Health insurance

Health insurance?

Here?

You're kidding, right?

You can get group healthcare if you work for the territorial government (Cigna), or if you work for a company (Blue Cross/BlueShield of the VI, UHC, and someone will help me if there are others). These are not exactly the same policies as in the states. Currently, no individual policies are being written. There was a lengthy thread recently on this. Instead of starting an exchange, the VI took the fed's money and put it in Medicaid.

Please excuse CruzanIron's response, but many people here are left in the lurch without insurance. Even the group policies for private businesses are cost prohibitive.

You can get group healthcare if you work for the territorial government (Cigna), or if you work for a company (Blue Cross/BlueShield of the VI, UHC, and someone will help me if there are others). These are not exactly the same policies as in the states. Currently, no individual policies are being written. There was a lengthy thread recently on this. Instead of starting an exchange, the VI took the fed's money and put it in Medicaid.

Please excuse CruzanIron's response, but many people here are left in the lurch without insurance. Even the group policies for private businesses are cost prohibitive.

East Ender is unfortunately correct. We are not part of the ACA and you cannot get individual insurance underwritten in the territory. You basically either have to go with an international policy (which requires you to live part time in the states, part time in the territory) or you have to get in on an employer group policy.

Sucks big time for a lot of us who work freelance or aren't offered coverage through our employers. Don't even get me started on the hospital. The best thing you can do is put your money toward air ambulance service and make sure you have a policy that works in Puerto Rico or Florida.

IT

And IT, when you say "the" hospital, I believe you are talking about JFL, the St Croix hospital. SRMC on St Thomas is a good product. I would never want to be medically evacuated to Puerto Rico, BTW.

If you're an attorney and join the Bar, you might be able to join that group. Not sure if any other professional associations offer benefit.

Since many businesses in VI are micro (not even small) businesses, the groups are small pools that are sharing the risks.

The U.S. is disingenuous when they claim to support small business and self employed.

There are frequent health fairs that offer free limited tests and offer preventive suggestions. Many rely on local, herbal treatments.

You may be able to keep some benefits of your coverage through COBRA, but that's usually expensive and you would probably have to return to your network for treatment.

Health insurance?

Here?

You're kidding, right?

There is CruzanIron being so "helpful" as usual.

Health insurance?

Here?

You're kidding, right?

There is CruzanIron being so "helpful" as usual.

Please share with us where you bought your local insurance, Petra. Then maybe i can go there and buy some as well.

Why be so snotty? The poster was asking a reasonable, respectful question and deserved a like answer.

Here's an earlier thread on the subject: https://www.vimovingcenter.com/talk/read.php?4,214671

Linda J, The poster plain old does not like me because she misunderstood a post I made a few months back. She does not grasp sarcastic humor and takes it as a personal attack. No big deal. She'll see what I meant once she gets here.

Ad-hominem attacks in forums and chatrooms are about individual choices. Some people will still choose to go that way, even despite reasonable and morally sound arguments against it.

Ad-hominem attacks in forums and chatrooms are about individual choices. Some people will still choose to go that way, even despite reasonable and morally sound arguments against it.

Please re-post where I attacked you. Please?

I do not know you. Its difficult to talk about like and dislike of someone if you have never met them.

If someone asks about healthcare you say that? Read your reply to this person's first post on this forum. I hope the OP finds the other posts useful and gets some helpful info regarding exploring their move.

Petra, I was trying to be funny. After 18 months of trying to find affordable health insurance I have given up. The thought of getting sick stresses me out. Humor is the only way that I have of clearing that stress.

That and booze, except that i don't drink.

(That was a joke)

Maybe you could try Cigna Global. Seems like it did work for a few.

Cigna Global

Thanks.

I've read the threads, but I will only do business with a brick and mortar local company.

Maybe you could try Cigna Global. Seems like it did work for a few.

Cigna Global

Cigna Global is for non-US citizens.

My mom has American Retirement Life Insurance for Medicare Supplemental Plan F through Cigna.

When my mom called they said her coverage would remain the same after moving to VI. We are also getting it in writing from them. I wonder if this plan is available to Medicare patients that are already residents of VI?

When searching for doctors in STT & STX, I received the following results.

STT Doctors in Plan
STX Doctors in Plan

Heh, I remember going to the old hospital on STT sometime around 1974 for second degree burns from the sun. I remember it being more like a bungalo than a building, but I was young then so my memory is foggy. I am part Mohawk too, so I don't burn easy - make sure you wear your sunblock!

Petra: The St Thomas list is outdated, some of those people are no longer practicing.You can only get regular Part A and Part B Medicare here. I don't know how the supplementals work if you are a resident. I know that visitors can use their Medicare policies.

Cruzan: When someone asks a serious question, sarcastic humor is not the best response.

noOne: There was a new hospital built a few years ago. It's a big building in Sugar Estate. Can't miss it. Things have changed. 😉

And here is a story about how the Affordable Care Act money was used in the territory: http://stthomassource.com/content/news/local-news/2013/07/12/no-obamacare-health-insurance-exchange-usvi

If you do not already have health insurance, do not yet qualify for medicare or medicare, do not work for the government nor a corporation that provides it and you are not indigent, well, you are S##it out of luck as far as Heath Insurance goes in the VI unless you are extremely wealthy.

Make sure your policy transfers to the "territory" because if not, as a self employed individual, Insurance companies (according to AARP) are not writing policies for us in the US VI.

Thanks Government if the US VI. Glad we pay for yours!

If you have dual citizenship (US + other) or are an expat, Cigna Global is a great product and very affordable in the territory. I know a few others who have it here besides myself and they are very satisfied. Cigna is accepted just about everywhere in the territory and mainland.

cruzaniron was just displaying a sense of humor

And IT, when you say "the" hospital, I believe you are talking about JFL, the St Croix hospital. SRMC on St Thomas is a good product. I would never want to be medically evacuated to Puerto Rico, BTW.

Yeah. I meant JFL.

Frankly, I'll take PR over JFL any day any time. Too many horrific experiences there to count.

IT