Moylan talks visa waiver, Medicare portability with Philippine president

Del. James Moylan recently met with the Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to discuss adding the Philippines to the Guam-CNMI visa waiver program and the potential of Medicare portability for U.S. citizens living in the Asian country.

At Marcos’s invitation, Moylan joined a few of his colleagues on Friday evening in Washington, D.C. to discuss a variety of issues of importance between the U.S. and the Philippines.

Marcos expressed his support for the visa waiver and Medicare portability, and indicated that the delegate’s office should continue to work with the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs on the issues.

Moylan introduced legislation recently to request a study on the cost and savings analysis if U.S. citizens were to access greater Medicare coverage in the Philippines.

The intent is to eventually permit Medicare portability for Guam residents who desire to use health care benefits without any restrictions in the Philippines.

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The U.S. Department of Homeland Security in October 2023 responded to Moylan’s letter, advising that the preliminary process of the visa waiver process was initiated, and that their office was in communication with the Philippine DFA to provide a plan to address overstays and other issues.

This process is still ongoing, and Moylan’s office continues to monitor the progress.

“It was an honor to meet with President Marcos and to get the opportunity to discuss issues key for Guam’s relationship with the Philippines. The visa waiver process is ongoing, and this is truly an effort of so many individuals, primarily Gov. Carl Gutierrez, who has been a staunch advocate of the issue. I would also like to thank Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero and Sen. Jesse Lujan for their continued advocacy,” Moylan said in a statement.

Moylan said while the process is still ongoing and will take some time, he said he will continue to press the issue with DFA and DHS.

“Guam has historically done a great job with addressing overstay issues, but unfortunately, the overstay problems for Philippine citizens entering the U.S. over the years have been DHS’s primary concern,” Moylan said. “The DFA secretary was also at the dinner event, and our office will continue to enhance communication as the wheels are in motion.”