Department of Health Reaches Major Milestone,
Now Able to Bill Insurance

Health Commissioner Julia Sheen is hailing a decision by V.I. Equicare Inc. to accept the Department of Health into its Provider Network as a major win for both clients and the Department.

The appointment, which became effective late last month, means that the Department is able to bill insurance companies for services rendered to clients; something it has not been equipped to do so in recent history, according to Lorna Miller, Revenue Services Coordinator.

On Wednesday, Sheen praised Miller for her diligent work in getting the Department approved for billing insurance companies by V.I. Equicare. Prior to gaining Provider Network status, clients could only pay for services with cash or check.

During her Senate Confirmation Hearing earlier this summer, Sheen told senators that pursuing Provider Network status was a top priority because of the inherent benefits to both the Department and its clients.

“The ability to bill insurance and get reimbursed for client services is a major milestone for us and a win-win situation all around,” Sheen said. “Our clients benefit through the convenience of using insurance cards as opposed to cash on hand and the Department is reimbursed at the insurance company’s fee schedule rates, thus, increasing revenues.”

Sheen said all monies will go to the Health Revolving Fund to pay for supplies, equipment and other materials necessary to continuously improve client services.

Residents are reminded that the Department’s Community Health and Family Planning clinics offer extended hours patient convenience. On St. Croix, services are available from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Mondays and from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesdays on St. Thomas.

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