NEW CUMBERLAND — The Hancock County Board of Education heard Monday about concerns for the future of the West Virginia Public Employees Insurance Agency.

Melanie Donofe, co-president of the Hancock County Education Association, addressed the board, asking for support, in the form of a resolution, to urge the West Virginia Legislature and other state officials to produce a plan to stabilize PEIA.

“Right now, the proposed changes in PEIA are a 14 percent active and 12 percent retiree and non-Medicare retiree premium increase; 40 percent deductible and out-of-pocket max increase for employees and non-Medicare retirees; 100 percent prescription copay increase; $203 spousal surcharge increase; $100 advance imaging copay; and other increases in copays, therapy, ER, inpatient/outpatient charges,” Donofe said. “These are jaw dropping increases and will make health care unaffordable for many employees.”

Donofe noted the board couldn’t take action Monday, as the request was not part of the agenda, but asked members to consider a resolution of support for its next meeting, currently scheduled for Nov. 4.

She also explained there will be a public hearing concerning PEIA at 6 p.m., Nov. 14 at the Highlands Event Center in Triadelphia. Registration for those wishing to speak begins at 5:30 p.m.

“We hope that all county boards of education will support us in our efforts,” Donofe said.

School Board President Chris Gillette acknowledged having to experience some of the issues under PEIA, noting members of his family have had to go to Morgantown for some of their medical care. Gillette’s wife is a teacher within the Hancock County Schools system.

“It’s a terrible plan,” Gillette said.

He added the board had reached out to its legal counsel for advice on whether the school system could opt out of the insurance program, noting it doesn’t appear possible at this time.

Board member Randy Swartzmiller asked about a task force, established by the state following the 2019 teacher strike, which was supposed to look into possible alternatives.

Donofe, though, said she is aware of meetings being held, but no plan was ever formalized.

“At this point, I don’t know if it exists anymore,” she said.

Donofe noted there is a petition being circulated, and if anyone is interested in signing it, they may do so by going to the West Virginia Education Association’s website at https://wvea.org.

The new rates for PEIA would go into effect July 1, 2025.

chowell@weirtondailytimes.com