Governor Albert Bryan announced on Monday that the territory has exhausted its funds for the local Medicaid match, prompting Government House to submit draft legislation to the Senate seeking an additional $3 million for this purpose.

Despite the fiscal shortfall, Governor Bryan views the situation as a sign of increased healthcare access. “We’re having so many people access care,” he stated, highlighting that during the pandemic, nearly 40,000 individuals utilized Medicaid for services including braces, dental care, and various medical appointments. Furthermore, eased referral requirements have facilitated access to specialty care. “Before, you had to go to East End or Frederiksted Health Center for a referral; now, a regular doctor can refer you,” Bryan explained.

These expanded services and simplified processes have rapidly depleted the Medicaid matching funds. However, Governor Bryan does not foresee this as a recurring issue, predicting stabilization next year. He noted that the V.I. Department of Human Services has already reduced some services, which has led to a decrease in Medicaid enrollment.

The proposed $3 million allocation remains critical for Virgin Islanders. Governor Bryan emphasized its importance, pointing to the recent U.S. Department of Defense Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) Program health fair, where medics served over 2,500 people seeking no-cost healthcare services. Although 6,000 people applied, many were turned away due to limited resources. The governor stressed that healthcare costs for uninsured residents ultimately fall on the territory, whether through Medicaid or hospital services.

The effort to secure adequate Medicaid funding is ongoing. In 2019, Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett successfully obtained an additional $252 million for the territory in a fiscal year 2020 spending bill, raising the federal match from 55% to 83%. This increased match rate, initially set to expire in 2021, has been made permanent, ensuring the territory receives the highest possible Medicaid match in the U.S.

Just a day after announcing his resignation from the Juan F. Luis Hospital (JFL) on St. Croix, CEO Douglas Koch has been named the new CEO of Kearney Regional Medical Center in Nebraska. He will assume his new role on August 5, according to a report from KSNB Local 4.

In his resignation letter, Mr. Koch cited a desire to return to the Midwest to be closer to his family. His departure has been a significant loss for local health officials, with JFL Board Chair Chris Finch expressing disappointment. Mr. Finch, who also chairs the Territorial Hospital Board of Directors, highlighted Mr. Koch’s exemplary service, noting that he had recently received an excellent personnel evaluation from board members.

Koch’s new role in Nebraska is eagerly anticipated by his future colleagues. John Woodrich, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Bryan Health, which owns Kearney Regional, praised Koch’s midwestern roots, education, and extensive operational experience as ideal for the position. “Doug’s commitment to community health and his leadership skills will be a tremendous asset to Kearney Regional Medical Center,” said Woodrich.

Before his tenure in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Koch held leadership positions in South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Illinois. At Kearney Regional, he will oversee the expansion of inpatient facilities and the construction of a cancer center, similar to his work with JFL’s transition to a temporary modular structure. Woodrich emphasized Koch’s ability to help communities thrive, stating, “He will be an outstanding leader for Kearney Regional Medical Center.”

As Mr. Koch prepares to embark on his new journey, JFL officials now face the task of finding a new CEO to lead the hospital forward.

The USVI Wellness Fair, now approaching its one-week mark, has been met with enthusiastic approval from residents across the territory. Many attendees, despite facing long waits and the necessity to return on multiple days, expressed gratitude for the comprehensive, no-cost medical services provided.

The overwhelming turnout led to extended wait times, but the free services made the wait worthwhile. “I came on Tuesday but had to return today because there were so many people. Today, I finally got everything done. It was a very good day for me,” said one resident, who received treatment on Thursday. The fair, hosted by military healthcare professionals from the U.S. Department of Defense Innovative Readiness Training Program, in collaboration with the Office of the Governor and the V.I. Department of Health, offered dental and optometry care, medical screenings, pediatric physicals, and mental wellness checks.

Given the large number of attendees, some residents experienced significant delays. “Yesterday, I arrived at 8:00 a.m. and left at 4:00 p.m. due to confusion from people sent home the day before because of a power outage. Overall, I can’t complain and received the information I needed,” a senior resident recounted. Assisted by event officials with a wheelchair and escorted to her car, she highlighted the excellent care she received for her eye issues, which local doctors had previously struggled to diagnose. The fair’s healthcare professionals provided clarity and promised to mail her prescription glasses free of charge.

While some found the repeated visits frustrating, others praised the organization and the quality of care. “They have everything organized,” one resident remarked. “My experience was excellent.”

For many, the fair offered a much-needed reprieve amidst other challenges faced by the community. “It’s something good they’re doing for the people, especially since things are tough on the island,” noted one Crucian. Another attendee added, “It’s a serious effort by the governor to do something nice for us, considering all the problems we face here.”

The wellness fair is located at the Ivanna Eudora Kean High School gymnasium on St. Thomas and the Educational Complex school gymnasium on St. Croix, with pediatric services available at the Department of Health’s maternal and child health clinics. The event, which began on June 1st, will continue through Sunday.