Associated Press Published

Deadline for West Virginia State Worker Health Plans Ended Sunday

Doctor Patient Health Care Coverage

The deadline for state employees, retirees and teachers to sign up for or change health insurance plans ended on Sunday, May 15, 2016.

Sunday marked the last day to adjust Public Employees Insurance Agency benefits.

The plans offered for the 2017 fiscal year include $120 million in cuts, including higher copays, premiums and other costs for employees.

The cuts result from a budget shortfall. They could be at least partially restored if a state budget is passed. There would be another open enrollment.

Democratic Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin has called the Republican-led Legislature into budget session Monday. The next budget year begins July 1.

Tomblin and lawmakers are negotiating tax increases, cuts and use of reserves to cover a $270 million gap.

House Speaker Tim Armstead says the budget will fully fund PEIA.