PHILIPSBURG:--- Former Member of Parliament Rolando Brison is very pleased to announce that the Social & Health Insurances SZV has indefinitely reversed its decision to exclude certain directors from health insurance coverage. This move comes after weeks of discussions and advocacy by Brison, addressing a potentially significant issue within the healthcare system for company directors in St. Maarten.
Over recent weeks, Brison has engaged with numerous businesspeople who expressed significant concern regarding the proposed policy that would have excluded them from health insurance coverage. "I do not believe it would have been right to exclude hundreds of directors who have been paying into SZV and deserve to be covered, along with their families," Brison stated. "Especially considering the anticipation of new legislation that would ensure inclusive healthcare for everyone in St. Maarten."
The policy, which was slated to take effect on September 1, 2024, would have canceled insurance for director majority shareholders registered as insured employees prior to September 1, 2022. SZV's decision to delay the implementation indefinitely was influenced by a comprehensive analysis of the expected social and financial impacts, particularly during the peak of the Atlantic Hurricane Season.
"For that reason, I took it upon myself to discuss with various stakeholders, both within and outside government circles, to encourage the reversal of this policy. I understood the potential damage it could do, causing hundreds of people to lose critical health insurance coverage," Brison continued.
Brison reminded those involved of his strong advocacy in 2023 for legislation in parliament to raise the insurance caps. This legislation ensured that more managing directors contribute to and receive insurance coverage. Despite the increase in contributions from managing directors and higher-paid employees, the new policy threatened their health insurance coverage, even though payments have been deducted from their salaries since the law passed.
SZV management has reiterated its commitment to a people-centric approach, aligning with the recent policy delay. Over the years, SZV has adopted flexible measures to ensure that the majority of directors and shareholders have access to medical insurance. However, recent legal challenges highlighted the need for compliance with laws governing premium collections for sickness, accident, and severance insurance. Urgent meetings between SZV, the Ministry of Public Health, and other stakeholders are ongoing to address necessary changes to the Sickness and Accident and Cessantia National Ordinances.
Brison concluded, "This postponement is a victory for fairness and common sense. It ensures that those who have dutifully contributed to SZV continue to receive the coverage they deserve. At the same time, we work towards a more inclusive healthcare system for all of St. Maarten."
