CAY HILL--Self-responsible patients, insurance companies and private companies will have to pay extra for use of the services at St. Maarten Medical Center as of January 1.
SMMC said on Thursday that the price for “hospital services” will increase as of next year. SMMC was not specific as to prices for which services will be increased and by how much in a press release about the hike.
SMMC said its last price increase was applied in 2004. “A general price increase is now necessary to safeguard the sustainability of hospital care for the country Sint Maarten,” the hospital said. “This price increase was established in consultation with the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor and with the Social Health Insurances SZV. The price increase will be applied to insurance companies, private companies and to self-responsible patients.”
SMMC said the new price list has been sent to insurance companies and private companies and will be available for self-responsible patients at SMMC’s cashier desks. The hospital is “working diligently towards expansion of its medical services locally, in order to reduce the country’s medical care (travel) expenses abroad. We strive to continue providing quality care close to home to the population of Sint Maarten and its surrounding islands,” the hospital said.
