W. Va. Gov. Announces Federal Grant for Implementation of Health Insurance Plan

West Virginia Gov. Bob Wise announced that the West Virginia Insurance Commission has been approved for a $500,000 grant from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The federal grant, entitled “Seed Grants to States to Create Qualified High Risk Pools,” will be used exclusively for the creation and initial operation of the West Virginia Health Insurance Plan.

Wise proposed legislation establishing the West Virginia Health Insurance Plan earlier this year. The plan will provide insurance to West Virginians who cannot obtain insurance because of health conditions.

“Providing access to health care coverage to all citizens of West Virginia is vitally important,” Governor Wise said. “The West Virginia Health Insurance Plan addresses the access problems for many people who are not eligible for low income programs, such as Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Programs.”

Eligibility is based on rejection as an insured in the commercial individual accident and sickness market. The plan also will qualify for federal health care tax credits and will serve as an alternative to continuation coverage required under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.

“We are pleased to have met the criteria to receive this grant, and join the other 31 states that have created special state health insurance programs,” Insurance Commissioner Jane Cline added. “The establishment of the West Virginia Health Insurance Plan will not only improve the quality of life for West Virginia citizens, but also will help stabilize the state’s individual health insurance market.”

The West Virginia Health Insurance Plan will be funded by premiums as well as an increase in hospital assessments by the West Virginia Health Care Authority.

Topics Virginia West Virginia