This bill aims to amend the Code of West Virginia by introducing new sections that mandate health benefit plans to cover oral health medical procedures necessary due to the side effects of cancer treatments. Specifically, it requires that any policy, plan, or contract issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2026, must include coverage for procedures related to surgery, chemotherapy, biotherapy, pharmacology, immunotherapy, or radiation. The coverage encompasses a wide range of services, including evaluations, examinations, patient education, laboratory assessments, medications, treatments, restoration, rehabilitation, medical devices, and prosthetics that are essential for restoring functions associated with eating, breathing, voice, speech, and swallowing.

Additionally, the bill stipulates 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. The overarching goal of the legislation is to create the Oral Health and Cancer Rights Act, ensuring that individuals undergoing cancer treatment receive comprehensive support for their oral health needs as a critical aspect of their overall care.

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