April 20, 2007 – The Virgin Islands State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) has received a grant from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in the amount of $36,391 for the 2007 funding year, according to a press release from the Office of the Lieutenant Governor.
CMS has awarded $30 million in grant funds to 54 SHIPs throughout the 50 states and the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam and the V.I. These grants are designed to enhance the state or territory's efforts to provide a network of local programs, staff and volunteers that, through counseling, education and outreach, will help beneficiaries understand and utilize their Medicare benefits.
VI SHIP/Medicare Director Kitichia Weekes said the money would be used in part to educate beneficiaries in the territory on preventive services covered by Medicare. In previous years, CMS grants were used to provide educational counseling and enrollment assistance on Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage.
"We are thankful for this grant which will be used to continue the Medicare outreach programs that are needed in our community," Lt. Gov. Francis said.
Beneficiaries needing assistance are encouraged to call VI SHIP/Medicare at 772-7368 on St. Croix or at 714-4354 on St. Thomas.
