Healthcare

in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Feb 18, 2026

HB 4984: Generic use of antipsychotics in Medicaid

HB 4984 modifies West Virginia's prior authorization rules for FDA-approved antipsychotic medications. It requires the Bureau for Medical Services to use an electronic portal for all prior authorization requests, including clear instructions, real-time status updates, and a quarterly updated science-based list of required authorizations. The bill mandates responses within five business days (or two days for urgent cases) and requires clear disclosure about step therapy protocols on forms. This directly affects healthcare providers submitting requests and patients needing these medications, aiming to streamline the approval process for antipsychotics.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareStreamlines prior authorization for antipsychotics, improving patient access via faster processing, real-time updates, and transparent step therapy disclosures.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid Mental Health

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in committee · West Virginia · Senate Jan 19, 2026

SB 477: Authorizing pharmacists to dispense ivermectin

This bill allows West Virginia pharmacists to dispense Ivermectin for human use under two conditions: through a collaborative agreement with a prescriber or, once the FDA approves it for over-the-counter sale, without a prescription. When dispensing without a prescription, pharmacists must provide an FDA-approved patient information sheet and no consultation is required. The bill also shields pharmacists and healthcare providers from civil, criminal, or disciplinary action when following these provisions in good faith. The OTC dispensing provision will take effect immediately upon FDA approval, while other parts of the bill become effective 90 days after passage.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill expands pharmacist dispensing of ivermectin without prescription (post-FDA approval), improving patient access to medication as a healthcare service.95% confidence

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in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 29, 2026

HB 4348: Relating to health insurance for living organ donors

HB 4348 prohibits health insurance companies in West Virginia from denying coverage, increasing premiums, or canceling policies for individuals who have donated an organ while alive (living organ donors). The law specifically applies to sickness, disability, and long-term care insurance policies issued or renewed after July 1, 2026. Insurers cannot refuse coverage, limit benefits, or impose higher costs solely because someone is a living organ donor, even if no additional health risks are present. This directly protects living organ donors from insurance discrimination while ensuring they maintain access to these essential coverage types.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProhibits insurers from denying coverage or raising premiums for living organ donors, protecting patient rights and ensuring access to health insurance coverage.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Long-Term Care

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in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 30, 2026

HB 4306: Relating to authorizing the Board of Osteopathic Medicine to promulgate a legislative rule relating to emergency temporary permits to practice during States of Emergency or States of Preparedness.

HB 4306 authorizes the West Virginia Board of Osteopathic Medicine to establish a rule (24 CSR 09) allowing osteopathic physicians to obtain temporary practice permits during declared states of emergency or preparedness. This rule would directly affect osteopathic doctors by enabling them to provide care without meeting all standard licensing requirements during crises. The bill formalizes a rule previously filed in the State Register on March 27, 2025, creating a streamlined process for emergency permits. The key mechanism is the authorization of this specific rule to address healthcare workforce gaps during emergencies.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAuthorizes temporary practice permits for osteopathic physicians during emergencies, improving access to healthcare services in crisis situations.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Medical Licensing

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in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 20, 2026

HJR 19: Relating to permitting excess levies or increases in maximum rates limited exclusively to fire protection and emergency medical services

HJR 19 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow local governments (counties, municipalities) to approve additional tax increases specifically for fire protection and emergency medical services (EMS) with a simple majority vote (50% plus one vote) instead of the current 60% requirement for all other tax increases. This change would apply only to levies limited exclusively to fire/EMS funding, with a three-year maximum duration and a cap preventing increases from exceeding 50% above existing tax rates. The amendment requires voter approval in the 2026 general election and leaves the 60% threshold unchanged for all other tax increases. It does not alter existing tax exemptions or revenue distribution rules.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllows local governments to fund fire/EMS services via lower-vote tax increases (50%+1), directly advancing essential public service funding under Budget & Taxes.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill enables tax increases specifically for emergency medical services (EMS), a healthcare service, strengthening funding for emergency medical access and support.90% confidence

Tags Public Safety

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signed · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jun 29, 2026

HB 4089: Preservation of hair during chemotherapy. Also known as the “Jessica Huffman Bill”

HB 4089, known as "Jessica Huffman's Law," requires health insurers in West Virginia to cover scalp cooling systems for patients undergoing cancer chemotherapy starting January 1, 2027. The bill mandates that any insurance policy covering chemotherapy must include coverage for these devices - described as tools to prevent hair loss during treatment - as defined by Medicare and Medicaid. This applies to policies issued or renewed after 2026, with coverage subject to standard deductibles and coinsurance like other medical benefits. The law directly affects cancer patients seeking hair preservation and insurers offering chemotherapy coverage.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates insurer coverage for scalp cooling during chemo, expanding access to a quality-of-life treatment under health insurance policies.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid Medicare

in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 20, 2026

HB 4619: Relating to the creation of a special revenue account to expand in-state residential treatment capacity for children

HB 4619 creates a special revenue account within West Virginia’s Department of Human Services to fund expanded in-state residential treatment capacity for children, directly targeting youth currently placed out-of-state (over 10% of children in care). It establishes a Commission composed of agency leaders and stakeholders to study current placement practices, in-state facility capacity, and strategies to reduce out-of-state placements - focusing on older youth in juvenile justice systems. The Commission must develop recommendations on improving collaboration between child-serving agencies, promoting community-based alternatives, and making in-state placement availability accessible via an online system. These recommendations will guide future funding decisions and policy changes to build a more integrated, cost-effective system for at-risk children and families.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates special revenue account to fund residential treatment expansion, increasing state budget allocation for public service90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareFunds expanded in-state residential treatment for children, directly supporting mental health services by reducing out-of-state placements and increasing local capacity for youth in juvenile justice systems.95% confidence

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in committee · West Virginia · Senate Jan 20, 2026

SB 519: Establishing insurance provisions requiring coverage for annual breast cancer screenings

This bill requires health insurance plans in West Virginia to cover annual mammograms for women aged 40 and older without needing a doctor's order first. It also mandates coverage for mammograms for women under 40 with breast cancer risk factors (like family history), based on medical necessity as determined by their provider. These requirements apply to all individual and group health insurance policies delivered, issued, or renewed in West Virginia on or after January 1, 2026. The policy affects all women in the state who have health insurance through these plans, ensuring coverage aligns with current medical guidelines for breast cancer screening.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates insurance coverage for preventive breast cancer screenings without prior authorization, expanding access to early detection services for specified populations.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance

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signed · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jun 29, 2026

HB 4965: Relating to patient-centered treatment flexibility within the Public Employees Insurance Agency

HB 4965 allows state employees and retirees covered by the Public Employees Insurance Agency (PEIA) to switch to an alternative medical treatment for the same diagnosed condition without needing new pre-approval, provided the alternative is medically appropriate and costs no more than the originally authorized treatment. The bill requires healthcare providers to document the medical necessity of the switch and ensures PEIA cannot deny coverage solely for not having separate pre-approval. It does not change existing covered benefits or affect treatments for new conditions, and PEIA may still deny claims for fraud or improper billing. This policy aims to reduce delays in care while maintaining cost control for the insurance program.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRemoves pre-approval barriers for treatment switches under PEIA, improves access to alternative medical options, and prevents coverage denial for lack of separate pre-approval.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentExpands healthcare benefits access for state employees without unnecessary pre-approval barriers, strengthening employment benefits under PEIA coverage.95% confidence

in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 19, 2026

HB 4505: Requiring each county school board to employ at least one full time school nurse

HB 4505 requires every West Virginia county school board to employ at least one full-time school nurse at each public school serving kindergarten through seventh grade. The requirement applies for every 1,500 students enrolled (or major fraction thereof), with counties able to contract with public health departments for equivalent services if approved. County boards may apply for state funds to cover costs exceeding the basic nurse requirement, particularly for students with specialized health needs. The bill also mandates that nurses be licensed registered professionals and outlines training standards for school employees who may assist with certain health procedures under supervision.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates school nurses for K-7 schools, improving student health services (a key aspect of school infrastructure) and enabling state funding support for implementation.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandating school nurses directly improves student access to healthcare services in schools, advancing public health access for K-7 students as required by the bill.95% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education Student Health Healthcare Workforce Public Health

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