Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — In a statement yesterday, American Samoa Medicaid State Agency — the ASG Medicaid Office — announced yesterday that a special Medicaid charter flight operated by Hawaiian Airlines is scheduled for May 30 to meet the needs of patient referrals as well as medical staff from Washington state-based NuWest Staffing group contracted by LBJ Medical Center.

The NuWest contract ends on May 28 and LBJ had requested a special flight to return them home, along with patients seeking off island medical treatment.

"Pursuant to a request from Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga,” the Governor’s Authorized Representative (GAR) “has confirmed that the Medicaid State Agency will operate a special Medicaid Charter” on Monday, May 30, according to the statement.

The special Medicaid charter will help transport nearly 150 LBJ referral patients and the 25 NuWest medical contractors who came to support the ASG COVID response at the LBJ hospital, it says.

The special charter will operate at the pre-COVID schedule arriving into Pago at 9:25pm and departing for Honolulu at 11:25pm. First Class tickets are $1200 one way and Economy tickets are $750 one way.

“Please be mindful that this is a charter flight, and Hawaiian Airlines tickets from other flights cannot be used for this charter.

“All reservations must be done through the Medicaid office,” the statement says. “All passengers, inbound and outbound must register on TalofaPass and all entry requirements remain the same pursuant to the latest Governor's Emergency Declaration.”

To make payments for the special Medicaid Charter, contact the Medicaid office at 699-4777 or stop by at their office at the ASTCA building in Tafuna.

Payments in Honolulu can be made with the Medicaid office at the ASG HI office at the Airport Center, 3006 Ualena Street, (808) 542-2906.

For further information, please call the Medicaid office at 699-4777.