Brug: SZV to restart in-person senior services in January, updates on GHI

GREAT BAY--Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA) Richinel Brug has announced that Social & Health Insurances (SZV) is preparing to reopen its doors for in person senior services in January, following his formal request last month.

“For some time now, our seniors have had to rely mainly on online services. While that works for many, it is not ideal for everyone, especially not for our elderly who prefer face to face assistance,” Minister Brug said. “I am very pleased to announce today that SZV has agreed and is working diligently to reopen in January so that seniors can once again receive the support they need physically, directly and with dignity.”

According to the Minister, SZV is using the reopening to improve how services are delivered to seniors. The aim is to create one centralized service area where elderly clients can access all the services they need in a single location, instead of having to move from department to department as was the case in the past.

“This approach is more respectful, more efficient and more senior friendly,” Brug stated. “Our seniors deserve a system that meets them where they are and supports them in a way that is accessible and dignified.”

SZV will issue an official public announcement with the exact reopening date and all practical details for seniors and their families.

“I want to thank SZV for their cooperation and their commitment to making sure our elderly are served in a way that is accessible, safe and compassionate,” the Minister added. “I will continue to monitor the preparations closely to ensure that they meet the January timeline.”

General Health Insurance

The Minister has confirmed that government is making steady progress on the draft legislation for General Health Insurance, a key reform aimed at securing universal and sustainable access to health care for all residents of St. Maarten.

Over the past months, the Ministry has advanced both the draft national ordinance and the accompanying national decree, with most parts receiving positive advice from the Social Economic Council (SER).

"Receiving positive advice from the SER is an important milestone," Minister Brug said. "Their recommendations have been incorporated into the updated draft so that the legislation is not only technically sound, but also aligned with the broader socio-economic interests of the country."

The draft legislation is now with the Department of Legal Affairs for final vetting.

"If all goes well, we expect their advice within two weeks," the Minister explained. "After that, our aim is to present the revised draft to the Council of Ministers for approval, and then urgently request advice from the Council of Advice. Our goal is to have the legislation ready to be handled in Parliament as soon as possible."

Minister Brug stressed that the legislative timeline is directly tied to the planned introduction date of the new system.

"This timing is important in order to give SZV and all implementing partners enough time to prepare for the introduction of the new system on January 1, 2027," he said.

According to the Minister, the General Health Insurance reform will be a cornerstone of St. Maarten’s social protection framework.

"The general health insurance reform is a major part of our efforts to ensure universal, fair and sustainable access to health care for all residents of St. Maarten," Brug stated. "While there are still conditions to meet, the direction is clear and the progress is solid."

He indicated that further updates will be provided as the process advances from Legal Affairs to the Council of Ministers, the Council of Advice, and finally to Parliament for debate and handling.

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