News
NHIB’s Statement at the MOH Access to Healthcare Press Conference – June 28, 2022
#TurksandCaicos, July 16, 2022 – The National Health Insurance Board was established under the National Health Insurance Ordinance 2009, as a statutory body. NHIB’s goal is to facilitate the provision of accessible, affordable, and quality health care services to all its beneficiaries. We would like to use this platform to educate the public on the referral and treatment abroad program and how they work.
Urgent/Non-Urgent Referrals
Urgent referrals are referrals that must be executed within a short period of time usually less than 48 hours, non-urgent referrals or routine referrals are executed over a longer period. As it relates to these urgent referrals it is important for the public to know that:
- A referral must be sent from the hospital, through the Joint Referral Committee, to NHIB for processing. You must be seen by a doctor at TCI hospital who will then decide whether your case is eligible for urgent referral.
- The Medical Director reviews the referral and will advise the operations department to proceed.
- We have an operations team NHIB that checks the eligibility of the beneficiary.
- Once a beneficiary is eligible, the transfer arrangement begins.
- Referrals are sent firstly to providers in the region (Jamaica, Dominican Republic and Cayman Islands) for acceptance. If the case cannot be managed within the region, then it is sent to our providers in Colombia.
- Patient (if able to communicate) or next of kin is contacted and informed that NHIB is in receipt of an overseas referral and what arrangement will be made. The NHIB process is explained during this time.
- Once a physician and a hospital accept the case, travel arrangement (air ambulance or charter, commercial flight) will begin.
Treatment Abroad Program
Challenges and Important Information We do face a few challenges with the referral service especially when a patient must be flown out of country for special care. One of the major challenges is travel documents. We are asking the public to make sure your documents are up to do date as you do not know when you or a loved one that you may have to accompany will face sudden health challenges that require medical attention overseas.
- NHIB does not pay for travel documents, passport, or visas.
- Nationalities that require visas to enter another country is responsible for getting their visa, NHIB only assist with medical visas.
- NHIB provides a subsistence to assist with living arrangements and ground transportation. What this means is that we do not cover the cost of your FULL living arrangement while seeking medical treatment abroad. What we do is provide you with a stipend that should assist with your day-to-day expenses.
- Medical bills for health procedures abroad are 100% covered by the NHIB (subject to the limitations included in NHI (Benefit) Regulations Section 6(3)). This means that when you travel to get medical attention under the Treatment Abroad Program, you do not receive a bill. Your medical expense is fully covered (see above).
- Work Permit holders are reminded that work permits are to be renewed three months prior to expiry. Beneficiaries with an expired work permit cannot be transferred in the event of an emergency.
- Some beneficiaries are only entitled to receive on island care.
- As it relates to Air Ambulance – This is a service which we source from providers overseas. The closest air
ambulance company is in the Dominican Republic, others are based within the United States. Air ambulance confirms their ability to transfer based on availability of aircrafts and medical personnel, the nature of the case, and their capacity to transfer a patient safely.
Understanding Co-payments
We also use this opportunity to advise the public that if you are covered and eligible under the National Health Insurance Plan and you visit a clinic to see a private doctor on island, that $35 is deducted from your bill and paid by NHIB. TCI hospital is our preferred health provider, so once you are eligible, you only pay $10 copayment when seeking medical services covered by NHIP.
Services NOT covered by National Health Insurance Plan
The following are medical services that are NOT covered by the NHIP: Cosmetic procedures; Long term care; Long term psychiatric care; Orthodontics for adults; Acupuncture; Homeopathy; Alternative medicines; Podiatry; Lifestyle procedures and sex changes; Short term nursing or home skilled nursing facility; Fertility treatments; Dermatology; Dentistry.
Closing Remarks
I would like to take this time to thank all NHIP’s contributors. Once you get a good understanding of the National Health Insurance Plan, you will know that even though you may not require medical attention at this time, someone in need of medication, pre-natal care, emergency treatment, and all that is covered under the NHIP, is able to get the care they need because of your contribution. So, continue to make your contributions, and make them on time to avoid late fee penalties. Let us continue to work together in building a healthy nation one person at a time.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – May 14th, 2024 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Government and Molo Hotel Group reached a pivotal juncture on Monday, May 13th, 2024, with the ceremonial signing of a development agreement at the Premier’s Office on Providenciales. The agreement, which received official Cabinet approval on March 13th, 2024, signifies a steadfast commitment to advancing the economic landscape of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Molo Hotel Group is a family-owned business, renowned for its distinguished portfolio of high-quality hotels worldwide. The
development initiative encompasses the construction of three distinct IHG branded hotels: InterContinental Turks and Caicos, Kimpton Turks and Caicos and Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos. Scheduled for completion by 2027, each resort boasts a distinctive design from luxury to laidback sophistication spanning across the shores of Grace Bay Beach.
Kimpton Turks and Caicos – an epitome of luxury lifestyle living, will feature 192 guest rooms including three outdoor pools, a luxury spa and a fitness center. Additionally, seven dining options ranging from a beachfront restaurant to a rooftop bar.
Adjacent to the Kimpton, InterContinental Turks and Caicos will offer 59 classic luxury suites with panoramic ocean views. Mirroring its counterpart, this resort will offer an array of dining options and upscale facilities.
Steps away from the Intercontinental and Kimpton resorts, Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos will embrace a sense of community and contemporary elegance, offering 56 bedrooms. The resort will feature an onsite restaurant, lobby bar, outdoor pool, and fitness room.
Beyond the realm of hospitality, this development agreement underscores the government’s commitment to fostering economic growth and enhancing employment opportunities in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Molo is partnering with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) to actively promote hospitality as a career choice and support in developing training programs, career fairs, seminars, workshops, and events to raise awareness about hospitality careers. Molo has committed to provide employment and apprentice opportunities to TCICC students and provide mentoring and practical on property training to students.
The signing event was graced by Hon. Charles Washington Missick, Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Hon. Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier, Hon. Kyle Knowles, Minister of Public Safety and Utilities, Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, Łukasz and Marcin Slominski, Owners of Molo, Ross Morrow, Managing Director Molo, Arik Kono, Vice President Upscale Development for IHG, Dr. Candice Williams, President and CEO of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Angela Musgrove, InvestTCI CEO, Dr. Barbara Ambrister, Chairperson of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Dr. Delores Stapleton- Harris, Vice President of Academic, Vocational and Student Affairs for the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Mr. Kevin Baxter, Dean of Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) and Sheryl McLaughlin, InvestTCI Investment Services Executive.
Commenting on the development agreement, Premier, Hon. Misick, stated “The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing of
IHG/Molo Hotels is a significant step towards a sustainable future for hospitality in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Three hotels, Kimpton, Intercontinental, and Hotel Indigo, will be introduced, enhancing our tourism product and creating employment opportunities.”
He further added, “Partnerships with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College and Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission are underway, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to developing human capital and elevating tourism offerings. This project will bring economic growth, embrace local talent, and enrich our economy.”
Additionally, Mrs. Angela Musgrove, CEO of Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, emphasized “This collaboration confirms our commitment to fostering economic growth and prosperity within our country. We have worked closely with Molo Hotel Group, and we are confident that this transformative project will further position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier destination for travel and investment. Much to our delight, it will also provide opportunities for engagement with our Community College and small business community.”
The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands, operating through its primary Investment Promotion
Agency, Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, remains committed to attracting and facilitating Foreign Direct Investments to the country by providing a comprehensive suite of services. Through strategic initiatives and targeted promotion, the agency catalyzes sustainable development, driving innovation and small business opportunities across various sectors of the economy.
#TurksandCaicos, May 13, 2024 – Detectives of the Serious Crime Unit of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force have
charged a man who allegedly stole a vehicle.
The accused, DANVANTE BRISCO, 30, of Kew Town, Providenciales, was charged with:
- One Count: Robbery
- One Count: Taking Motor Vehicle Without Authority
- One Count: Using Offensive Weapon to cause fear
Mr. BRISCO appeared in court today (May 13 ) and was granted bail of $7500.00 with one surety.
The matter was adjourned to July 05 for a Sufficiency Hearing.
#TurksandCaicos, May 13, 2024 – A 20-year-old Dock Yard male appeared in court today (May 13th) charged with a series of firearm-related offences.
The accused, JAMES SIMON, was denied bail and remanded into custody pending a Sufficiency Hearing scheduled for July 05th, 2024.
Mr. SIMON faces the following charges:
- One Count: Robbery;
- One Count: Gang Membership
- One Count: Possession of a Firearm for the Benefit of a Gang
- One Count: Possession of Ammunition for the Benefit of a Gang.
The charges against Mr. Simon followed investigations by officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force into a robbery at the parking lot of a Casino where three males robbed a victim.
Additionally, Mr. Simon is charged with the following offences, having been arrested on May 02nd, 2024, along South Dock Road.
- One Count: Possession of a Firearm
- One Count: Possession of Ammunition
- One Count: Unlawful Entry
Officers also charged a teenage minor who was in the company of Mr. Simon on May 02nd with One Count of UNLAWFUL ENTRY.
The accused, seventeen and from Kew Town, Providenciales, pleaded guilty and will be sentenced on May 20th.
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