Health

Government Premiums Rise, Employees Remain Unchanged As Senate Passes Midnight Hour Health Insurance Bill

ST. THOMAS -- Members of the 31st Legislature on Tuesday complained that they were not given enough time to dissect the latest contract between the Government of the Virgin  Islands and its healthcare providers, stating that more hearings were needed to get a better understanding of the terms and, if at all required, make changes where necessary. Instead, they were given a measure that forced their hands into voting in favor of the latest contract or face expiration today (fiscal year ending September 30, 2015) of the government employees' medical plan, currently insured by CIGNA for employees and pre-65 retirees, and United Healthcare for post-65 retirees. The dental plan for all members is insured through CIGNA. The new deal originally sought an increase of 3.4 percent or $5.1 million -- with $3.4 million being paid for by the government and $1.8 million by employees. But Senators were able to secure $1.8 million to keep the employees portion unchanged. The Mapp administration, ...