The proposed bill aims to amend the Code of West Virginia by introducing a new section, 5-16-33, known as the Mens Equality Act. This legislation mandates that the West Virginia Public Employees Insurance plan provide 100 percent coverage for voluntary male sterilization procedures. It establishes specific requirements to ensure that participants or beneficiaries receiving these benefits are not denied eligibility or penalized in any way that would circumvent the coverage mandated by this section.

Additionally, the bill outlines that health benefit plans and insurers retain the right to negotiate reimbursement levels with providers, as long as they comply with the coverage requirements. The provisions of this new section are set to be included in any policy, contract, or plan delivered after July 1, 2025. Overall, the Mens Equality Act seeks to enhance access to voluntary male sterilization for public employees in West Virginia by ensuring comprehensive insurance coverage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 5-16-33