Government launched surveys on association health plan for small businesses in U.S. Virgin Islands

Government House said on November 16, 2020, that it had launched two surveys tied to a proposed association health plan for small businesses and their employees in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The administration said the effort was aimed at helping small employers join together by geography or industry to buy health coverage through an association health plan. Working owners without other employees also would be eligible to join.

Government House said five organizations had opted in: the St. Thomas-St. John Chamber of Commerce, the St. Croix Chamber of Commerce, the USVI Hotel and Tourism Association, the VI Bar Association and the VI Realtor Association.

Three insurance carriers were considered — United Healthcare, Cigna and Elan Insurance Group — and Government House said Elan Insurance Group was the only carrier that could meet the plan's requirements.

According to the statement, the surveys were for participating employers and employees and were intended to measure how many people needed health insurance coverage, along with demographics, industry, employment status, access to care, affordability and interest in the plan.

Government House said survey responses were due by December 18, 2020.

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/governor-bryan-facilitates-associations-health-plan-for-small-business-owners-and-their-employees/