The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority
Corporate Communications
NEWS RELEASE
Contact: Jean P. Greaux, Jr., Director of Corporate Communications
340-774-3552 extension 2147 or 340-244-7330
communications@viwapa.vi / www.viwapa.vi
September 20, 2019
WAPA IN GOOD STANDING WITH CIGNA
The executive director of the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority, Lawrence J. Kupfer, said Friday that WAPA is current in its medical and dental payments to its health insurance provider, CIGNA. His statements are in response to false information published in the V.I. Consortium online publication as regards WAPA and its relationship with CIGNA.
In a letter dated September 20, Kurt Gehring, President & CEO of The Gehring Group, WAPA’s benefits administrator, said, “The Gehring Group has received verification from The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority that premium payments have been submitted through August 31, 2019 to CIGNA Health and Life Insurance Company (CIGNA) for its employees’ medical and dental plans.” The Gehring Group has provided all documentation to CIGNA of the premium payments.
“As of this date, there is no known risk that there will be any lapse in coverage for WAPA employees’ medical and dental plans,”Gehring said.
Kupfer said the Authority has taken action in 2019 to ensure efficiency in processing of Healthcare Premiums through its partnership with BenTek, Inc. BenTek is a complete benefit enrollment and administration solution which allows for real-time eligibility auditing, and premium payment.”
Earlier in the day Friday, Human Resources Director Sabrina King Leonce said in an email to employees that the Authority and its employees are not at risk of losing health care coverage; that the Authority is in good standing with CIGNA and other healthcare coverage providers; and encouraged employees to contact the Human Resources Department with questions or concerns about healthcare coverage.
Kupfer said that the Authority is disappointed that the V.I. Consortium has published these unsubstantiated allegations that have caused undue stress and worry for our employees.
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The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority is an autonomous agency of the Virgin Islands Government which produces and distributes electricity and drinking water to residential and commercial customers in the territory. WAPA was created by the Fifth Legislature of the Virgin Islands in 1964 through Act No. 1248. Today, WAPA generates electrical power at production plants on St. Thomas and St. Croix, and distributes electrical service through smart grids to customers on St. Thomas, St. Croix, St. John, Hassel Island, and Water Island. Potable water is distributed to almost 13,000 customers through water lines and standpipes. WAPA also has the responsibility of installing and maintaining street lights.