Senators Propose Use of Guam Airline Miles for Patient Caregivers

A bipartisan group of senators in Guam is advocating for an expansion of the government’s airline mileage program to allow patient caregivers and medical escorts to utilize government airline miles. The proposal, outlined in Bill 261-38, seeks to support individuals accompanying patients who require off-island medical treatment.

Currently, local law permits the use of government of Guam airline miles exclusively for eligible indigent patients and students. If passed, the new legislation would enable “patient caregiver, support person or medical escort” to access these airline miles. The bill was introduced on March 25, 2023, by Vice Speaker Tony Ada, alongside Senators Vincent Borja, Will Parkinson, Frank Blas Jr., Sabina Perez, Joe San Agustin, Jesse Lujan, and Shelly Calvo.

Under the proposed legislation, authorized caregivers would be responsible for a variety of supportive tasks. These responsibilities include providing general care and assistance with daily needs, such as managing medication and transportation, as well as offering emotional support. Caregivers would also facilitate communication between the patient and medical staff, helping them navigate the complexities of medical appointments.

The GovGuam airline mileage program, established in 1998 by then-Governor Carl Gutierrez, mandates that government travelers surrender all their travel rewards to assist medically indigent patients. At that time, the program incurred an annual cost of approximately $200,000 for sending patients and their escorts off-island for necessary medical care.

Since its inception, the law has undergone several amendments, including a significant change in 2013 that allowed the use of miles for additional off-island student activities.

This latest legislative effort underscores the growing recognition of the essential role that caregivers play in patient health and well-being. By extending the airline mileage benefits to include these individuals, the Guam government aims to alleviate some of the burdens faced by patients and their families during challenging medical journeys.

As this bill progresses through the legislative process, it highlights a collaborative approach among senators to improve healthcare access and ensure that patients receive the comprehensive support they need when seeking medical treatment off the island.