By Steven Allen Adams, The Parkersburg News and Sentinel
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — While the West Virginia Public Employees Insurance Agency Finance Board is on the road for public meetings getting feedback from state government workers, local government workers, and retirees regarding proposed premium increases, lawmakers are considering changes to help address rising costs.
The Joint Standing Committee on Insurance and PEIA met Monday morning at the State Capitol Building on the second day of November legislative interim meetings.
Committee members heard a report from Brian Cunningham, director of the Public Employees Insurance Agency (PEIA). The PEIA Finance Board is considering changes to PEIA and Retiree Health Benefit Trust (RHBT) plans for fiscal year 2026 beginning July 1, 2025.
Under current proposals, state employees could face a 14% premium increase at a $27.3 million value, or an average increase of $31.50 per month. County and city employees participating in the local fund would see a 16% premium increase. Public employee retirees in the RHBT fund would see 12% premium increases.
