This bill proposes the addition of a new section, 9-5-34, to the Code of West Virginia, aimed at enhancing the integrity of the Medicaid program by requiring the Bureau for Medical Services (BMS) to verify and remove deceased enrollees from the Medicaid rolls. The BMS will conduct monthly data matches between Medicaid eligibility files and official death records from the West Virginia Department of Health and the Social Security Administration's Death Master File. Upon confirmation of an enrollee's death, the BMS is mandated to terminate their eligibility and cease payments effective from the date of death.

Additionally, the bill authorizes the BMS to enter into data-sharing agreements with relevant agencies and mandates the West Virginia Office of Inspector General to perform annual audits of the verification process. The BMS is also required to submit an annual report to the Legislative Oversight Commission on Health and Human Resources Accountability, detailing the number of deceased enrollees removed and the estimated cost savings. The provisions of this section are set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 9-5-34
Engrossed Version: 9-5-34