WV PEIA Hosting Public Hearings On Proposed Increases

Representatives of the West Virginia Public Employees Insurance Agency (PEIA) are taking a series of proposed plan changes out for public comment to several communities around the Mountain State.

The health care insurance plan for West Virginia's state and county employees and public sector retirees has continued to face rising costs, according to the agency's leaders.

“PEIA has a multifaceted problem, we’ve seen growth in expense, or growth in the cost of reimbursement to providers. We see substantial growth in cost of prescription drugs. So what we as a team here at PEIA are seeking to do with the support of the board is to take a multi faceted approach to the fix,” PEIA Director Brian Cunningham told members of the PEIA Finance Board at their October meeting, where details of the formal proposal were outlined and presented to board members.

Among the proposed changes in PEIA's Fiscal Year 2026 plan:

• An average 14% premium increase for state employees;
• An average 12% increase in premiums for retirees and non-Medicare retirees;
• A 40% increase in deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums for employees and non-Medicare retirees;
• An expected increase in the spousal surcharge from $147 to $350; and
• Other increases in copays, including therapy, ER, inpatient/outpatient, and pharmacy charges.

The PEIA public hearings began Nov. 7 and continue through Nov. 21. The PEIA Finance Board is expected to vote on the proposed increases at its Dec. 5 meeting.

Comments from those who cannot attend may be submitted in writing to the Finance Board at 601 57th St. SE, Suite 2, Charleston, WV 25304-2345, or by email to PEIAComments@wv.gov​.