HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 56

(By Delegates Howell, Hill, Hamrick, Summers, Moore, Criss, Maynard, Householder, Butler, Espinosa and Atkinson)

[Introduced February 8, 2018; Referred to the Committee on Rules]

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the Public Employees Insurance Agency and potential alternative methods to control healthcare costs.

Whereas, The State of West Virginia provides health insurance to its employees through the Public Employees Insurance Agency. As healthcare costs rise, PEIA must continue to search for ways to provide healthcare to all of its members in the most cost-efficient manner possible, without solely relying on increasing premiums and deductibles. In doing so, PEIA should consider new and innovative ways to control costs while adequately serving the needs of its members, including telehealth services and employment of medical providers that specifically serve PEIA members in local areas; and

Whereas, The Legislature finds that, considering the enormity, fiscal impact and complexity of the issues involved in PEIA health insurance coverage facing this state, it should study the feasibility of alternative and innovative methods of reducing healthcare costs; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study the PEIA and methods used to offset rising healthcare costs, including, but not limited to, telehealth services and onsite health services for minor ailments; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2019, on its findings, conclusions, and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report, and to draft necessary legislation, be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.