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Tuesday, March 19, 2024
HomeCommunityHealth & WellnessDHS Medical Assistance Program Offers Telephone Interviews, Relaxed Guidelines

DHS Medical Assistance Program Offers Telephone Interviews, Relaxed Guidelines

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The Department of Human Services (DHS) Medical Assistance Program provides its members access to health care services such as inpatient hospital services, outpatient services, clinic services, laboratory and X-ray services, physician services, dental services, prescription drugs, eyeglasses, diagnostic, screening services, preventive services and rehabilitative services.

The program acts as a safety net and exists to inspire hope and empower change through the nonjudgmental quality delivery of needed services and resources.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, MAP announces relaxed federal authorities for enrollment and eligibility, patient care and provider enrollment requirements. (See below for full details).

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For New Medical Assistance Program Applicants:

  1. Determine eligibility
  2. For anyone who is lacking adequate medical insurance (underinsured/ uninsured), whether employed or unemployed.
  3. Download MAP application from the DHS website and print, complete, scan and email along with supporting documents (see website) to sttjmap@dhs.vi.gov or stxmap@dhs.vi.gov.

People who do not have access to the internet can call the numbers listed to obtain the information or can pick up an application (at the DHS locations at Knud Hansen Complex on St. Thomas and Mars Hill on St. Croix), fill it out and return all forms to one of the drop boxes located at:

â–ª Knud Hansen Complex on St. Thomas

â–ª Mars Hill Complex in Frederiksted, St. Croix

8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday – Friday, drop off to lock boxes that will be strategically placed at DHS locations in both districts.

  1. To make it as easy as possible to apply, and to keep people healthy, the usual face-to-face portion of the application is now being replaced with a telephone interview.

Utilize the numbers below to be directed to the telephone application for MAP.

DHS has assigned additional staff to answer telephones and assist customers as needed.

Customers can find applications and other forms on the DHS website: www.dhs.gov.vi.

o St. Croix: 340-772-7117 or 340-772-7100 ext. 7006/7151/7120

o St. Thomas: 340-774-0930 ext. 4308/4324/4318

o Eligibility and enrollment email:

â–ª St. Thomas-St. John – fttjmap@dhs.vi.gov

â–ª St. Croix – stxmap@dhs.vi.gov

Please note: Due to high call volume, if a call is not picked up, please try again and please email DHS and someone will respond to an email within 24 hours.

Presumptive Eligibility – For people who present at a local hospital or federally qualified Health Clinic in the territory without insurance, a self-attestation interview will be conducted by the hospital or clinic staff. Based on the information that a person truthfully provides during the interview an eligibility determination will be made. During this state of emergency, DHS will also include pregnant, aged, blind and disabled populations. Presumptive eligibility benefits expire on the last day of the following month in which you applied.

Recertification for Current Clients:

For current customers, your eligibility will automatically be extended by approximately three to six months. DHS will continue to extend eligibility until further notice. There is no need to come into an office to recertify during this public health emergency.

What does this mean?

Households whose current certification period expires March 31, your benefits will extend through June 30 or through Sept. 30. These households are not required to contact the office to activate this provision. A new recertification notice and/or card will be mailed to your address on file.

Households that need to report changes to household circumstances are encouraged to contact the local office in your district for assistance.

Access to Care / Patient Care Coordination:

To make an appointment with a private physician, individuals should still get a referral from their primary care provider. Once the referral is received, an appointment with the private physician can be made directly. If this requirement is lifted due to the coronavirus, an update will be shared with all members and providers.

If any MAP clients require off-island travel, they must first contact the DHS – MAP office for coordination and authorization.

For additional information regarding access to care/patient care, utilize the numbers below to receive answers for questions.

  • St. Croix: 340-772-7113 or 340-277-3392
  • St. Thomas: 340-715-6931 or 340-690-7254
  • St. Thomas/St. Croix: specialservices@dhs.vi.gov

For more information on COVID-19, the new strain of coronavirus, please visit the USVI Department of Health’s website: www.doh.vi.gov/coronavirus or text COVID19USVI to 888777 #COVID19USVI

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