June 26, 2004

State gets grant to start new insurance program

Patients rendered uninsurable by existing conditions would benefit

By The Associated Press

The state has received a $500,000 federal grant to launch a health insurance plan for West Virginians who cannot obtain coverage from private insurers because of existing medical conditions.

The funding from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will be used to establish the West Virginia Health Plan and pay for its initial operation, Gov. Bob Wise said Friday.

The plan will be funded by premiums and an increase in the West Virginia Health Care Authority’s assessments on hospitals, Wise said.

Lawmakers approved the insurance plan during this year’s regular session.

“Providing access to health care coverage to all citizens of West Virginia is vitally important,’’ Wise said. “The West Virginia Health Insurance Plan addresses the access problems for many people who are not eligible for low-income programs, such as Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance programs.’’

Insurance Commissioner Jane Cline said 31 other states have such insurance programs.