Hearings to Be Held for PEIA Changes

Gov. Jim Justice says the West Virginia Public Employees Insurance Agency finance board will conduct public hearings this month on his proposal to change its policy to reduce premiums for families that have two state incomes, including teachers. Under Justice’s proposal, premiums for families with more than one state employee would be based on half of their combined state income. That would result in significantly lower premiums compared to increases scheduled to start on July 1. According to the governor’s office, Justice’s proposal pertains to 5,120 state employees. Hearings have been scheduled for Feb. 12 in Charleston, Feb. 13 in Morgantown and Feb. 14 in Beckley. The finance board is scheduled to meet on Feb. 20 to consider acting on the proposal.