PEIA Premiums May Rise Again In Next Fiscal Year

Health insurance premiums for public employees will rise about 3% if a proposal before the Public Employees Insurance Agency (PEIA) Finance Board is approved. 

The proposal would also increase the amount of money employees have to pay to insure a spouse by an average of $200. 

All of the increases would take effect next July 1.

By holding premiums flat from 2018 to 2022, PEIA didn’t keep up with rising costs. Former Gov. Jim Justice pledged there would be no rate increases “on his watch.”

Since then, rates have gone up considerably. For the current fiscal year, employees faced a 14% premium increase. Previous increases were offset by pay raises, but state employees did not receive one this year. 

If the board’s five year plan is approved, premiums will increase 33.7% by 2030. 

If the proposal is approved: 

• Plan A will be named PPB Gold
• Plan B will be named PPB Silver
• Plan C will be named Gold High Deductible Plan
• Plan D will be named WV Bronze High Deductible Plan

Plan D will be converted into a lower cost plan. Premiums will decrease 34% and instead of a 80-20 plan it will drop to a 75-25 plan. The deductible will also increase by 425%. 

The PEIA board has scheduled a series of hearings to get feedback from the public about the proposed changes. 

The scheduled public hearings around the state are as follows:​

In-person location schedule:

5:30-6 p.m. Hearing registration. Everyone attending the meeting must sign in and indicate if they wish to speak. 

6 p.m. Public hearing. The proposals will be presented and audience comments will be recognized by the board. 

​If you can’t attend a hearing in person, please submit comments to the Finance Board in writing to: 601 57th St., SE, Suite 2, Charleston, WV 25304-2345, or via email to: PEIAComments@wv.gov​.​