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 include conditions that cannot be cured and are expected to lead to death within six months or less. This copayment limitation will remain in effect until the insured's death.

Additionally, the bill ensures that the copayment for these services cannot exceed the amount charged for primary care or osteopathic physician services. It mandates that insurance policies clearly outline the availability of coverage for occupational therapy, speech-language therapy, and physical therapy, along with any related limitations or exclusions. Overall, the bill aims to alleviate the financial burden on terminally ill patients by capping their out-of-pocket expenses for essential therapeutic services.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 33-15-23