The Government has made steps in their efforts to supplement the NHI programme as they have brought the accounts with medical providers up to date. Payments to providers were 6 months behind.
With the provision of the grant funding, providers are now paid up to July 2020.
The Premier of the Virgin Islands, Hon. Andrew Fahie in a speech delivered on May 28th revealed the Government’s plans to interject $7.5M into the Territory’s NHI programme.
He said “In an effort to support NHI to ensure that our people continue to get adequate healthcare, especially during this COVID-19 era, $7.5M from the Social Security Grant has been allocated to ensure the health and safety of our people.”
He continued “It is important that all the medical providers, pharmacies and other entities, regardless of the size of their businesses benefit from this $7.5M.”
As of January 1, 2020, the Government along with local network providers, following a series of meetings have implemented new protocols for evaluation, management and billing.
NHI continues to evaluate the system to find ways to reduce its claim expenses, while at the same time responding to its beneficiaries’ needs in an effective and efficient manner.
Hon. Wheatley pledged that the Government will continue to do our best to assist all beneficiaries as best we can.