This bill amends the Code of West Virginia by adding seven new sections that mandate health benefit plans to provide coverage for oral health medical procedures necessary due to the side effects of cancer treatments. The coverage will apply to policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2026, and will include a range of procedures such as evaluations, examinations, patient education, laboratory assessments, medications, treatments, restoration, rehabilitation, medical devices, and prosthetics. These provisions aim to support patients undergoing various cancer treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, biotherapy, pharmacology, immunotherapy, or radiation.

Additionally, the bill requires the Public Employees Insurance Agency and the Bureau of Medical Services to report to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance on the costs associated with these changes one year after implementation. This legislative effort seeks to ensure that individuals affected by cancer have access to necessary oral health care, thereby improving their overall quality of life during and after treatment.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 5-16-8b, 9-5-34, 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