National Health Insurance System in the making – Min. Penn

Deputy Premier and Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon. Dancia Penn.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon. Dancia Penn, informed the House of Assembly that the National Health Insurance System is currently being designed, and the Government is considering various approaches to its design and implementation.

The Minister was at the time responding to a question from Leader of the National Democratic Party (NDP), Dr. Orlando Smith.

Minister Penn explained that “inherent in the design is the understanding and appreciation of the role played, and to be played by the local insurance industry. The insurance companies presently operating in the Territory are a key component of the existing provision of health care, as indeed they are of the proposed system.”

According to her, consideration has been given in the design for potential roles for the local insurance industry to collaborate with the National Health Insurance System in the areas of case management, supplemental coverage, reinsurance, and overseas care, particularly given the large existing overseas provider networks that most providers currently have.

“Mr. Speaker, the National Health Insurance System will provide basic coverage for every person residing in the Virgin Islands. That coverage will provide for basic core health needs and ensure equity and access for all,” Minister Penn said.

She added that there will be opportunities for private health insurers to provide supplemental insurance to enhance a person’s coverage based on his or her own individual preference and budget.

“It is envisioned, Mr. Speaker, that there will be sufficient space in the market for existing providers in the industry to continue to tailor and market their packages appropriately and profitably. The Government is very conscious of the need to involve all providers in the process to ensure success, and has no intention of excluding anyone,” the Health Minister assured.

According to Penn, National Health Insurance Systems exist in Bermuda, the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Cayman Islands and other places.

“And in the countries I have named, there is rich involvement of the private insurance sector in these markets. We envision a similar involvement in the Virgin Islands with our National Health Insurance System and local private insurers. I wish to be clear, Mr. Speaker, and give this Honourable House, the private sector and the country as a whole, that assurance.”