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Lieutenant Governor Tregenza, who also serves as the V.I. commissioner of insurance, announced Thursday that health insurance companies authorized to conduct business in the territory are required to waive any cost sharing for Covid-19 vaccinations — including deductibles, co-insurance, and co-payments.
According to the lieutenant governor, there are three health insurance companies licensed to conduct business in the territory and offering group health insurance: Cigna, United Healthcare and Elan. Medicare is also a form of insurance. The Virgin Islands State Health Insurance Assistance Program (VI SHIP) Medicare offices fall under the Office of the Lieutenant Governor.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act requires health insurers and health plans to treat the administration of the Covid-19 vaccine as a preventive service. “As such, health insurers and health plans are to pay all COVID-19 vaccination related costs without cost-sharing or balance billing,” Mr. Roach said.
He added, "The vaccine is a major step forward in combating COVID-19. Virgin Islanders who want to receive the vaccine can rest assured that group health plans and health insurance issuers offering group or individual health insurance are required to cover any qualifying coronavirus preventive service. This includes the vaccine or immunization."
The Office of the Lieutenant Governor said it is very important that Virgin Islands Medicare beneficiaries understand their plan and costs that are covered regarding Covid-19 testing and vaccinations. Medicare beneficiaries may contact the VI SHIP/Medicare office in the St. Thomas/St. John District at 340-774-2991, extension 4507 or in the St. Croix District at 340-778-6311, extension 3110.
For additional information and questions regarding cost sharing of the vaccine, contact the Division of Banking, Insurance, and Financial Regulation at (340) 773-6459 St. Croix District and (340) 774-7166 St. Thomas/St. John District.
