The Medical Benefits Scheme (MBS) is proactively working to educate and inform businesses about the crucial need for end-of-year compliance with contributions and filings. The scheme emphasized that timely submissions are essential for the sustainability of the organization and the continuation of services for employees.
Speaking on the matter during an appearance on Observer AM, yesterday, were Delicia Bonny, Marketing and Communications Manager (Ag); Clint Matthew, MBS Invigilator; and Karen Williams, Compliance Supervisor. The team highlighted that the primary mechanism for compliance is the submission of contributions and the R3A form.
Bonny underscored the importance of contributions, noting they support the extensive services offered by the MBS, including the provision of pharmaceuticals and financial assistance. She cited the recent MBS Fitness Challenge, which saw over 400 participants, as an example of community activities made possible through these contributions. She reminded self-employed persons, employees, and employers that their payments are vital for the sustainability of the healthcare system in Antigua and Barbuda.
Matthew provided detailed information on the R3A form (a critical administrative document used by MBS in Antigua and Barbuda), which must be filled out by employers on a monthly basis. “The form lists the employer’s name and account number, followed by the registered employees. Proper completion, including the employee’s correct registration number, is critical for ensuring the employee can access the associated basket of benefits,” he stated.
Matthew also pointed out potential cost savings for employers, specifically noting that once an employee reaches the age of 60 and is still working, the employer no longer matches the contribution amount paid to the MBS, with the employee continuing to pay until age 70.
Williams detailed several persistent compliance issues, the foremost being the late payment of contributions and the non-submission of monthly contribution forms.
“Contributions are due on or before the end of each month, with a 14-day grace period extending to the 14th of the following month. Payments made after the 14th incur a 10% late payment penalty, which is compounded by an additional 5% if the late payment carries over into the next year,” she informed.
The MBS is accommodating payment through multiple methods, including EFT (online) payment, debit/credit card, and drop boxes for check payments.
Another major challenge is businesses that close without official notification. Williams stressed that a formal Notice of Discontinuation form must be completed and submitted along with a letter within 10 working days of closure, whether temporary or permanent. Failure to do so leaves the business liable as the system continues to issue bills.
She confirmed that the compliance team is presently conducting compliance audits, which involve visiting business places to check payroll records to ensure correct taxation of allowances. Williams advised that the MBS is duly authorized by law to conduct these visits, including spot checks.
Regarding non-compliance penalties, she explained that consequences are handled on a case-by-case basis but can result in the issuance of warrants for the collection of records and penalties for declaring false information or for being unregistered. The MBS officials emphasized that their invigilators and compliance officers are established to support and assist businesses, not merely to police them.
Bonny reminded self-employed persons that the Annual Declaration of Income Period runs from October to December. Self-employed persons are required to re-declare their earnings and submit documentation, including financial statements, via email to contributions@mbs.gov.ag. The necessary forms are available on the MBS website.
In addition to compliance matters, Bonny announced the pharmacy hours for the Christmas season.
The final day for drop-off prescriptions for the holiday season is December 19th.
MBS pharmacies will be closed on December 25th, December 26th, and January 1st.
The pharmacies will also be closed on December 30th and 31st for stock-taking.
However, extended pharmacy hours — from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. — will be on Saturday, December 27th and January 3rd at the Nevis Street, Browne’s Avenue, and Clare Hall pharmacies.
Barbuda has special extended hours on December 22nd and 29th, with regular service resuming on January 5th.
