This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to establish a cap on insurance copayments for terminally ill insureds. Specifically, it stipulates that individuals diagnosed with a "terminal illness" cannot be charged more than $500 in copayments for services rendered by licensed occupational and physical therapists, as well as speech-language pathologists, for an entire year. The definition of "terminal illness" is clarified to mean an illness or condition that cannot be cured and is expected to lead to death within six months or less.

Additionally, the bill ensures that the copayment cap applies to services provided by these licensed professionals and cannot exceed the copayment amounts charged for primary care or osteopathic physician services. The limitation on copayments will remain in effect annually until the insured's death. This legislative change aims to alleviate the financial burden on terminally ill patients by capping their out-of-pocket expenses for necessary therapeutic services.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 33-15-23