in Puerto Rico rely on Medicare Advantage (MA) plans for their healthcare coverage. However, Medicare Advantage funding in Puerto Rico remains approximately 41 percent below the U.S. national average and 20 percent below funding levels in the neighboring U.S. Virgin Islands.

"From the very beginning of this Administration, Governor Jenniffer González-Colón made achieving equitable federal healthcare funding a top government priority, and that commitment continues to guide our work in Washington. This Congressional Briefing, together with the high-level meetings we continue to coordinate with members of both parties serving on the House and Senate committees of jurisdiction, is part of the comprehensive strategy we are advancing to present Congress with a unified, evidence-based case focused on protecting access to healthcare services for more than 1.3 million American citizens in Puerto Rico. At the same time, we must continue working with the Administration to establish a reasonable, long-term solution for Medicare Advantage that will help stabilize Puerto Rico's healthcare system. We will continue educating policymakers, building bipartisan partnerships, and advocating for the people of Puerto Rico until a permanent and equitable solution is achieved," Puerto Rico government officials stated.

Last February, Governor González-Colón signed Executive Order 2026-006 establishing the Multisector Task Force to Secure Fair and Equitable Funding for Federal Healthcare Programs. The task force is charged with developing a unified strategy to address the disparities Puerto Rico faces under federal healthcare programs such as Medicaid and Medicare while advancing permanent solutions before Congress and the federal Administration.

In May, the Government of Puerto Rico hosted the Puerto Rico Health Policy Conference 2026, bringing together healthcare industry leaders, federal and territorial government officials, health insurers, hospitals, healthcare providers, professional associations, and public policy experts to present a unified position in support of strengthening Medicaid and Medicare for Puerto Rico.

###