Banking and Insurance

HB 4869 creates two guaranteed periods for West Virginia seniors to purchase Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policies without medical underwriting or pre-existing condition exclusions. It provides a 60-day window annually around each individual’s birthday for current policyholders to switch to a policy with the same or fewer benefits, and a 63-day window starting the day after Medicaid eligibility ends for those turning 65 or losing Medicaid. Insurers must offer coverage during these periods but are not required to provide new policies or alter existing benefit structures. The bill also mandates annual reports on Medigap premium trends for legislative review but does not change Medicare Advantage plans or require insurers to offer specific rates.

HB 5515 modernizes West Virginia's workers' compensation laws by updating outdated statutes and procedures. It revises key provisions for reporting workplace injuries, requiring employees to notify employers in writing within a specified timeframe and employers to report injuries to insurers within five days. The bill removes obsolete sections from 2005-2006 revisions, standardizes references to government agencies, updates statutory citations, and changes the Board of Review membership from five to a minimum of three but no more than five members. These changes directly affect workers, employers, and insurers by clarifying reporting requirements and streamlining administrative processes under the current workers' compensation system.

HB 5462 clarifies limits on mine subsidence insurance coverage for property owners in West Virginia. It requires most property insurance policies to include mine subsidence coverage (with a waiver option in 15 specific counties) at a separately priced premium. Key provisions set a $250-$500 deductible, cap total coverage at $200,000 (not exceeding the fire insurance value), and mandate that payments first cover property damage. The bill also specifies that other payment sources reduce the mine subsidence fund’s liability for uncovered loss portions.

HB 5521 establishes new licensing, examination, and conduct requirements for public adjusters in West Virginia. It defines a "public adjuster" as someone who negotiates insurance claims for policyholders (not insurance companies) and sets standards for their qualifications, including fingerprinting and certification of automated claims systems. The bill also creates specific contract rules between public adjusters and insured clients. These changes directly affect public adjusters seeking to work in the state and the insured individuals who hire them. The law aims to clarify regulations for this category of adjusters while addressing gaps during insurance emergencies.

HB 5463 amends West Virginia law to increase liability insurance requirements for county school boards and their personnel. It mandates minimum $1 million liability coverage from the State Board of Risk and Insurance Management for teachers, administrators, superintendents, and school board members, plus $5 million in additional excess coverage that counties must purchase. The bill requires comprehensive coverage including malpractice, corporal punishment, and legal liability, along with annual written notice to all covered staff about their insurance details. This affects all public school employees and officials in county districts and participating public charter schools. The bill passed the House on March 3, 2026, and is now before the Senate Banking and Insurance committee.