This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to require health benefit plans to cover habilitative and rehabilitative services for stuttering, effective January 1, 2026. It mandates that any policy, plan, or contract issued or renewed must include these services without imposing deductibles, per visit charges, or copayments. The bill also defines "habilitative services" and "rehabilitative services," ensuring comprehensive coverage that includes both in-person and telehealth options.

Furthermore, the legislation prohibits maximum annual benefit limits and restrictions based on the underlying cause of stuttering, emphasizing that both habilitative and rehabilitative speech therapy must be covered regardless of whether the stuttering is classified as developmental. The bill aims to improve access to necessary speech therapy services, thereby promoting better health outcomes for individuals affected by stuttering.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 5-16-8b, 33-15-24, 33-16-20, 33-24-15, 33-25-23, 33-25A-37
Committee Substitute: 5-16-8b, 9-5-34, 33-15-24, 33-16-20, 33-24-15, 33-25-23, 33-25A-37
Engrossed Committee Substitute: 5-16-8b, 9-5-34, 33-15-24, 33-16-20, 33-24-15, 33-25-23, 33-25A-37