MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Members of the PEIA Task Force heard concerns about the insurance program at a public hearing Friday evening in Morgantown.
The meeting was part of an effort to allow West Virginians to voice their concerns about the Public Employees Insurance Agency, including costs and coverage. The public outreach subcommittee will provide the full body with information from the meetings in hopes of finding a long-term solution.
Annette Santilli, the administrator of the Barbour County Health Department, spoke about high insurance costs and communications issues in making sure people have access. She began her remarks by sharing a social media post from a friend.
“‘We pay out the rear for medical coverage for your family and still pay out the rear for co-pays and deductibles,'” Santilli read aloud. “‘It’s a shame I have to ask myself twice if I really do need to go to the doctor or have tests run for fear of making another bill.'”
She also said there have been issues in getting information confirmed via fax and email, holding up the information process.
“I want the paper trail, but never, never get anything back,” she said.
The task force will next meet Saturday at Martinsburg-Spring Mill High School beginning at 11 a.m.