Lieutenant Governor Gregory R. Francis is pleased to report that the Virgin Islands State Health Insurance Assistance Program has received a grant from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in the amount of $36,391 for the 2007 funding year.

CMS has awarded $30 million in grant funds to 54 SHIPS throughout the 50 states and the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam and the Virgin Islands. These grants are designed to enhance the State or Territory's efforts to provide a network of local programs, staff and volunteers that, through counseling, education and outreach, will help beneficiaries understand and utilize their Medicare benefits.

VI SHIP/Medicare Director Kitichia Weekes said the money will be used in part to educate Medicare beneficiaries in the Territory on preventive services covered by Medicare. In previous years, CMS grants were used to provide educational counseling and enrollment assistance on Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage. The grant funding is similar to the amount awarded last year, but VI SHIP was one of just 13 SHIPs nationally to receive an additional supplemental grant from CMS last September for surpassing 2006 performance benchmarks.

"VI SHIP/Medicare will remain committed to reaching out and assisting Medicare beneficiaries in the Territory," Weekes said.

Lt. Governor Francis said he is grateful to CMS for continuing to recognize the diligent work conducted by the local VI SHIP.

"We are thankful for this grant which will be used to continue the Medicare outreach programs that are needed in our community," Lt. Governor Francis said.

Medicare beneficiaries needing assistance are encouraged to call VI SHIP/Medicare at 772-7368 on St. Croix or at 714-4354 on St. Thomas.