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 applies to policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2026, and includes 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 in restoring functions related to eating, breathing, voice, speech, and swallowing that may be affected by cancer treatments like 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 enhance the quality of care for cancer patients by ensuring that necessary oral health procedures are covered under their health plans, thereby addressing a critical aspect of their overall health and recovery.

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