Public Employees Insurance Agency Director Ted Cheatham updated lawmakers on feedback received from 21 town halls held across the state.
Cheatham presented these updates during Sunday’s Joint Committee on PEIA meeting. He said two wellness plans will be launched soon — a weight loss program and a diabetes program.
One popular topic in the town halls concerned funding sources for the plan, which needs an additional $50 million a year to remain where it is now.
Cheatham said people who spoke at the town halls suggested several options including an additional severance tax, sugar tax, and re-instating the food tax. The cost and revenue subcommittee will address potential revenue sources, which the Legislature will ultimately need to pass to become law, Cheatham said.
He said people also expressed concern about premium increases and getting treatment from bordering out-of-state hospitals.
Cheatham also updated lawmakers about the recent tier changes to prevent about 14,000 people who would be moved to an increased tier from the 5 percent pay raise.
The Public outreach subcommittee will meet Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. in the Governor’s Cabinet Conference Room in Charleston to recap the statewide listening tour.
