GVI Health Insurance Benefits

The Division of Personnel’s Group Health Insurance Unit administers and manages the Government of the Virgin Islands (GVI) employee health insurance program in partnership with Cigna Healthcare and other benefit providers. The office ensures that employees, retirees, and their eligible dependents receive seamless access to their health benefits through efficient coordination with insurance providers.

Group Health Insurance Benefits
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 the 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 to full-time employees working at least 30 hours per week and their eligible dependents, a group health and dental insurance plan.

Enrollment
Full-time employees must enroll within thirty (30) days of hire unless they can provide proof of medical coverage from another source. An employee who does not enroll within 31 days of employment will be automatically enrolled in the health insurance plan with single coverage.

If an employee fails to enroll dependents within the initial eligibility period he/she must wait until a period of “open enrollment” is announced or have a qualifying event as determined by the health insurance carrier to enroll dependents or make changes to their coverage.

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

To view your Government of the United States Virgin Islands Benefits Plan Year: October 1, 2024 - September 30, 2025, please visit Benefits At-A-Glance.

Effective Date of Coverage
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.

Example:

Date Forms Received	May 1^st	May 8^th	January 6^th	February 7^th
Coverage Effective Date	June 1^st	July 1^st	February 1^st	April 1^st

Dependent Coverage
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 and/or the carrier. 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 acquiring such dependent.

When enrolling a dependent, the following is required:

Birth certificate.
Marriage certificate.
Adoption papers; and/or
Legal papers of appointment

Various other documents may be required to determine the eligibility of the dependents.

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

Dental Insurance
As a condition of participation, all employees must enroll in medical coverage to qualify for Dental Insurance.

Life Insurance
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 have the option to purchase supplemental life insurance coverage. The cost is based on age-banded rates.

Active employees may choose between two life insurance policies:

Plan A, which 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 further opt to 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 in order to initiate the claim process. Life insurance benefits are payable by the contracted insurance company and subject to the limitations established by the insurance company.

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

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

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

Supplemental Life Insurance Coverage
Employees may also select additional life insurance in either 1x, 2x, 3x or 4x base salary or $10,000, $15,000, $25,000, $50,000, $75,000, $100,000 or $150,000 amounts as supplemental contributory coverage. The employee pays the cost of this additional insurance and may be required to submit evidence of insurability when increasing coverage after initial enrollment.

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

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

Employee Assistance Program
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 that affect their health and policy of life. 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

GVI employees and retirees have access to a comprehensive range of health benefits designed to support their overall well-being, including medical, dental, vision, and supplemental insurance plans.

Health Insurance and Wellness Programs
Cigna Healthy Babies
Hospital Care Coverage
MotivateMe Incentive Program
EAP Wellness Webcasts

Dental and Vision Benefits
Cigna Dental Virtual Care
Cigna In-Network Dental Providers
Cigna DPPO Advantage
The Standard - Eye Care Highlight Sheet
The Standard - Vision Plan Providers

Supplemental Insurance Plan
Accidental Injury Insurance
Critical Illness Insurance

Claims and Administrative Forms
Cigna Forms Center
Cigna Group Medical Direct Claim Form
Cigna Dental Claim Form
Prescription Drug Claim Form
Wellness Incentive Claim Form
Proof of Disabled Child's Disability
Request for Address Change

The myCigna® app uses one-touch access, making it easy for you to personalize, organize and access your health information on the go. This app is a must-have for Cigna customers. Features may vary based on your specific plan type and individual security profile.

ID cards. View, print or send ID card information (front and back) right from your mobile device.
Claims. View, search and bookmark claims quickly.
Account balances. Instantly access your deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums and health fund balances.
Cigna Home Delivery Pharmacy. Manage your prescriptions right from your mobile device.
Drug search. Look up drugs and compare actual costs at pharmacies nationwide.
Provider search. Research quality and cost of in-network doctors, dentists and pharmacies.
Medical procedure search. Look up common procedures and compare costs of providers.
What's covered. View your plan coverage and details.
Health incentives. Track progress toward achieving your goals and awards.
Health wallet. Organize and manage your health information and contacts.
Languages supported. Available in Spanish and English.

Get it now!

Title 3 Section 6 of the V.I. Code states that the Government Employees Service Commission shall be composed of seven members. Five members shall be appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Legislature, two of whom shall be citizens residing in St. Thomas, one shall be a citizen residing in St. John and two shall be citizens residing in St. Croix. The remaining two members shall be employees of the Government of the Virgin Islands, one each from the District of St. Thomas/St. John and the District of St. Croix, who shall be democratically chosen by the other government employees in a manner determined by the Director of Personnel.

All members shall serve for a term of two years. Section 631 Refers to the Health Insurance Board as having the responsibility for the proper operation of the Government health insurance plan, which includes and authorizes a life insurance plan. The board is empowered to adopt rules and regulations relating to:

the eligibility of (a) active and (b) retired employees of the Government of the United States Virgin Islands to participate in the health insurance plan.
the terms and conditions of the insurance contract or contracts, as applied to (a) active employees and (b) retired employees,
the purchase of such insurance contract or contracts and the administration of the health insurance plan.

Learn more by visiting: www.GVIHealth.org

Simplifying Employee Benefits Management
Easily manage, review, and update your employee benefits through Bentek, a user-friendly online platform designed for secure and convenient access. Whether you're enrolling in a new plan, making changes due to a qualifying life event, or reviewing your current coverage, Bentek provides a streamlined process to ensure your benefits align with your needs. Use the resources below to securely update your information, access plan details, and make informed decisions about your coverage.

To access Bentek Benefits Portal, click here.

Resources:
2024-2025 Benefits-At-A-Glance
Beneficiary Designation Quick Guide
Beneficiary Designation Video
Bentek Quick Tips
To create an account, watch this video

HEALTH INSURANCE BENEFITS

Q: When may I enroll for health insurance coverage?
A: You may enroll for coverage within 30 days of your date of hire, during the annual open enrollment period, or within 30 days of an applicable qualifying event.

Q: Is it mandatory to have dental insurance coverage?
A. Yes. Dental insurance coverage is mandatory because the GVI offers medical and dental insurance as one package to the employees.

Q: What is the effective date of coverage?
A: If you were hired between the 1st and the 6th of any given month, your effective date would be the 1st of the following month. After the 7th, your effective date of coverage would be the 1st of the month following one month of your employment.

Q: If an employee transfers from one agency to the next, what will be the employee’s effective date of coverage?
A. The employee’s effective date of coverage would be the 1st of the following month.

Q: Once I have enrolled, may I cancel my coverage at any time?
A: In accordance with the Virgin Islands Code, all Government employees must have medical and dental coverage, either through the Government’s plan or via another source. As an active employee, you may cancel your coverage during 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.

Q: Can I change my plan mid-year?
A. A change in health plans can only be made during the annual open enrollment period or due to a qualifying life event. Listed below are frequently occurring qualifying events:

You or any of your dependents lost coverage.
You gained or became a dependent through marriage, divorce, death, birth, or adoption

Q: When may I add my dependents to my health insurance coverage?
A: You may add your dependents to your coverage within 30 days of you or them becoming eligible for coverage (at employment or as qualifying events occurs). You will need to submit documents of proof (such as birth certificates, social security card, court documents, marriage certificates, etc.). If your spouse is eligible but not insured for dependent life insurance, the Evidence of Insurability requirement will be waived for your spouse during the annual open enrollment period.

Q: Can I cover all children who live with me?
A: You may only cover your natural children, children based on marriage, or children who are legally adopted.

Q: Can I drop my dependents from my coverage at any time?
A. You may drop your dependents from your coverage during the annual open enrollment period, or at any time if a qualifying event occurs. You will need to provide proof of the qualifying event to cancel coverage.

Q: Can my insurance cover my dependents if he or she gets married or pregnant?
A. Yes. All dependents are covered until their 26th birthday even if he or she gets married or pregnant or working. You may also choose to drop dependents within 30 days of a qualifying event or remove dependents during open enrollment.

Q: If I have a child dependent under the age of 26, and he or she has a baby, will the baby be covered under my plan?
A. No.

Q: Do I need to enroll in the government’s insurance plan if I have coverage elsewhere?
A. If you have coverage elsewhere, or as a dependent under this plan, you may or may not elect to enroll for medical and dental coverage. If you elect not to enroll, you must provide proof of your coverage. You will still be eligible to enroll for basic, vision, supplemental, and dependent life insurance.

Q: Can I be covered under this plan if I lose my other coverage?
A. Losing your coverage is regarded as a qualifying event. As such, you will have 30 days from the date you lose coverage to enroll for coverage under this plan. If you do not enroll within that time, you may enroll for coverage during the next annual open enrollment period.

Q: If I resign, or have been terminated, when does coverage end?
A. At the end of the same month in which the employee resigned or was terminated.

Q: Can two GVI employees cover the same dependent child?
A. No. The policy does not allow for dual coverage. Therefore, only one GVI employee can cover the dependent.

Q: If I have a newborn but have not yet received the birth certificate, will the card that says “It’s a Boy or Girl” suffice?
A. Yes, however you will be required to provide a copy of the birth certificate as soon as it becomes available.

Q: Is a newborn covered for the first 30 days under the parent? A. Yes.

Q: If a child has Medicaid can they be added to the plan or will they have to cancel it?
A. Yes, the child can have both Cigna and Medicaid, but it is not recommended.

Q: What will happen to my health insurance if I am placed on Medicare disability?
A. United Healthcare will be your primary health insurance carrier. However, you will need to notify the Group Health Insurance Unit of your disability, and you must have your Medicare Part A and Part B.

Q: Will my premium change if I am placed on Medicare disability?
A. Yes. Your health insurance premium will reduce once you submit a copy of your Medicare card to the Group Health Insurance unit. Failure to do so, will result in no changes in the premium until a copy of the Medicare card is submitted for the primary holder or dependent.

Q: If a person does not have a social security number, can they still be added to my plan?
A. Yes, they can still be added however, as soon as one is established, it must be submitted to your respective HR officer and the Group Health Insurance unit.

Q: If I am a retiree and turn 65 but have spouse dependents under 65, would their coverage be affected?
A. No. They will remain on the Cigna plan until they turn 65.

Q: If I cancel my health insurance coverage, would I be able to keep my life insurance benefit?
A. Yes. You can continue your life insurance benefit.

Q: If I no longer work for the Government, can I continue my health insurance coverage?
A. Yes. You can continue with health insurance coverage through Benefit Outsource who offers a Cobra plan. It is 100% paid by the member in addition to a 2% administrative fee. Your information will be sent to benefits outsource who administers this plan.

Q: Am I covered outside of the service area or out of my country?
A. The plan will cover you outside of the United States only if emergency services are required.

Q: How much does my plan cost?
A. Insurance plan costs vary by plan design, the number of people in your family, and their ages. For active government employees, when enrolling for your insurance benefits on Bentek, you will see the costs of the various plans offered excluding life insurance and vision. For retirees, you will receive a payment letter indicating the cost of the plan since rates due change when you are no longer an active employee.

LIFE INSURANCE COVERAGE

Q: Can I enroll for supplemental life benefits without taking health coverage?
A. If the employee has medical insurance via another source, they are eligible to select basic and/or supplemental life insurance within 30 days of being hired.

Q: If I am enrolled for supplemental life benefits, when can I increase my benefit amount?
A. You can increase your benefit amount through the annual open enrollment period however, an Evidence of Insurability form would be required if it is more than more than one increment.

Q: If I am participating in Plan A (multiple of salary) for supplemental life, and I receive a salary increase, will I need to complete the Evidence of Insurability form to receive an increased benefit?
A. No. It automatically increases based on your salary increase.

Q: If I am participating in Plan B (flat amount), when may I increase my supplemental life benefit by transferring to Plan A (multiple of salary)?
A. You can only transfer to Plan A (multiple of salary) during the annual open enrollment period.

Q: Can I continue my supplemental life coverage if I no longer work for the Government?
A. You may convert your supplemental and dependent life coverage directly with the insurance company if you no longer work for the Government by completing a conversion application.

Q: Are you required to designate a beneficiary for life insurance?
A. Yes. It is mandatory for you to list a beneficiary or Beneficiaries in the Bentek system and shares must equal to 100%.

Q: Is it mandatory to list more than one beneficiary?
A. It is not mandatory, but it is suggested to assign a contingent beneficiary if the primary beneficiary dies.

Q: Can a beneficiary use the life insurance to cover the cost of a burial?
A. Yes. A beneficiary can use the life insurance to cover the cost of a burial once they are not minor children under the age of 19.

GVI Health Insurance Benefits

HEALTH INSURANCE BENEFITS

LIFE INSURANCE COVERAGE

OTHER FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Stay in the loop. Join our mailing list and get important updates.

Quick Links

Contact Us