Lieutenant Governor Tregenza Roach has announced that individual health insurance plans will be available to residents of the U.S. Virgin Islands as early as April. The development of these plans has been a significant priority for Mr. Roach’s office and is considered long overdue.

During the JFL North facility’s grand opening and ribbon-cutting event on March 7, the lieutenant governor revealed in his speech that individual health insurance options would soon be accessible. On Friday, Mr. Roach clarified that these options would be provided as early as April, as the due diligence process is nearing completion.

According to Mr. Roach, the insurance provider has already been licensed, but certain aspects need to be finalized, including business documents and contact information. The name of the insurance provider has not yet been disclosed, but a press conference is scheduled for April, during which the media will have the opportunity to ask questions of both the provider and the lieutenant governor’s office.

Affordable individual health insurance has been highly sought after in the U.S. Virgin Islands, as numerous individuals and small businesses have struggled to obtain coverage due to the high costs currently associated with health insurance. The Office of the Lieutenant Governor has been working on this initiative since at least 2022.

During an interview with the Consortium in July, Lt. Governor Roach emphasized the importance of finding an affordable price point for the new insurance plans. He stated, “You don’t want to bring a product that nobody can afford. But we’re hoping to be able to speak to that.”