State Board of Education Calls On Lawmakers To Act On PEIA

The state Board of Education has joined with local boards across West Virginia calling on lawmakers to stabilize public insurance. 

Board members voted unanimously at their meeting Wednesday to support a resolution to stabilize the Public Employees Insurance Agency (PEIA). Similar action has been taken by all 55 county-level boards of education. 

The resolution urges the West Virginia Legislature and the governor to ensure insurance is sustainable and affordable for public employees. The document also argues that PEIA is crucial to recruitment as the state continues to deal with staffing shortages for teachers and staff.

PEIA’s finance board adopted its 2026 fiscal year plan in December that included a much-disputed increase to premiums and other costs for current members. 

Rates will increase starting in July between 12% and 16%, meaning deductibles and out of pocket maximums will increase by an average of more than $300. The increases follow a multi-year freeze on premium increases during Sen. Jim Justice’s tenure as governor.

The legislature did not take action on PEIA during its regular session earlier this year, but within weeks of its conclusion, Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced plans to call a special session to address PEIA funding and other issues.