Political Quotes

“healthcare in the Virgin Islands is in crisis. The Medical Executive Committee wrote an open letter to the community and to CMS, detailing adverse conditions in our hospitals. These include shortages of supplies, medication, equipment, staff, and patient placement challenges. This crisis reflects systemic failures that compromise the ability to deliver appropriate care. These conditions did not develop overnight. Our two hospitals still operate under Medicare reimbursement formulas from 1982 and 1996. While I continue to fight for Medicare rebasing, fortunately we have secured permanent increases in Medicaid funding from 55 to 83 percent and over $1.7 billion in FEMA obligations to rebuild our hospitals. Mr. Speaker, Congress and the administration must do more. Virgin Islanders deserve the same access, dignity, and quality of care as every American citizen. We will not stop fighting until our healthcare system receives the Federal support required to deliver standard of care.”