Second District Representative Melvin “Mitch” Turnbull is sounding the alarm over what he describes as a troubling pattern of financial abuse targeting the territory’s senior citizens.
Turnbull accused the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) of charging persons aged 65 and over, who should be exempt from hospital and clinic fees under the National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme.
Government policy has long held that uninsured persons aged 65 and over (along with dependent children and persons of insufficient means) are to be subsidised such that they should not pay standard hospital fees.
However, Turnbull stated that, despite the written policy, seniors are still receiving unexpected bills from Dr D. Orlando Smith Hospital and satellite clinics across the territory.
He revealed that he has personally witnessed seniors in his constituency receiving bills from the BVIHSA when they should not be charged, describing the situation as a form of “financial abuse.”
He also called out other government agencies that are engaging in this practice as well.
“Some of them are being charged after the age of 65. Receiving bills when they are exempt from having to pay any cost whether at the hospital or local clinics, even electricity. We must do better to ensure that these persons that have laid the foundation for us are protected,” Turnbull said. “This is a form of financial abuse against our seniors which needs to be curtailed.”
The legislator also called for a stronger social safety net, including an age-care benefit, a support grant for seniors on fixed incomes, and community-based programmes that provide healthcare, maintenance, and companionship. He noted that the cost of in-care living for seniors can range between $10,000 and $15,000 per month—an expense far beyond the reach of most retirees.
Turnbull’s comments come amid growing public concern about the financial struggles of the territory’s elderly population. Many seniors have complained about the rising cost of food, healthcare, and utilities, while relying on small pensions or limited public assistance. The government has recently moved to increase monthly assistance grants and expand benefits under the Public Assistance (Amendment) Act, but advocates say more needs to be done.
Turnbull said he intends to continue pressing for policy changes and stronger enforcement to ensure that seniors receive the exemptions and protections they are entitled to under the law. “We cannot just say we want to protect our seniors,” he said. “We must take the extra step to actually do it.”
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