AARP West Virginia Advocates for High-Speed Internet, Telehealth Expansion

The state ranks 44th in the nation in internet connectivity, and more than 400,000 West Virginians have no access to high-speed internet. 

The need for reliable broadband and access to telehealth services became even more pressing during the pandemic, and AARP West Virginia advocated for expanding access to both. 

After a strong AARP campaign, in April Gov. Jim Justice (R) signed into law a bill allowing licensed, highly qualified health care practitioners from other states to provide telehealth services to West Virginians. 

That reform has brought care to thousands of residents during the pandemic. To reduce the digital divide, the state created an Office of Broadband, tasked with connecting underserved areas of West Virginia with high-speed internet services.