{"id":891,"date":"2020-09-29T00:41:27","date_gmt":"2020-09-29T00:41:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vi.gov\/covid\/?p=891"},"modified":"2020-09-30T13:56:17","modified_gmt":"2020-09-30T13:56:17","slug":"administration-updates-residents-on-covid-19-p-ebt-cards-and-medicare-advantage-for-retirees","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vi.gov\/covid\/news-post\/administration-updates-residents-on-covid-19-p-ebt-cards-and-medicare-advantage-for-retirees\/","title":{"rendered":"Administration Updates Residents on COVID-19, P-EBT Cards and Medicare Advantage for Retirees"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n
En Espa\u00f1ol <\/a><\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS \u2014\u00a0During his weekly press briefing to update residents about the status of the COVID-19 virus in the Territory, Government House Communications Director Richard Motta Jr. was joined by Human Services Commissioner Kimberley Causey-Gomez, who announced a second round of P-EBT benefits, and Division of Personnel Director Dayna Clendinen, who announced the new Medicare Advantage plan for Government retirees age 65 and older.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

However, before beginning the briefing, Director Motta also gave a brief statement from Governor Albert Bryan Jr. about the passing of St. Thomas-St. John community icon Wayne \u201cFacts Man\u201d Adams.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

\u201cWayne had a gift that he selflessly shared with all in our community. His penchant for information and his love of Virgin Islands history made him a household name and an icon on our local radio talk shows,\u201d Governor Bryan said. \u201cHe would frequently call in to tell\u00a0 of the achievements of Virgin islanders. He was an important voice, and he will be sorely missed.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Director Motta also gave further remarks about Governor Bryan\u2019s statement issued before Monday\u2019s press conference regarding the suspension of the Bryan\/Roach Administration\u2019s efforts to close on the Matching Funds Securitization transaction.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

\u201cWhile the transaction was somewhat complicated in its structure, it ultimately promised to provide a significant cash infusion to the Treasury of the Virgin Islands over the next three years, while simultaneously reducing the long-term debt obligations of the Government by an estimated $40 million over a 20-year period,\u201d Director Motta said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

\u201cThe Governor has made it clear that is intentions were to use those savings to shore up the GERS pension system to the greatest extent possible and provide short-term relief as more long-term strategies were developed and effectuated,\u201d he said. \u201cThe extremely low interest rate market made this transaction possible, and the Administration moved aggressively to seize the opportunity for the people of the Virgin Islands.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Director Motta said Governor Bryan remains committed to averting a projected cut in benefits for the current retirees of the public pension system, and he looks forward to continued collaboration with those senators who understand the urgency of the situation and are willing to work toward solutions.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

P-EBT Cards<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

In her update on the Pandemic-EBT cards intended to help families supplement their children\u2019s nutritional needs affected by the COVID-19 school closure, Commissioner Causey-Gomez said the Department of Human Services\u2019 application for additional P-EBT benefits has been approved. The total amount of this second issuance is $1,513,308.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

The benefit amounts will vary by school and are based on the number of school days with virtual instruction,\u201d the Commissioner said. \u201cStudents attending schools that had or have in-person instruction will not receive P-EBT based on the gu8idelines provided by the federal government.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

The list of eligible schools is posted to the Department of Human Services page at facebook.com\/USVIDHS.<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

There was no application process, and some key details of the second issuance of P-EBT benefits include:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n