Legislature Approves $3 Million for Medicaid Program Amid Funding Concerns; Temporary Service Limits Announced Effective July 1, 2024

In response to a $3 million funding request by the DHS to cover Medicaid program costs, the Legislature has approved the allocation. DHS has announced temporary limits on services

On Monday, the V.I. Department of Human Services requested the support of the 35th Legislature’s Committee of the Whole in appropriating $3 million to pay providers and vendors that participate in the Medicaid program and for other related purposes. The request was detailed under Bill 35-0291, which asked that the sum be appropriated from the territory’s general fund.

Finance Committee Chair Senator Donna Frett-Gregory quickly questioned the funding source, as DHS had indicated that the $3 million should be taken from any available source. “Any place means that something else that needs attention as well is going to be impacted,” Frett-Gregory warned. However, Kimika Woods, acting director of the Office of Management and Budget, explained that the GVI had a pool of funds available that had not yet been assigned. “We received a payment from the Limetree Bay refinery of $5.2 million,” said Ms. Woods. “We have been holding it in the event that there was any litigation against the government.” According to Ms. Woods, that money is now being made available to meet the pressing needs of DHS. Frett-Gregory suggested that an amendment in the nature of a substitute would be fitting, to clearly state the source of funds.‌