This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to require health benefit plans to provide coverage for habilitative and rehabilitative services specifically for the treatment of stuttering, effective January 1, 2026. Under this legislation, any policy, plan, or contract issued or renewed must cover these services without imposing deductibles, per visit charges, or copayments. The bill also defines "habilitative services" and "rehabilitative services," ensuring that both types of speech therapy are included in the coverage, regardless of whether the stuttering is classified as developmental.

Furthermore, the bill prohibits any maximum annual benefit limits on the required coverage and prevents restrictions based on the underlying cause of the stuttering. It also eliminates utilization management requirements, such as prior authorization, and mandates that coverage must include both in-person and telehealth options, ensuring compliance with privacy regulations. These provisions aim to enhance access to necessary speech therapy services for individuals affected by stuttering, ultimately promoting better health outcomes.

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