Massive Overhaul of West Virginia Health System Urged

Few states spend as much on health care as West Virginia, but you wouldn’t know it from the results.

That has a new study urging major changes, both for health services generally and the government agency that helps to provide them.

The audit made public on April 21 by Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin says West Virginia ranks 4th among states for public health care spending per person. West Virginians also pay the 10th highest private health insurance premiums.

Yet the state remains among the unhealthiest. It has among the worst rates for heart disease deaths, obesity, adult diabetes and preventable injuries among seniors.

The audit recommends 78 ways the Department of Health and Human Resources can improve such services as Medicaid and child protection. These steps would save nearly $57 million annually.