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 new sections, designated as 5-16-8b, 9-5-34, 33-15-24, 33-16-20, 33-24-15, 33-25-23, and 33-25A-37, specify that policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2026, must cover a range of procedures related to cancer treatment, including evaluations, examinations, patient education, laboratory assessments, medications, treatments, restoration, rehabilitation, medical devices, and prosthetics.

Additionally, the bill requires that one year after implementation, the Public Employees Insurance Agency and the Bureau of Medical Services must report to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance regarding the costs associated with these changes. This legislation aims to ensure that individuals undergoing cancer treatment receive comprehensive support for oral health issues that may arise as a consequence of their 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