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On Monday, Jenniffer González Colón, the New Progressive Party (NPP) candidate for governor, outlined further initiatives she plans to implement if elected, focusing on securing funding for the Vital Plan card that oversees the healthcare of 1.3 million individuals on the island.
“Nearly half of our population relies on the Health Card for their medical needs,” González Colón stated. “Our objective is to guarantee its continued funding and to keep enhancing the benefits of the Card until we reach equity in this crucial program for our citizens. Additionally, we aim for our providers to receive appropriate remuneration for their services, fostering a strong health system.”
The president of the NPP and current resident commissioner highlighted three central components of her proposal:
* Establish the Multisectoral Task Force throughout the four-year term to aid the next resident commissioner in their advocacy efforts before Congress and the federal government to secure fair and just funding for federal health initiatives. Concurrently, an educational and training campaign will be sustained through ongoing lobbying that involves the state government, the private sector, and local as well as national non-profit organizations.
* Secure more equitable Medicare reimbursements for healthcare providers, along with raising minimum premiums for Medicare Advantage beneficiaries in Puerto Rico to at least match those in the Virgin Islands, and including Puerto Rican residents in federal programs that currently exclude them, such as Supplemental Health Insurance (SSI), the Medicare Savings Program (which covers Part B expenses), and Extra Help (commonly referred to as the Part D Low Income Subsidy).
* Lastly, the NPP’s government plan consists of strategies to adhere to integrity and transparency standards to ensure funds remain secure.
