West Virginia employees, teachers fearing big PEIA health cost increases

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) — West Virginia state employees and teachers are facing potentially large increases in what they pay for their PEIA health plan, and critics say it will wipe out any recent pay increases.

This fight over health insurance is becoming an annual event at the State Capitol.

When West Virginia teachers went on strike in 2018, and 2019, they were not just looking for higher salaries. They were also fighting to stop increases to their PEIA health insurance costs, as well as cuts to benefits.

Now the problem is making headlines again. PEIA is discussing a 14% increase in employee health premiums. It is also looking at a 40% hike in medical deductibles and doubling the premium to get coverage for a spouse.

Gov. Jim Justice (R-WV) says more pay raises are needed, but union leaders say that’s never enough.

“With the additional 14% premium increase and then the benefit cuts, that you’re looking at. You’re looking at about a 40% to 42% of the bearing of the costs on the employees. And that’s really just unfair,” said Dale Lee, President of the West Virginia Education Association.

“Within the constraints of minding the store, you know do everything you can possibly do to give people additional pay raises to offset PEIA. Sure, I’d do it,” said Gov. Jim Justice, (R) West Virginia.

PEIA cites rising medical costs, especially for prescription drugs. It anticipates those costs will rise by more than $113 million in the next year.

Teachers’ unions say the next legislature and governor need to put more funding in place for PEIA.

There is also a timing issue here. PEIA must have its plan in place by Jan. 1, but the legislature will not be in session until mid-February.

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