Healthcare

in committee · West Virginia · Senate Jan 16, 2026

SB 464: Requiring insurance coverage for biomarker testing

SB 464 requires health insurance plans in West Virginia, including the Public Employees Insurance Act, to cover biomarker testing when ordered by a physician for diagnosis, treatment, or monitoring of a disease, provided the test is medically indicated and has clinical utility. Biomarker testing - such as analyzing tissue or blood samples to identify gene mutations or protein markers that guide treatment decisions - must be based on evidence like FDA approvals, national medical guidelines (e.g., from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network), or Medicare coverage determinations. Insurers must provide a clear online process for appealing coverage denials and avoid requiring multiple biopsies that disrupt care. The bill does not cover routine screening before a diagnosis and mandates the Public Employees Insurance Agency to report implementation costs to the legislature after one year.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates insurance coverage for medically necessary biomarker testing, expanding patient access to diagnostic services without financial barriers.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Medicare

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in committee · West Virginia · Senate Jan 15, 2026

SB 408: Prohibiting laws coercing person to use medical product

SB 408 prohibits state laws from requiring anyone to receive or use a medical product, such as vaccines or treatments. It also bans penalties or denial of benefits (like healthcare access or services) for refusing a medical product or refusing to disclose whether one has been used. This bill directly affects all West Virginia residents subject to state health regulations regarding medical products. The law amends West Virginia Code §16-3-1 to ensure individual choice in medical care without state coercion or punitive consequences. It applies to all medical products covered under state health laws, including those related to infectious disease prevention.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProtects patient autonomy by banning mandates and penalties for refusing medical products, aligning with patient rights in healthcare access and choice.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 26, 2026

HB 4826: Relating to petition for involuntary treatment for drug and alcohol abuse

HB 4826 establishes a legal process for involuntary treatment of individuals with substance use disorders in West Virginia. It directly affects people who meet strict criteria (having a substance use disorder, posing an imminent danger to self/others, and likely benefiting from treatment) and their family members or friends who file petitions. Key provisions require verified petitions from petitioners (like spouses or relatives) guaranteeing treatment costs, court hearings within 72 hours, and medical evaluations by qualified professionals before ordering 60-day or 360-day treatment. The bill also creates a 72-hour emergency hospitalization option for immediate danger, requiring court approval based on strong evidence. All procedures must follow specific court oversight to protect patient rights.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill establishes involuntary treatment for substance abuse as alternative to criminal justice involvement, promoting rehabilitation and reducing recidivism per criminal justice reform indicators.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill creates legal process for involuntary treatment of substance use disorders, improving access to mental health services and aligning with healthcare support indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Mental Health Substance Abuse

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signed · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jun 29, 2026

HB 4610: Safeguard the Right-To-Try Cutting-Edge Medicine Act

HB 4610 allows terminally ill patients in West Virginia to access experimental, individually tailored medical treatments (like gene therapies) when standard FDA-approved options have been exhausted. It defines "eligible patients" as those with life-threatening illnesses who have consulted a physician, considered all approved treatments, and provided written consent detailing treatment risks and alternatives. Key provisions require healthcare providers to document patient eligibility, obtain specific informed consent covering potential outcomes, and prohibit debt collection from estates if a patient dies during treatment. The bill also protects healthcare providers from sanctions for offering these treatments and clarifies that it does not affect health insurers' obligations to cover clinical trial participation.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill expands patient access to experimental treatments for terminally ill patients when standard options fail, aligning with 'improves patient access' and 'protects patient rights' indicators.95% confidence

in committee · West Virginia · Senate Jan 14, 2026

SB 160: Creating mental hygiene regions by Supreme Court of Appeals

SB 160 restructures West Virginia's mental health evaluation and commitment system by creating mental hygiene regions overseen by the Supreme Court of Appeals. It requires video technology for evaluations and hearings (with facilities providing compliant tech), removes licensed counselors/social workers as approved examiners, and establishes time limits: no civil commitment longer than 120 days without a hearing, and mandatory hearings for commitments exceeding 90 days. The bill also creates temporary observation releases and mandates certified mental health centers to provide 24/7 examiner coverage in each region. This directly affects individuals in mental health proceedings, mental health facilities, and the Supreme Court's administrative role in overseeing regional commissioners.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes time limits on civil commitments, mandates hearings, and requires video tech for mental health evaluations, protecting patient rights and improving access to mental health services.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

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in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 22, 2026

HB 4757: Establishing privacy regarding medical treatments

HB 4757 (West Virginia, 2026) prohibits requiring patients to receive, be administered, or disclose medical treatment history unless the manufacturer of the medical product is liable for death or serious injury caused by it. The bill directly affects patients and healthcare providers by blocking mandatory treatments or disclosure of medical product use, applying to all medical devices, drugs, and biologics. Its key mechanism requires manufacturer liability as a condition before any medical product use or disclosure can be mandated. The bill aims to establish privacy rights around medical treatments but does not create new penalties or enforcement procedures.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProtects patient privacy by prohibiting mandatory disclosure of medical treatment history unless manufacturer liable for harm, aligning with patient rights in healthcare policy.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill protects patient data privacy by prohibiting mandatory disclosure of medical treatment history, directly aligning with data privacy as a core technology policy area.95% confidence

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in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 14, 2026

HB 4197: Mandating health insurance coverage treatment of pediatric patients diagnoced with PANDAS or PANS

HB 4197 requires all health insurance plans in West Virginia to cover medically necessary treatments for pediatric patients diagnosed with PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) or PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome). The bill mandates coverage for specific treatments including antibiotics, medications, behavioral therapies, immunomodulating medicines, plasma exchange, and IVIG therapy, without higher copays or deductibles than other covered services. Insurers cannot deny or delay coverage based on prior treatment history, alternative diagnoses (like autoimmune encephalopathy), or previous coverage for similar conditions. This applies to all group health insurance plans and managed care organizations issued or renewed in West Virginia on or after January 1, 2027.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates insurance coverage for specific pediatric treatments without higher copays, expanding access to necessary care for PANDAS/PANS patients.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Children's Health Insurance

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in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 14, 2026

HB 4150: Pertaining to the right of lawful medical cannabis card holders, and their caregivers

HB 4150 would amend West Virginia law to protect medical cannabis card holders and their caregivers from being denied the right to own, purchase, or possess firearms solely because of their medical cannabis status. The bill explicitly prohibits state and local authorities from restricting these firearm rights based on a person's status as a medical cannabis patient or caregiver. Existing restrictions on firearm possession - such as those for felony convictions, mental health issues, or domestic violence - remain in place. This bill does not override federal law, which still prohibits firearm ownership for cannabis users under federal law.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProtects medical cannabis patients' rights by preventing firearm restrictions based on healthcare status, aligning with patient rights in healthcare policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

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in committee · West Virginia · Senate Jan 23, 2026

SB 518: Relating to cost-sharing requirements for breast examinations

West Virginia's SB 518 prohibits health insurance plans from requiring copays, deductibles, or other out-of-pocket costs for specific breast examinations. It applies to "diagnostic" exams (used to evaluate suspicious findings) and "supplemental" exams (high-risk screening based on personal/family history), covering services like mammograms, ultrasounds, or MRIs. The law takes effect for all new or renewed insurance policies in West Virginia starting July 1, 2027, and includes one exception for Health Savings Account plans under federal rules. This directly affects insurers selling health coverage in West Virginia and patients needing these medically necessary breast exams.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill eliminates cost-sharing for breast exams (mammograms, ultrasounds), expanding access to preventive care and protecting patient rights by removing out-of-pocket barriers.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance

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in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 19, 2026

HB 4539: Requiring health insurers provide price information to consumers timely prior to rate change

HB 4539 requires health insurers in West Virginia to send written notices to policyholders at least 30 days before open enrollment about upcoming premium rate changes. The notice must clearly show the exact dollar amount and percentage increase, the new effective date, and any changes to benefits or plan details - all in bold 16-point font - along with information about public health programs like Medicaid. Insurers cannot implement rate changes until after open enrollment closes. This bill directly affects all consumers with health insurance policies in the state who face premium adjustments.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates transparent insurer rate change notices with clear pricing details, protecting consumer rights and improving access to healthcare cost information per bill's requirements.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Medicaid Public Health

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