Healthcare in the Caribbean

USVI Governor Commissions Studies on Health Insurance Exchange

By: Caribbean Journal Staff - August 19, 2012

Above: US Virgin Islands Governor John de Jongh

By the Caribbean Journal staff

United States Virgin Islands Governor John de Jongh has hired two companies to conduct studies on the question of implementing a Health Insurance Exchange in the territory.

The exchange, if implemented, would be in line with US President Barack Obama’s reform of the country’s health care system.

Under the Affordable Care Act, the US Virgin Islands has the option of using federal aid to create an exchange, or using the funding to expand its Medicaid programme.

“Establishing a Health Insurance Exchange here in the Virgin Islands is an exciting possibility, one that could be a significant step toward our goal of helping all in the territory find affordable health insurance,” de Jongh said. “The Exchange would be a one-stop shop where Virgin Islanders could find a plan that is right for them, their families or their employees, and seek government assistance if necessary.”

The two companies will examine the insurance market in the Virgin Islands and look at the technological requirements for establishing an insurance exchange.

The governor said he is still withholding judgment on the question, however.

“This would be a big project, and before we commit to it, my Health Reform Task Force needs more information so as to make the decision that will benefit the greatest number of people in the territory,” he said. “With these two studies, I am confident whatever decision I make will be well-informed.”

The two companies contracted are NewWave Telecom and Technologies and Value Advisory Group.

The decision follows a federal grant received by the territory in March to study the feasibility of an exchange, which would act as an online marketplace to shop for different health care plans.

Popular Posts all-inclusive montego bay resort by marriott

Marriott Just Opened Its New All-Inclusive Resort in Montego Bay 

Marriott has continued its rapid expansion into the Caribbean all-inclusive space with the debut of its newest adults-only resort in Montego Bay: the new Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort.  The 352-room resort is part of […]


Yes, You Can Stay at an All-Inclusive Resort in St Thomas, USVI

the beach at the bolongo bay resort

The Bolongo Bay Beach Resort on St. Thomas may be the most popular all-inclusive resort you’ve never heard of. It’s not that the resort itself isn’t well-known: this family-run and managed, beach resort has been in business since 1974. But […]


The 15 Best Spa Resorts in the Caribbean

como parrot cay

Resort spas have become almost as common as fitness centers on amenity lists, but while it’s simple enough to carve out some space for a few treatment rooms, there are some spas that offer a true “experience” to go along […]


Related Posts

Lease Agreement Signed For New Hotel Project in US Virgin lslands

Above: Water Island By the Caribbean Journal staff A long-dormant Caribbean island is getting a major development boost. US Virgin Islands Governor John de Jongh has approved a lease agreement for the Water Island Development Company for the redevelopment of […]


US Virgin Islands Elects New Governor

Above: Governor-Elect Ken Mapp By the Caribbean Journal staff The Caribbean has its newest leader. The US Virgin Islands elected a new Governor this week, choosing Kenneth Mapp in a run-off election on Tuesday night. Mapp’s election concluded a three-month […]


US Virgin Islands Joining Caribbean Conservation Initiative

Above: St Croix (CJ Photo) By the Caribbean Journals staff The United States Virgin Islands has officially endorsed the Caribbean Challenge Initiative, Governor John de Jongh announced. The CCI, which was launched in 2008 with support from the Nature Conservancy, […]


SUBSCRIBE!

Sign up for Caribbean Journal's free newsletter for a daily dose of beaches, hotels, rum and the best Caribbean travel information on the net.


No. Thank You