Public Employees in West Virginia Rally Against Proposed Insurance Rate Hikes
Public employees turn out to voice concerns over proposed insurance increases
The Journal | Wednesday, November 13, 2024
The Journal reports on a public hearing held by the Public Employees Insurance Agency (PEIA) Finance Board in Martinsburg, where local public employees and retirees voiced strong opposition to proposed insurance rate increases, including a 14% premium hike for current employees and a 12% increase for retirees. Many expressed concerns about the affordability of these increases, especially amidst ongoing issues in the state's PEIA system, and some educators threatened to leave West Virginia for better opportunities in neighboring states. The meeting highlighted frustrations with the Legislature’s inaction on necessary reforms, emphasizing the urgent need for stability in the insurance plan.