In this ongoing, occasional series, Appalachia Health News Reporter Emily Rice untangles the complexities and ever-changing regulations of Medicaid after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Stories

Emily Rice,Apr. 25, 2024

Advocates, Lawmakers Worry For Future Of Medicaid In W.Va.

Health care services for nearly 30 percent of West Virginia’s population may be difficult to access if lawmakers don’t fully fund the Medicaid program in an expected special session.

Emily Rice,Apr. 23, 2024

State Health Officials Announce Completion Of Medicaid Unwinding

The West Virginia Department of Human Services Bureau for Medical Services released updated data following the completion of the state’s Medicaid unwinding period.

Emily Rice,Apr. 18, 2024

Lawmakers Question State Medicaid Officials About Budget Cuts

Lawmakers had the opportunity to ask questions of state health leaders about the state’s IDD Waiver program. during a meeting of the Joint Health Committee.

Emily Rice,Dec. 13, 2023

Medicaid Deficit Looms

West Virginia Medicaid is facing a budget deficit in 2024.

Emily Rice,May. 16, 2023

Options In Health Insurance Marketplaces

Since the end of the Public Health Emergency and the unrolling of Medicaid, health insurance workers are already seeing an uptick in inquiries.

Emily Rice,Mar. 23, 2023

Unite Us W.Va. Provides Assistance During Rollback Of Pandemic Benefits

Now that the state public health emergency has ended, monthly SNAP benefits have returned to the pre-COVID-19 public health emergency level based on the household’s income, assets, household size, and other non-financial factors. 

Emily Rice,Mar. 01, 2023

Unwinding Medicaid: Changes To SNAP Worry Food Security Advocates

Advocates and officials are warning that upcoming changes to SNAP benefits could put West Virginia households and food banks in jeopardy.

Emily Rice,Feb. 21, 2023

Setting The Stage: The Consolidated Appropriations Act

During the COVID-19 pandemic, benefits were expanded and restrictions loosened to help immediate needs across the country. Now, federal lawmakers are reigning in this spending through actions such as the Consolidated Appropriations Act.

Emily Rice,Feb. 17, 2023

Lawmakers Consider Affordable Medicaid Buy-in Program

To remedy the financial strain on West Virginia families, lawmakers are considering a bill to create a high-quality, low-cost health insurance plan for low income residents to pay a low monthly premium based on a sliding scale.