By Beth Sergent, Charleston Gazette-Mail
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Reactions have been as expected to the Public Employees Insurance Agency’s proposed increases in health insurance costs for West Virginia’s public workers.
“I just think the whole thing is just a mess,” said Janie Burdette, a retired schoolteacher in Point Pleasant. “It’s been that way since the beginning of time.”
The PEIA presented that possible increase and others in a recent plan for Fiscal Year 2026. The PEIA Finance Board meets on Thursday to further review the proposal, as well as dates for public hearings.
What’s in the draft?
Here are the proposed PEIA cost changes in Fiscal Year 26 (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026):
- Premium increases of 14% for public employees in the state fund, or 16% in plans for local government entities
- 40% increase in deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums for employees and non-Medicare retirees
- Increase in the spousal surcharge from $149 to $350
- Other increases in copays — including certain therapies, emergency room visits, inpatient and pharmacy charges
