Health

Office of the Lieutenant Governor Announces Waiver of Cost Sharing for Covid-19 Vaccinations by Insurance Companies

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...