(Government House photo by Garry Anthony)
Lt. Gov. Tregenza A. Roach Esq., who also serves as the Virgin Islands Commissioner of Insurance, has announced 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.
There are three health insurance companies licensed to conduct business in the territory and offering group health insurance, which includes Cigna, United Healthcare and Elan. Medicare is also a form of insurance. The Virgin Islands State Health Insurance Assistance Program Medicare offices fall under the Office of the Lieutenant Governor.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security 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,” said the lieutenant governor.
“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,” said Roach.
It is 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 774-2991, extension 4507 or in the St. Croix District at 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 773-6459 in the St. Croix District or 774-7166 in the St. Thomas/St. John District.
