UPDATE: ‘Persons concerned about losing their jobs over petition’ - Sowande
He was a guest of Speak Out BVI hosted by Doug Wheatley on ZBVI 780 AM last evening September 15, 2015.
Wheatley suggested that people are fearful about signing the petition as they are not sure how it will affect their job.
“There is nothing preventing anyone from signing up a petition. It is a democratic right,” Wheatley assured.
He expressed confidence that he and others who want change can be able to gather a few hundred more signatures and at that point they will present the signatures to the Premier.
“And I don’t know how in God’s name you could have so many hundreds of persons express a sentiment which is to go back to the drawing board and come up with something better with this NHI and they just simply be ignored,” said Wheatley.
Asked whether he has had any upfront dialogue with Government regarding the proposed petition, Wheatley said no. however he confirmed having online engagements with professionals in the Ministry of Health and Social Development.
Wheatley said that so far the online signatures are around 560. “And the momentum has now shifted to print with live signatures and a number of people have been more willing to signing the physical petition as opposed to going online. So we know that this takes a little more time. We have to get around and get petitions to people and we anticipate probably there are about 600 signatures now. And we want to get more. We don’t want people to become complacent,” he said.
Governor must not sleep
Host of the show Doug Wheatley said that when the signatures have been gathered it is up to the persons behind the petition to approach the Premier Dr the Honourable D. Orlando Smith with the petition for his action.
“Having said that though, I want to point out that the Governor is the guardian of our Constitution and he represents the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and also represents the United Kingdom. One of his very important functions is that he is the guardian of the Constitution. He is also the guardian of good governance and democratic principles and ideals, transparency and accountability and we don’t want the Governor to sleep on these issues at all. We want him to be most present and aware in case there are any slips in these areas,” said Doug Wheatley.
He said if a decision does not come from the Premier then the group can write to the FCO and they can attach all the signatures and crave their indulgence in the matter. “There is also the possibility of taking legal action to stop Government from implementing NHI in [its current form],” he said.
See previous sstory published on September 6, 2015:
NHI Petition garners 455 supporters
- petitioners concerned about cost, privacy & the removal of the power to make own healthcare decisions
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – The petition demanding that the National Democratic Party (NDP) Government take the National Health Insurance (NHI) back to the drawing boards appears to have picked up steam over the weekend.
The petition was prepared by member of the People’s Empowerment Party (PEP) Natalio D. Wheatley aka Sowande Uhuru.
A check at the petition site ‘change.org’ revealed that the Wheatley’s petition, properly titled ‘Halt the NHI and go back to the drawing board!’ had amassed 455 signatures out of a target of 500. Registration for the NHI commenced on September 1, 2015 and the scheme is to be fully implemented come January 2016.
“The National Health Insurance scheme is mandatory for all persons residing in the Virgin Islands, and, therefore, may result in 60% of the population losing the private insurance provided through their employers who more than likely would not pay for both,” said a statement in the petition.
It noted that the National Health Insurance scheme will restrict choice as it pertains to health care providers.
“The National Health Insurance scheme will more than likely result in the layoff of some employees working in the private health insurance industry,” the statement said.
Excellent response seen - Wheatley
Speaking to this news site today September 6, 2015, Wheatley said that the first 24 hours was excellent. "The first 48 hours was also very good. It has slowed a bit now. We are over 450 signatures. There are many people not comfortable with computers so there are people now signing paper petitions. I anticipate quite a number of people will sign the paper petition," he said.
Letter to Premier Smith
The petition also had attached to it a letter addressed to Premier Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith. It read:
“Dr. Hon. D. Orlando Smith, Premier of the Virgin Islands
“We, the undersigned, petition the Premier, the Head of the Government of the Virgin Islands in regards to the National Health Insurance scheme, which is slated to start on January 1st 2016. The following issues are of concern to us:
“The National Health Insurance scheme is mandatory for all persons residing in the Virgin Islands, and, therefore, may result in 60% of the population losing the private insurance provided through their employers who more than likely would not pay for both.
“The National Health Insurance scheme will restrict choice as it pertains to health care providers.
“The National Health Insurance scheme will more than likely result in the layoff of some employees working in the private health insurance industry.
“The National Health Insurance scheme will place an additional burden on small businesses, which may find it difficult to pay contributions to the scheme.
“The National Health Insurance scheme will increase the cost of living.
“The government has not presented evidence to the public that the National Health Insurance scheme will be viable and sustainable.
“Considering these factors, we, the undersigned, call on the Premier to halt the implementation of the NHI in its current form and initiate negotiations with the private insurance industry, employers, employees, citizens and residents and relevant government entities to create an insurance package that can provide coverage for the 40% of Virgin Islanders uninsured, allowing those who are satisfied with their private insurance to keep it,” the letter concluded.
Petitioners react
Persons also took the opportunity to comment as why they had signed the petition supporting its cause.
Akeem Legair said, “I am signing because I believe this move by the BVI Government is an insult to our intelligence. The last time I checked we live in a Democratic Country and this move speaks volumes about the group of people that we put in place in The House of Assembly to represent our best interest. Democracy by definition is a system of government in which power is vested in the people, who rule either directly or through freely elected representatives. It's time for us to take that power back!!”
Natonia Henley said, “I have a pre-existing condition that requires me to have an organ transplant. My private health insurance is fully covering for my treatment overseas. I am now in my final stage with the required test some of which are not done in the BVI. After all that I have been through to reach this far the NHI would not benefit me. P.S. I am already approved on the transplant list overseas.”
Erick Oeseburg wrote, “While I think that coverage should be available to all and that the well-off could help the less privileged. One cannot expect to be force-fed an insurance one does not want nor needs. Raising the minimum wage, or rather doubling it, should be a far more urgent issue that could help the same less privileged.”
Norine Donovan said, “Non-medical personnel will be responsible for making decisions about advanced care. Dangerous!!!”
D. Hanley said, “I'm signing because I need to have a right and choice of my healthcare and not be limited because the government wants more money. I'm signing because it should be made optional and not mandatory. I'm signing because our government doesn't care about the people. I'm signing because I need to know my health problems will NOT be discuss as a table topic on what type of treatment I can get a cheaper price that benefits the government pocket and not mine health and where I should go for treatment. I'm signing because I'm trying to protect the next generation from this slavery the government is putting the residents in. I'm signing because I CANNOT AFFORD to pay NHI and a supplementary insurance!! I'm signing because privacy matters!!”
See previous story here:
The petition can be accessed here:
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93 Responses to “UPDATE: ‘Persons concerned about losing their jobs over petition’ - Sowande”
what the hell is going on here? this isn't really the united states, is it? thought is was the british virgin islands
before i made the decision to move here.
and is the one the hospital has old and broken down and unlikely ever to run again. Is this all a scam to put $$ in the hands of friends and relatives of NDP. Masses are the A$$e$.
A matter of fact it is a type of tax that is imposed under the name of insurance.
Now if you are age 1 to 45 years your premium is less than those that are over 45 years. The reason for such is there are less risk if chronic illness in young people. (I can say a lot on this topic but pause here)
No insurance company have the right to dictate that my premium must be paid on a salary income basis. You do not have the right to tell me I must pay so others who have less income must get medical attendance. I have my children who will benefit this.
Now look at it and tall me it is not TAX... if not give me a reason as to why I should have to pay more because my salary is more that yours. After studying my comment then give a none bias reply...
I agree that those with private health care already, should be allowed to keep theirs. This should be a scheme for those who DON'T have health insurance at all. Financially though, the government might find it difficult to sustain, because these are the down trodden, no money 40% who are likely to default on premiums.
This insurance cannot work and will cause serious problem with especially expat workers and their children. If an expat wants to take their child to lets say Trinidad or the USA for medical treatment which may cause over $20,000 what will be the coverage or will you cover the cost or will you dictate where I take my children...
We all know the good doctors from peebles hospital are now politicians and the ones that are there HUUU? God for bid!!!
A whopping 455 out of about 17,000 adults huh......
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Health_Insurance_(British_Virgin_Islands)
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Peebles Hospital in Road Town, British Virgin Islands.
The National Health Insurance scheme (or NHI) is a proposed form of National health insurance established by the Government of the British Virgin Islands through the Ministry of Health, with a goal to provide access to and financial coverage for health care services to British Virgin Islands residents.[1]
The scheme is based on two fundamental principles:[1]
1.payments are shared based on ability to pay, without worrying about health risks such as age, occupation or pre-existing health conditions; and
2.healthcare benefits are equally available to everyone.
The scheme is to be administered by the Social Security Board of the British Virgin Islands. The Deputy Director with responsibility for the scheme is Mr Roy Barry.[2] The primary legislation relating to the scheme was implemented by amendments to the Social Security Act (Cap 266).[3]
At present the scheme is scheduled to come into effect on 1 January 2016,[4] although on many occasions previous deadlines for commencement have been missed or pushed back.
Contents [hide]
1 History of National Health Insurance
2 Commencement
3 Controversy 3.1 Impact on small businesses
3.2 Reinsurance
3.3 Financing
4 Funding
5 Benefits 5.1 Copayments
5.2 Limitations
6 See also
7 References
8 External links
History of National Health Insurance[edit]
Presently the British Virgin Islands Health Services Authority provides approximately US$550,000 worth of services monthly, but only receives about $150,000 from patients.[5] The shortfall of approximately US$48 million per year is borne principally by the Ministry of Health (approximately US$30 million per year[6]) and the balance (nearly US$20 million a year) is either written off or allowed to roll over as uncollected debts by the BVIHSA. Public health care is also effectively subsidised by pricing services at a level which is deliberately set below the actual cost of providing the care.[6] User fees are estimated to recover just 8% of the operating costs of primary and secondary health care services.[7] As a result the net expenditure on health accounts for approximately 17% of total government expenditure.[7] Attempts to reduce the strain on Government by increasing the cost of services have proved to be politically controversial.[8]
To address the chronic shortfall, the Government proposed devising an National Health Insurance scheme to essentially pass most of this cost on to employed persons and the businesses that employed them. The Ministry of Health developed the supporting operational framework and legislation, in consultation with the University of the West Indies Health Economics Unit.[5]
The proposed scheme was first suggested in approximately 2006.[7] Whether by coincidence or design, this was approximately the same time as the Government embarked an ambitious rebuilding project in relation to the main Government hospital, Peebles Hospital. The new hospital has been a financial disaster for the Government. It was originally budgeted at approximately US$10 million, and expected to take just under 2 years to construct. In the event, the hospital cost well over US$100 million to construct, and took over a decade. It also costs a further US$16 million to furnish to become operational.[9] by 2012 public debt had quadrupled from pre-2007 levels to approximately US$113 million (approximately 10.3% of GDP).[10] Nearly 84% of that public debt was attributable to the new public hospital project,[11] exacerbating budget stresses.
The proposed NHI scheme is seen as a way of alleviating the cash-drain caused by underwriting public health expenditure.[12] Initial budgets provided for the scheme to raise approximately US$22 million,[12] leaving the Government still funding a balance of approximately US$8 million. However, the proposal remains controversial amongst the public, not least because - in blunt terms - it amounts to effectively a 7.5% increase in taxes.[13]
Commencement[edit]
The scheme is not yet in effect, and the implementation has been repeatedly delayed. Legislation was implemented to bring NHI into effect in 2014.[14] Although the proposed date at the time was for NHI to have come into effect in October 2014, this did not happen.[15] Revised dates have included January 2015[16] and September 2015,[17] although during election campaigning the Minister for Health suggested this might be pushed back to January 2016.[18] This is consistent with press assumptions that, because NHI will involve making deductions from payroll (which will be perceived similarly to a tax increase), implementation would likely to be postponed until after the 2015 general election (which occurred in June).
Most recent announcements have been to the effect that registration of persons will commence on 1 September 2015, and the scheme itself will come into effect on 1 January 2016.[4] Although it had previously been suggested that collections would start three months prior to any benefits being available, recent pronouncements suggest that benefits will be available immediately from the time of first payments.[4]
Controversy[edit]
The scheme has been controversial since its inception. Upon its implementation one news site described it as having been subjected to a "barrage of criticisms from the public".[19] However, because all of the major political parties in the British Virgin Islands supported the scheme, there has been very little debate over the proposals and progress towards the scheme has continued despite changes in Government. Nonetheless, the strong criticisms have been voiced in relation to the proposals, including the relatively expensive cost of the insurance compared to the private sector,[20] the relatively low lifetime cap (and that a person will continue having to pay contributions after they hit the lifetime cap),[20] and questions regarding the validity of Government statistics which were used to justify the introduction of the scheme.[21] Doubts have also been expressed whether the limited staff and resources will be able to handle the estimated 200,000 claims each year.[22]
Shortly after registration commenced, an online petition started urging the Government to abandon the proposed National Health Insurance scheme and reconsider the issues.[23]
Impact on small businesses[edit]
Concerns have also been expressed in the media and by politicians that the additional levy on salary (for both the employer and employee) would depress wages and limit job creation. These concerns have been largely brushed aside.[24] The introduction on a further levy on employers may create a disincentive to employ additional persons and create downward pressure on wages, with one local news website warning of the risk of "huge layoffs".[21]
Reinsurance[edit]
To date the scheme has no reinsurers, and has not tendered for any reinsurers.[25] Private health insurance brokers in the Territory have questioned the viability of this.[22]
Financing[edit]
The Government has come under periodic pressure, questioning whether the entire project is financially viable. Only in 2015 did the Government make limited details of actuarial studies conducted in 2012 available to the public.[26]
Funding[edit]
NHI will be funded by contributions made by all employed persons working in the British Virgin Islands, and deducted in the same manner as social security contributions. Contributions will be based on a percentage rate applied to a maximum of twice the national insurable earnings which was most recently set at US$38,610 per annum for 2014. Accordingly, the ceiling for NHI deductions on earnings would be US$77,220 - any income earned above that figure would not be subject to deduction. Income up to that level would be subject to the NHI deduction at the proposed initial rate is 7.5%. That rate is to be split equally between employer and employee - so the employee has 3.75% deducted from their salary, and the employer pays a 3.75% levy on payroll. The maximum monthly contribution for one individual would be US$482.63 per month based up on 2014 maximum insurable earnings.
However, unemployed spouses or partners will have to contribute 7.5% based on their partners' insurable earnings. Accordingly, couples where only one partner works will be subject to effectively a double levy. At this time it is unclear whether the employee will need to pay the full 7.5% on behalf of their non-working partner, or whether they will pay 3.75% and their employer must also pay for the unemployed spouse. Accordingly, an employed person with a non-working spouse might be required to pay as much as US$965.26 (if they do not have to fund the employer portion), or US$1,447.89 per month (if they do).
Children under 18 will be exempt (or up to 25 if in full-time education).
Despite initial reports leaked to the media that the NHI levy might be assessed for a six-month period to enable the amounts held in the National Health Insurance Fund to build up before allowing participants to claim benefits, the Government appears to have moved away from that suggestion, and has recently indicated that the initial funding will occur from general Government revenues.[6]
Initially financial modelling (conducted in 2012) projected that the total revenue generated annually by NHI was expected to be $74,308,000, and expenditure was expected to be approximately $70,788,000 annually in the initial stage. The expected revenues were broken down into Government's direct contribution (approximately $39,273,000); premium contributions (approximately $28,825,000); and revenue from investment returns, co-payments and surcharges (approximately $6,210,000).[26] Under some pressure from the public, the Government requested a fresh actuarial assessment in 2015.[26]
Benefits[edit]
The following categories of health care services will be insured under the NHI for treatment within the Territory only:[27]
Preventative care
Hospital room and board
Surgery
Diagnostic procedures
Intensive care
Casualty and emergency care
Pharmaceutical services
Mental health
Dental care
Vision care
Approved prosthetic devices
Approval for coverage for overseas treatment will be determined by a Medical Review Committee with five members who will control access to overseas care.
Under NHI there will be a proposed maximum lifetime limit for cost of care of US$1,000,000.[27]
Copayments[edit]
Most treatment which is insured under NHI will be subject to a copayment. The present proposed copayments are:[27]
0% at community health clinics
5% at the public hospital
10% at private clinics in network
40% at private clinics out of network (plus US$100 deductible)
20% at overseas clinics in network (plus US$500 deductible)
40% at overseas clinics out of network (required to be pre- approved by Medical Review Committee)
Limitations[edit]
Certain limitations on coverage are proposed:[27]
Air ambulance benefits will be capped at US$20,000
No emergency overseas treatment without Medical Review Committee approval
Maximum lifetime benefits limit of US$1,000,000
Maternity benefits are restricted to treatment within the British Virgin Islands and to a maximum of US$1,500
MRI scans restricted to US$1,500 per year and require Medical Review Committee pre-approval
General diagnostic testing is capped at US$500 per year
No overseas out-patient surgical procedures
No coverage for overseas prescription pharmaceuticals
See also[edit]
National health insurance
Universal health coverage
References[edit]
1.^ Jump up to: a b "What is NHI?". British Virgin Islands Social Security Board. Retrieved 22 November 2014.
2.Jump up ^ "The National Health Insurance Team". BVI Social Security Board. Retrieved 22 August 2015.
3.Jump up ^ Social Security (Amendment) Act, 2014. "Volume XLVIII (2014)". Virgin Islands Official Gazette. Retrieved 22 November 2014.
4.^ Jump up to: a b c "Fully Prepared -NHI registration starts September". BVI News. 22 July 2015.
5.^ Jump up to: a b Roy Barry. "Lessons Learned on the journey towards implementation" (PDF). British Virgin Islands Social Security Board. Retrieved 22 November 2014.
6.^ Jump up to: a b c "Gov't Attempts To Justify Major Hike In Hospital Fees". BVI Platinum. 4 November 2014. "The budget estimates total revenue generation of $10.5 million, close to $1 million above last year's total. However, total expenditure is budgeted at $34.4 million, which means that the unfunded amount of recurrent expenditure is $23.9 million."
7.^ Jump up to: a b c "Health Systems and Services Profile for the British Virgin Islands". Pan American Health Organization. Retrieved 13 November 2014.
8.Jump up ^ "$16M expected annually from fee increase". BVI News. 16 January 2015.
9.Jump up ^ "New hospital finally completed; Health Minister appeals for donations". BVI News. 1 November 2014.
10.Jump up ^ "National debt grows by $73M over last decade; public sector too big – Financial Secretary". BVI News. 24 January 2013.
11.Jump up ^ "New hospital responsible for nearly 84% of national debt". Caribbean Medical News. 26 April 2013.
12.^ Jump up to: a b "Gov't To Pump $50M Into NHI". BVI Platinum. 13 January 2014. "Minister for Education and Culture, Hon. Myron Walwyn recently stated that with the launch of NHI, Government will save $22M."
13.Jump up ^ Total tax revenues for the British Virgin Islands for 2014 were US$302 million ("2015 Budget Address" (PDF). Government of the Virgin Islands. p. 8. Retrieved 26 August 2015.); the NHI levy is budgeted to raise US$22 million, or approximately 7.3% of annual Government revenues.
14.Jump up ^ "Legislation For Implementation Of National Health Insurance Up For Debate Thursday". BVI Platinum. 31 March 2014.
15.Jump up ^ "NHI Could Come On Stream By October; Plans Shrouded In Secrecy - Says Opponents". BVI Platinum. 9 April 2014.
16.Jump up ^ "Controversial NHI scheme to begin Jan 2015 – Roy Barry". Virgin Islands News Online. 5 June 2014.
17.Jump up ^ "NHI likely to start in September, Skelton reveals". BVI News. 23 April 2015.
18.Jump up ^ "Bring on NHI when taxes are low – Skelton". BVI News. 8 May 2015.
19.Jump up ^ "No Stopping NHI; Launch Set For Tuesday". BVI Platinum. 30 August 2015.
20.^ Jump up to: a b "More Questions Than Answers". BVI Platinum. 26 August 2015.
21.^ Jump up to: a b "BREAKING NEWS: Did Gov't Lie? Over 60% Currently Covered By Insurance; Huge Layoffs As NHI Nears". BVI Platinum. 25 August 2015.
22.^ Jump up to: a b "Not so fast – NHI faces tough questions". BVI News. 26 August 2015.
23.Jump up ^ "Petition launched as pressure mounts against NHI". BVI News. 3 September 2015.
24.Jump up ^ "Bring Me The Statistics - Barry On NHI Impact On Small Businesses". BVI Platinum. 24 August 2015.
25.Jump up ^ "NHI: No Re-Insurers Secured; Scheme Offering Basic Package". BVI Platinum. 21 August 2015.
26.^ Jump up to: a b c "Gov’t presents numbers, insists NHI can survive". BVI News. 7 September 2015.
27.^ Jump up to: a b c d "NHI Benefits Package". British Virgin Islands Social Security Board. Retrieved 22 November 2014.
If the country was so concerned about the NHI the majority of the nation would have not voted NDP. I thought it was said that these educated business men and women, doctors and lawyers were going to bring so much prosperity to the nation 'In time'. (wisdom can not be bought or learned there is only One that gives it to men.) Now all this talk... Stop the Drama and take your punishment like big men and women.