Health

Sharp Rise in Cancer and Other Chronic Illnesses Straining Government Insurance Plan

An alarming increase in chronic illness—particularly cancer, diabetes, and hypertension—is driving health insurance costs higher for the Government of the Virgin Islands, officials revealed during Friday’s special session of the Legislature. The meeting, called by Governor Albert Bryan Jr., focused on Bill No. 36-0126, which would establish a special committee to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) to explore transitioning to a self-funded group health and dental insurance model. Governor Bryan said the legislation responds to a “significant rise in premiums under the existing fully funded plan,” and warned that the current trajectory of healthcare costs calls for “decisive legislative action.” The measure ultimately failed, with lawmakers citing concerns over the government's financial instability, exclusion of the GESC Board, and the potential harm to employees if claims go unpaid under a self-funded system. While administration officials emphasized cost-saving opportunities throug...