West Virginia health insurance Archives

New health insurance co-op comes to in West Virginia

May 23, 2014May 21, 2014 Nordstrom

New insurance cooperative has won approval to operate in West Virginia A new insurance cooperative is preparing to make its entrance into the West Virginia market. The Kentucky Health Cooperative has received approval from the state’s Offices of the Insurance Commissioner and will be able to offer its health insurance products in West Virginia beginning in November of this year. The policies offered by the cooperative will go into effect on January 1, 2015. The co-op may bring some much needed competition to the state’s insurance market, encouraging other insurance…

West Virginia weighs options on health insurance exchange

November 20, 2012November 19, 2012 Nordstrom

West Virginia may partner with federal government West Virginia is making strides in building a health insurance exchange program, but the state’s plans have hit a snag in the form of finances. The state, like others in the country, is required to host a health insurance exchange by the Affordable Care Act. Though some state officials have shown opposition to the federal health care law, West Virginia remains on track to comply with the law by 2014. The state will not run the exchange on its own, however, as state…

Report shows that West Virginia’s health insurance costs are rising dramatically

December 6, 2011December 6, 2011 Nordstrom

The Commonwealth Fund, a private foundation working to improve the health care system, has released a new report concerning the state of health insurance premiums in West Virginia. According to the report, premiums in the state have risen by 55% in the last decade, with deductibles jumping by 84% in the same amount of time. The report suggests that the state has the 14th highest premiums in the nation. This puts major financial stress on state residents as West Virginia is home to the lowest median income in the U.S.…

West Virginia continues to work toward a health insurance exchange backed by recommendations from state regulators

October 17, 2011May 7, 2013

Despite the controversy and vague fate of the Affordable Care Act, West Virginia will be continuing to adhere to one of the provisions of the federal law. State lawmakers have determined that a health insurance exchange would serve the needs of the state well and, earlier in the year, tasked state regulators with researching the steps necessary to make the initiative a reality. Regulators have issued a series of updates to lawmakers, bringing them up to speed on what must be done and where money is needed most. A great…

Health insurance exchange debate over agents role

March 9, 2011 S.Vagus

As states begin to take steps to establish their health insurance exchanges, private insurance agents in West Virginia are not quite enthusiastic of the efforts. State legislators are beginning t debate a pending bill that would create a state-run health insurance exchange. The measure could be passed this week, as Republicans who oppose the bill find themselves in the minority. Independent agent lobbyist, Gary Marion, argues that the bill would hamper agent’s ability to compete in the market. Health insurance exchanges act as a means for individuals and small groups…

West Virginia opts for the “hands off” approach in new health exchange program

February 25, 2011 Nordstrom

The West Virginian Senate has determined that the state will not be running its own insurance exchange program, opting instead to leave the reins in the hands of the federal government. All states are required to establish insurance exchanges by 2014 according to the Affordable Care Act, but they do have the option to choose whether or not to set it up themselves. The legislation that would pave the way for the exchange was shot down by a close voice vote. State Insurance Commissioner, Jane Cline, along with her office,…

Insurance bill covering autism under review

February 7, 2011 S.Vagus

Lawmakers in West Virginia are again mulling over a bill that would require both public and private insurance providers to offer coverage of autism spectrum disorders. There is hope among parents of autistic children as well as their supporters that the proposal will finally be approved and pushed into law. More than 23 other states already require insurers to provide autism coverage, increasing the pressure on legislators to make the change. Autism is a neurological disorder and comes in many forms. Typically, those with autism display difficulty communicating effectively, strained…