Del. Matthew Rohrbach

Maddy summaryHB 5573 creates a new Rural Medical Residency Program focused specifically on obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) for rural hospitals in West Virginia. The bill directs the Rural Health Initiative to fund this program using existing Rural Health Initiative resources or other legislative appropriations. It prioritizes OB/GYN care - a critical need in rural "health care deserts" where access is limited - as part of the state’s strategy to address shortages of primary care physicians. The program will operate within rural hospitals and align with the Rural Health Initiative Act’s goals to improve health care accessibility in underserved areas.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative House resolution honoring former West Virginia House Speaker and Chief Justice Timothy P. Armstead following his passing. It memorializes his service, names a conference room in the House as the "Speaker Tim Armstead Memorial Conference Room," and extends condolences to his family. The resolution does not create new laws or affect policy - it formally recognizes his legacy and contributions to West Virginia.

Maddy summaryHB 5553 allows West Virginia's Public Employees Insurance Agency (PEIA) and the Department of Human Services to voluntarily join federal prescription drug pricing programs, such as those using international reference pricing models. The bill permits these agencies to negotiate drug prices directly with manufacturers or use federal benchmarks for reimbursement, but only if it saves money for the state and maintains beneficiary access to necessary medications. It explicitly prohibits requiring the state to adopt federal drug lists or override existing state pharmacy benefit rules. Both agencies must report annually to the legislature on program participation, estimated savings, and any access issues.

Maddy summaryHB 5365 regulates pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) that provide prescription drug coverage services to West Virginia's Public Employees Insurance Agency (PEIA). The bill amends state code to create a special investigating unit within PEIA and grants the Insurance Commissioner authority to investigate PBM practices. It defines key terms related to PEIA operations and establishes oversight mechanisms for PBMs handling state employee health benefits. This bill directly affects PEIA and its contracted PBM providers, focusing on increasing transparency and accountability in prescription drug benefit management. The legislation is currently in committee review (House Banking and Insurance) after introduction on February 9, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 5483 requires health insurers and pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) to include all cost-sharing payments (like copays or deductibles) made by patients or others when calculating a patient's total out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs. It applies annual cost-sharing limits to all health plans sold in West Virginia and prohibits insurers or PBMs from altering coverage terms based on whether a patient has financial assistance for a drug. The bill directly affects patients using prescription drugs, insurers, PBMs, and third-party administrators, ensuring their coverage terms remain unchanged regardless of available drug financial help. Violations carry civil penalties up to $10,000 per incident, with restitution required for affected patients. The law takes effect for new plans on or after January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 6) expresses the West Virginia House of Delegates' support for developing natural gas pipeline infrastructure, specifically an intra-Panhandle pipeline connecting western gas fields to the Eastern Panhandle. It aims to improve access to locally produced natural gas for residents, support industrial and commercial growth, and create jobs across the state. The resolution highlights West Virginia's status as a top natural gas producer and notes that existing pipelines transport most output out of state, while Maryland's opposition to pipeline extensions is cited as a barrier. It does not create new laws or funding but urges responsible infrastructure expansion to boost economic development. As a procedural resolution, it has no direct legal effect but signals legislative backing for pipeline projects.

Maddy summaryHB 5509, the Mountain Homes Act, establishes a state-funded program to support housing construction for workers in West Virginia as the state's economy diversifies beyond energy. The bill creates the Mountain Homes Fund, which will provide financial assistance for new housing projects targeting the workforce needed to support businesses and economic development. Applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria and submit detailed applications, with the Department of Economic Development administering the fund and reporting to the legislature on its use. The program aims to remove funding barriers for housing construction, directly benefiting workers and businesses by improving housing availability in growing economic sectors.

Maddy summaryHB 5482 protects patient access to clinician-administered medications by prohibiting health insurers and pharmacy benefit managers from interfering with coverage. It stops insurers from refusing payment for these medications when medical necessity is met, charging extra fees beyond standard cost-sharing, or forcing patients to use specific pharmacies. The bill ensures patients can receive these medications directly from their chosen provider or pharmacy, without penalty, while allowing insurers to maintain standard cost-sharing and medical necessity requirements. It directly affects patients, healthcare providers, and insurers by clarifying coverage rules for medications requiring professional administration in clinical settings.

Maddy summaryHB 5470 requires pharmacy benefits managers to include all cost-sharing amounts paid by patients or others when calculating their out-of-pocket costs for prescriptions. It applies annual cost-sharing limits to all health plans sold in West Virginia and prohibits insurers or pharmacy managers from changing coverage terms based on the availability of drug assistance programs. The bill directly affects insured patients and health plans by preventing hidden cost-shifting and ensuring transparency in how deductibles and copays are calculated. Violations carry civil penalties up to $10,000 per incident, and the provisions take effect for plans issued on or after January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 5425 amends West Virginia law to clarify how urban renewal authorities and land reuse agencies can acquire property. It specifically allows these agencies to purchase tax-delinquent properties meeting certain criteria (such as being valued under $100,000, vacant for 24+ months, or having municipal liens exceeding back taxes) with priority over other buyers. The bill requires municipalities to provide lists of qualifying properties to agencies and grants them the right to buy these properties by paying outstanding taxes. This directly affects urban renewal authorities, municipalities, and property owners with tax-delinquent properties in redevelopment zones.