Health

New CIGNA Health Contract Increasing Government Premiums By $6.24 Million Heads To Senate

Upon receiving the health insurance contract for government employees by the Health Insurance Board of Trustees, Governor John P. de Jongh, Jr. declined signing the contract because of a $6.24 million increase in the government's portion of the health insurance premiums, and has sent the contract to the 30th Legislature for its ratification. Despite his decision to not sign the contract, the Governor is hoping the Senate will be able to identify and appropriate funding, and also approve the agreements outlined within the contract. If the Senate is able to do so, the governor said he will approve and sign it. "Despite the fact that I transmit these contracts to the 30th Legislature for the senators’ consideration unsigned by me, should the body identify, appropriate the increased funding and approve the agreements, I will approve the renewal agreements to provide health insurance coverage to the thousands of Virgin Islanders who are either active employees of the government, retire...