Question 1

What is the Division of Personnel's Group Health Insurance Unit?

Accepted Answer

The Division of Personnel's Group Health Insurance Unit manages and administers medical, dental, life, and supplemental insurance benefits for government employees and retirees. As part of its responsibilities, the unit also oversees the GVI Wellness Program for the Government of the Virgin Islands.

Question 2

Group Health Insurance Benefits

Accepted Answer

GVI aspires to provide the highest level of comprehensive benefits, services, and programs to eligible employees, retirees, and their dependents to meet and anticipate their individual needs, assure GVI’s competitiveness with other employers to attract and retain employees, maximize cost-effectiveness, and assure optimal health and productivity of employees. The following benefits are offered to departments and agencies within the executive branch of government.

The Virgin Islands government offers a group health and dental insurance plan to full-time employees working at least 40 hours per week and their eligible dependents.

Question 3

Enrollment

Accepted Answer

Full-time employees must enroll within thirty (30) days of hire unless they can provide proof of medical coverage from another source.

If an employee fails to enroll dependents within the initial eligibility period, they must wait until “open enrollment” is announced or have a qualifying event determined by the government insurance program to enroll dependents or change their coverage.

The Government of the Virgin Islands offers the following coverage choices:

•       Medical and Dental
•       Vision
•       Employee Supplemental Life
•       Dependent Spouse Life
•       Dependent Child Life
•       Accidental Injury
•       Critical Illness
•       Hospital Care Coverage

Question 4

Effective Date of Coverage

Accepted Answer

If enrollment forms are received by the 6th of the month, coverage will begin on the first day of the following month. Forms submitted on or after the 7th will result in coverage starting on the first day of the second month after submission.

Question 5

Dependent Coverage

Accepted Answer

Dependents of eligible employees may participate in the Group Health and Dental Insurance Program according to the terms and conditions imposed by the Health Insurance Board of Trustees. Eligible dependents are the employees:

•       Legal Spouse
•       Children (natural /adopted /or stepchildren) up to age 26
•       Disabled dependent child

When a new dependent is acquired, you must enroll them within thirty-one (31) days after obtaining such a dependent.

When enrolling a dependent, the following is required:

1.     Birth certificate
2.     Marriage certificate
3.     Adoption papers; and/or
4.     Legal papers of appointment

Question 6

Cost of Coverage

Accepted Answer

The GVI contributes toward the cost of Health Insurance for each employee enrolled under the Group Health Insurance Program. The GVI reserves the right to change the amount of the employee contribution when necessary for financial or other reasons.

Question 7

Waiver or Discontinuation of Benefits

Accepted Answer

Waiver or DISCONTINUATION OF Benefits Per the Virgin Islands Code, all Government employees must have medical and dental coverage through the Government’s plan or another source. As an active employee, you may cancel your coverage during the annual open enrollment period if you have proof of coverage via another source, or you may cancel your coverage at any time if a qualifying event occurs, which makes you eligible to receive coverage elsewhere.

Coverage discontinues on the last day of the month following a qualifying event on an employee’s separation date.

Within 30 days of the employee's or dependent’s separation, they are eligible for coverage for COBRA ( Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act). The Group Insurance unit will forward the member’s information directly to Benefit Outsource, a third-party Administrator that provides COBRA benefits. If the member accepts the benefit, the employee is responsible for 100% of the cost and a 2% administrative fee.

Question 8

Leave without Pay

Accepted Answer

The GVI will maintain Group Health Insurance plan coverage for employees on leave without pay. This coverage will remain at the level and under the conditions for which coverage would have been provided if the employee had continued employment continuously for the duration of the leave. However, employees on leave must arrange to pay into the Group Health Insurance Fund the employee’s share of their health insurance premium to maintain coverage. Failure to make payment(s), will result in the coverage being terminated.

Question 9

Retiree Benefits

Accepted Answer

Retired employees and their dependents can continue participating in the Government Medical and Dental Insurance Program. To maintain coverage, retirees must complete an enrollment application within 30 days of their retirement.

Question 10

Life Insurance

Accepted Answer

The Government of the Virgin Islands provides its workforce with a life insurance policy that includes $10,000 in non-contributory basic life insurance coverage for active employees and $5,000 for retirees. Additionally, active employees and retirees can purchase supplemental life insurance coverage based on age-banded rates.

Active employees may choose between two life insurance policies:

•       Plan A offers coverage equal to 1 to 4 times their salary.
•       Plan B, which provides coverage up to $150,000. Retirees may also purchase additional life insurance coverage up to $150,000.

Employees can purchase $10,000 in spouse life insurance coverage (calculated at an age-banded cost) and $5000 in child life insurance coverage for each dependent child.

Upon retirement, life insurance benefits may be reduced.

Upon death, the designated beneficiary will be eligible to receive the life insurance proceeds of the insurance participant. The Division must be notified of the death to initiate the claim process. Life insurance benefits are payable by the contracted insurance company and are subject to the limitations established by the insurance company.

The Government of the Virgin Islands provides its workforce with a life insurance policy that includes $10,000 in non-contributory basic life insurance coverage for active employees and $5,000 for retirees. Additionally, active employees and retirees can purchase supplemental life insurance coverage, which is based on age-banded rates.

Active employees may choose between two life insurance policies:

•       Plan A offers coverage equal to 1 to 4 times their salary.
•       Plan B, which provides coverage up to $150,000. Retirees may also purchase additional life insurance coverage up to $150,000.

Employees can purchase $10,000 in spouse life insurance coverage (calculated at an age-banded cost) and $5000 in child life insurance coverage for each dependent child.

Upon retirement, life insurance benefits may be reduced.

Upon death, the designated beneficiary will be eligible to receive the life insurance proceeds of the insurance participant. The Division must be notified of the death to initiate the claim process. Life insurance benefits are payable by the contracted insurance company and are subject to the limitations established by the insurance company.

The Government of the Virgin Islands provides its workforce with a life insurance policy that includes $10,000 in non-contributory basic life insurance coverage for active employees and $5,000 for retirees. Additionally, active employees and retirees can purchase supplemental life insurance coverage based on age-banded rates.

Active employees may choose between two life insurance policies:

•       Plan A offers coverage equal to 1 to 4 times their salary.
•       Plan B, which provides coverage up to $150,000. Retirees may also purchase additional life insurance coverage up to $150,000.

Employees can purchase $10,000 in spouse life insurance coverage (calculated at an age-banded cost) and $5000 in child life insurance coverage for each dependent child.

Upon retirement, life insurance benefits may be reduced.

Upon death, the designated beneficiary will be eligible to receive the life insurance proceeds of the insurance participant; the Division must be notified of the death to initiate the claim process. Life insurance benefits are payable by the contracted insurance company and are subject to the limitations established by the insurance company.

To enroll in any of the above coverage options, please visit the Bentek website.

1.     Log on to www.mybentek.com/gvi
2.     Click on “Don’t have an account? Create one”
3.     Follow directions to create your Username* and Password

*Username must be your first and last name: Jane.  Doe

Question 11

Supplemental Insurance

Accepted Answer

Supplemental Health Insurance Plans
The Government of the Virgin Islands (GVI) has several supplemental insurance plans that provide coverage in addition to regular medical, dental, and life insurance coverage.

•       Vision
•       Employee Supplemental Life
•       Dependent Spouse Life
•       Dependent Child Life
•       Accidental Injury
•       Critical Illness
•       Hospital Care Coverage

These plans are voluntary and not contributed to by the Government of the Virgin Islands (GVI). An employee who does not wish to enroll in medical coverage can enroll in supplemental insurance.

Question 12

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Accepted Answer

The Government of the Virgin Islands (GVI) offers a confidential and voluntary Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support employees and their family members. GVI encourages all employees to take advantage of this valuable benefit as part of their employment.

The Employee Assistance Program supports members facing challenging mental, emotional, or physical situations affecting their health and personal lives. EAP provides members with the confidential and no-cost services listed below:

•       Counseling (5) free in-network visits per year, per issue
•       Emotional health and family support
•       Job and career support
•       Home and life referrals
•       Financial assistance
•       Legal assistance

Question 13

The Group Health Insurance Unit's role in the GVI Wellness Program

Accepted Answer

The Group Health Insurance Unit actively supports the GVI Wellness Program, an initiative funded by Cigna and administered by the Government Employees Service Commission (GESC) Board in collaboration with the Division of Personnel. This wellness program is designed to enhance the health and well-being of GVI employees and retirees through preventive care, education, and engagement in healthier lifestyle practices.

In support of this program, the Group Health Insurance Unit:

- Promotes wellness initiatives by disseminating information on scheduled activities, health screenings, and wellness challenges to GVI employees and retirees.

- Coordinates efforts between the Division of Personnel and GESC Board to ensure eligible participants are informed about available wellness resources, including health fairs, fitness activities, and mental health workshops.

- Facilitates access to Cigna’s wellness resources, including their online tools, mobile health applications, and coaching programs aimed at managing chronic conditions, improving nutrition, and increasing physical activity.

- Supports communication efforts by providing enrollment assistance and clarifying benefits related to wellness incentives offered through the GVI-sponsored insurance plan.

- Tracks engagement and feedback related to wellness program participation and collaborates with stakeholders to identify areas for enhancement.

The Group Health Insurance Unit is committed to fostering a culture of health and wellness within the GVI workforce and retiree community by reinforcing the comprehensive support offered through the GVI Wellness Program.

Question 14

Participation in the GVI Wellness Program

Accepted Answer

Employees
All current full-time employees are eligible to participate in the Group Health Insurance Plan

Retirees under age 65
Retirees under 65 years of age may elect to obtain Health Insurance Coverage

Retires over age 65
Retirees over 65 years of age may elect to obtain Health Insurance Coverage through UnitedHealthcare

Question 15

MotivateMe Incentive Program - Point Values

Accepted Answer

All primary active employee plan members of the GVI Cigna Plan are eligible. An easy-to-use program that maintains all information on rewards and progress, available on myCigna.com.()

There are so many more ways to earn CASH!  
​
*DISCLAIMER: Incentives may be taxable. Eligible members will not be able to redeem any awards until the Biometrics goal is complete.

MEET THE TEAM

Welcome to the Wellness Family
It's more than health insurance, but also wellness activities

Valerie Daley
Chief, Group Health Insurance & Wellness

Nakisha Young
Associate Chief, Group Health Insurance & Wellness

Ahzullah Nibbs
Senior
Health Insurance Officer

Denise Parker
Health Insurance Officer

Marie Vanterpool
Health Insurance Officer

Kristal Francis
Health Insurance Officer

Anita Brooks
Health Insurance Officer

Norma Hassell
Health Insurance Officer

Elyssa Henderson

Accounting Officer

MEET THE TEAM

Welcome to the Wellness Family It's more than health insurance, but also wellness activities

Valerie Daley Chief, Group Health Insurance & Wellness

Nakisha Young Associate Chief, Group Health Insurance & Wellness

Ahzullah Nibbs Senior Health Insurance Officer

Denise Parker Health Insurance Officer

Marie Vanterpool Health Insurance Officer

Kristal Francis Health Insurance Officer

Anita Brooks Health Insurance Officer

Norma Hassell Health Insurance Officer

Elyssa Henderson

Accounting Officer

Welcome to the Wellness Family
It's more than health insurance, but also wellness activities

Valerie Daley
Chief, Group Health Insurance & Wellness

Nakisha Young
Associate Chief, Group Health Insurance & Wellness

Ahzullah Nibbs
Senior
Health Insurance Officer

Denise Parker
Health Insurance Officer

Marie Vanterpool
Health Insurance Officer

Kristal Francis
Health Insurance Officer

Anita Brooks
Health Insurance Officer

Norma Hassell
Health Insurance Officer