Bryan urged Legislature to address rising government health insurance costs

Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. on June 26, 2025, urged the Legislature to work with his administration on rising government health insurance costs, saying the issue threatened the financial stability of government employees, retirees under 65 and the Virgin Islands government.

Government House said Bryan had been contacting lawmakers since May 2025 to encourage a hearing or special session on the issue.

The administration said the Government Employees Service Commission Health Insurance Board had confirmed that premiums for active employees and non-Medicare retirees were expected to increase significantly in the next fiscal year. According to Government House, the projected increase would add more than $30 million to government spending and push total health insurance costs above $190 million.

Bryan said he had the authority to call a special session but was seeking a cooperative process with lawmakers. Government House said he also expressed concern that the Legislature had not yet taken up the matter despite repeated outreach.

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/governor-bryan-urges-legislature-to-work-with-his-administration-to-address-rising-health-insurance-costs-2/