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Legal consultation for BUPA contract - Minister Skelton

Minister for Health and Social Development, Ronnie Skelton. Photo: VINO
 In this file GIS photo former Premier and Minister of Finance, Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE is shaking hands with representative from Hyperion Risk Solutions Limited, as local agent for Bupa Insurance Company (Latin America and the Caribbean), Martin Cooke at the contract signing to provide comprehensive health insurance coverage for all employees, dependent groups and retirees of the Government of the Virgin Islands. Also pictured is Acting Director of Human Resources, Michelle Donovan Stevens.
In this file GIS photo former Premier and Minister of Finance, Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE is shaking hands with representative from Hyperion Risk Solutions Limited, as local agent for Bupa Insurance Company (Latin America and the Caribbean), Martin Cooke at the contract signing to provide comprehensive health insurance coverage for all employees, dependent groups and retirees of the Government of the Virgin Islands. Also pictured is Acting Director of Human Resources, Michelle Donovan Stevens.
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Minister for Health and Social Development, Ronnie Skelton will rely on the legal opinion of the Attorney General’s Office in order to make any decision regarding the BUPA health insurance contract.

A two-year contract with Hyperion Risk Solutions Limited, as local agent, for Bupa Insurance Company (Latin America and the Caribbean) to provide comprehensive health insurance coverage for all employees, dependent groups and retirees of the Government of the Virgin Islands was signed on April 4, 2011 by the previous Government - the Virgin Islands Party (VIP).

However, Minister Skelton told Virgin Islands News Online on November 9, 2011 that “If it’s a contract and it’s a legal contract we will have to honour it, but in the meanwhile the people are hurting so we will have to have a second look.”

The contract was heavily criticised by the now National Democratic Party (NDP) Government when they were in the opposition.

The new insurance policy includes coverage to pre-existing medical conditions such as cancer and dialysis treatments, preventative dental care and dental treatment and no co-payments or deductibles for any medical services rendered within the Territory of the VI, United States Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

The new monthly premiums are $220 for employee or retiree; $440 for employee or retiree and spouse; $396 for employee or retiree and children and $615 for employee, retiree and family, which are a bit higher than the previous insurance coverage.

8 Responses to “Legal consultation for BUPA contract - Minister Skelton ”

  • it (13/11/2011, 13:27) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    od looking out hon. skelton cause with BUPA dont cover half the medication and everyone knows meds are EXPENSIVE in these times insurance suppose to be helping out not killing us my gosh my girlfriend alone got to pay 143 for herself and a single child are you friggin kidding me atlantic southern was really cheaper i dont know meson these people really got to do something about this
  • Ty-Rexx (13/11/2011, 15:53) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Atlantic Southern will offer more coverage. However, we will have to pay more than BUPA.
    • Patriot (13/11/2011, 23:16) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      I wouldn't mind paying more, because I know my insurance would be working for me. I don't know why they change from Atlantic Southern, I had no problem with that insurance. I hurting for true with BUPA. It don't cover no medication except when you buy them the hospital. I having so much problem, Hon Skelton see what you can do.
  • OK (13/11/2011, 19:53) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    How this matter under Ministry of Health now? the human resources department under that ministry?
  • Concerned Citizen (13/11/2011, 20:36) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    You on the right path Hon. Skelton, 'Bupa" don't cover anything and they are so expensive. I actually feel like I am wasting my $$$$ because I am paying for my medical expenses out of pocket when I suppose to be insured by the so called 'Bupa'. Look into that contract good good.
    • Sandy (14/11/2011, 10:44) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      You all need to stop, I took my three kids to the doctor several times and didn't had to pay a cent. Only the medication and they are not that expensive. Stop going on here say. It is just a little bitt too expensive but hey if I dont have to pay the doctor, I am not complaining.
  • Country Gal (14/11/2011, 09:10) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    BUPA B-old and U-tter P-eople A$$$ whipping... I tired crying so now I BAWLING.... LAWD send help...
  • Insurance (14/11/2011, 21:42) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    My husband is a gov't employee and thru him myself and our kids have coverage with Bupa and it has been working fine, thus far. Our son had surgery, and it was 100% covered by Bupa. I had to pay for some of the medication, but that was fine with us. However, under Atlantic, I had to come up with 20% of the cost of the surgery. The only problem I have with Bupa is that the premium is TO DAM HIGH.


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