W.Va. Public Workers Could Face More Cuts in Health Benefits

West Virginia public workers could face another round of health insurance benefit cuts.

Public Employees Insurance Agency executive director Ted Cheatham says the agency has to cut about $60 million for the 2016-2017 plan because state funding isn’t expected to increase.

Cheatham tells The Charleston Gazette-Mail that PEIA staff will present a list of possible cuts to the agency’s Finance Board in October. Following public hearings in November, the board will approve the 2016-2017 plan in December.

The PEIA imposed $40 million in cuts for the current plan that went into effect July 1. Those cuts were achieved primarily through increasing deductibles and co-pays.

The agency provides health insurance for employees of the state, public schools and other government entities.