West Virginia Won’t Change Funding for State Workers’ Comp Plan in 2019
West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice says there will be no change in state funding for the state employees’ public insurance plan next year in a letter to the agency’s director.
The Charleston Gazette-Mail reports Justice said in the letter that state funding next year will total $575 million, which is unchanged from this year. The letter is required by law to be sent by Oct. 15 so the PEIA Finance Board can develop a benefits plan.
Justice pledged on Oct. 2 to put $100 million toward the insurance plan.
Justice’s chief of staff Mike Hall said in a statement that the additional funding isn’t included because the governor has made a proposal, but it must be approved by the legislature. Hall said the intent of the $100 million is to create a PEIA stability fund separate from the general fund.