ST. CROIX – The Committee on Health, Hospitals, and Human Services, chaired by Senator Ray Fonseca, convened to address critical healthcare challenges, including staffing shortages, emergency room wait times, Medicaid funding, and the impact of the border crisis on local hospitals. Legislators also reviewed long-term care shortages, hospital financial instability, and infrastructure deficiencies, as well as strategies to improve healthcare efficiency and sustainability.

Senator Fonseca stated that ensuring quality healthcare for residents requires strategic planning and decisive action. He emphasized the need to address these challenges head-on to improve hospital efficiency and provide better care for the community.

Averil E. George, Commissioner of the Virgin Islands Department of Human Services (DHS), highlighted the worsening long-term care crisis due to a critical shortage of available options. She emphasized the urgent need for additional nursing home beds for frail elderly residents, assisted living facilities for seniors requiring daily support, independent senior living communities with affordable housing and support services, and expanded adult day care programs. availability, DHS maintains waiting lists for nursing home and assisted living placements. Currently, Queen Louise Home houses 17 residents, while Herbert Grigg Home accommodates 26. Senator Fonseca requested a district-specific breakdown of the waiting list for senior home enrollment and boarders at the hospitals.  

Alvin Milligan, Administrator of Senior Citizens Affairs at DHS reported six individuals on the waitlist in St. Croix and approximately four in St. Thomas. Senator Fonseca expressed disbelief at the low numbers. To address the issue, Commissioner George proposed expanding Herbert Grigg Home’s capacity by 11 residents, which would require 13 additional staff members at an estimated annual cost of $1.2 million. Additionally, DHS may expand off-island placements at skilled nursing facilities, with costs ranging from $72,000 to $108,000 per person per year. Separately, Milligan confirmed that at there are eight boarders at the Roy Lester Schneider Hospital on St. Thomas and eleven at the Juan F. Luis Hospital on St. Croix in DHS.

Regarding the Medical Assistance Percentage, as of December 29, 2024, Medicaid enrollment in the Virgin Islands dropped by 3,334 members to 21,071, largely due to the rollback of COVID-19 Public Health Emergency provisions. This decline highlights the need for better outreach, streamlined eligibility processing, and continued federal support to maintain coverage, according to George. While the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage for the Virgin Islands remains permanently set at eight three percent, yet the long-term outlook for Medicaid funding remains uncertain as Congress deliberates territorial allocations. The seventeen percent local share continues to be a recurring General Fund expenditure, ensuring the availability and stability of Medicaid services in the territory.

Darlene A. Carty Baptiste, CEO of Governor Juan F. Luis Hospital and Medical Center (JFL), reported financial challenges, including rising accounts payable, which now stands at $19.9 million. At the close of FY 2024, accounts payable stood at $17.8 million, but as of February 2025, the amount has risen by $2.2 million, bringing the total back to $19.9 million. Similarly, Tina M. Comissiong, CEO of Schneider Regional Medical Center (SRMC), noted a $14 million funding gap, insufficient capital investment, and high uncompensated care costs. SRMC struggles with outdated infrastructure and cash flow constraints, limiting access to essential medical supplies and repairs. SRMC leadership aims to stabilize finances by reducing accounts payable, investing in facility upgrades, enhancing IT infrastructure, and expanding services to decrease reliance on government funding.

Senators in attendance included Ray Fonseca, Milton E. Potter, Alma Francis Heyliger, Marise C. James, Novelle E. Francis, Jr., Kurt A. Vialet, Avery L. Lewis, Hubert L. Frederick, and Marvin A. Blyden. 

The Division of Public Affairs remains committed to delivering accurate updates on legislative proceedings and disaster recovery efforts.

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Press Contact: Africah N.T. Harrigan

Email: aharrigan@legvi.org