W.Va. State Employees Could Face Higher Health Care Costs
W.Va. State Employees Could Face Higher Health Care Costs Save Email Print
Posted: 10:32 PM Nov 7, 2008
 Last Updated: 10:32 PM Nov 7, 2008
 Reporter: Amanda Barren
Email Address: amanda.barren@wsaz.com
31 comments
A | A | A

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- West Virginia state employees can expect to pay more for health care.

While nothing is definite, a series of public meetings start in just a few weeks. The news comes on the same day the state Parkways Authority announced a toll hike could occur in the near future. The turnpike hasn't had a toll increase since 1981, but tolls are the sole source of funding.

Parkway Authority officials said tolls are down because of high gas prices. Furthermore, interest expense on bonds is up because of the economy, and all of this is happening as maintenance needs grow.

There will be two meetings so state workers can find out more about the proposed changes -- one in Charleston on Nov. 19 at the Civic Center and the other in Huntington on Nov. 20 at Marshall University's Medical School.
More Stories
Charity that Serves W.Va. & Ky. Halts Local Services, Cuts Staff

Berger, Rose Suggested for W.Va. Federal Judge Positions

Man Charged with DUI Shows Up to Hearing Drunk, Deputies Say

Huntington Man Sentenced for Illegally Having Guns

 Jennifer Garner Has Second Daughter

Third Man Charged in Mason County Murder

Washburn Baby Death Trial Begins

High Water Reported Around the Region, Some Roads Blocked
Post Your Comments
First Name:
Location:
Enter Comments: characters left
Email (optional):
Email will not be displayed on site. For station contact purpose only.
Read Comments
Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.
Posted by: Rex Guy Vance on Nov 12, 2008 at 02:14 AM
Is our state getting like our federal that the fat hogs keep gettig fatter and fatter. Why do you always want to make it harder on the working man. Look at our Gov. have we not wasted enough.You want to close our school,up our taxes, up our insurance, where does it all stop.
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 10, 2008 at 11:14 PM
i'm on care link they pay for 4 medications a month for me howevery i get 4 medications from prestera center if i get sick and need some other medication i have to do with out it or go off my meds from the center to get my other meds if i get sick
Posted by: Brenda on Nov 10, 2008 at 07:53 PM
As a teacher, I am glad to have the insurance at all. When my father passed away two years ago, they dropped my mother's insurance before the end of the month. Many people in WV are going without any medical care at all. I am willing to pay for my insurance even if it goes up. It's better than not having any insurance at all. Sometimes people who are blessed, forget how hard it is for people who go without.
Posted by: anon on Nov 10, 2008 at 03:15 PM
At every place of employment I have worked, I have always had an annual increase in my health care premium. I have little sympathy for state workers who claim to be underpaid and are facing an increase in their premium. Stop complaining and find another job if your unhappy with your compensation. I know plenty of people, college grads and non college grads who have been able to find good paying jobs with benefits they can afford. State workers should not expect to be treated differently that anyone in the private sector.
Posted by: State on Nov 10, 2008 at 02:31 PM
I work for the state of WV. I make $28,000.00 and i have 2 children of which i keep full time. I pay 1236.00 for my medical insurance, $716.14 for dental a year. I have a $350 deductible i must meet every single year before my insurance will kick in. Then I have to pay $15.00 for EVERY doctor's appointment, it varies for specialist. The medication varies as well. I have paid from $4.40 all the way up to over $100.00 (speciality meds). I pay a City of Chaleston user fee of $8.66 EVERY SINGLE MONTH ~ $103.92 per year (until they raise it). If i used state parking the fee would be $21.00 a month but i pay private parking so that i don't have to walk 1/2 mile to my car. So far this year i have paid $3,439.38 in taxes. I live only 19 miles away (1 way), with gas at the rate it was just over a month ago (3.59 ) it cost me $53.85 per tank of gas. My car gets between 16-23 miles per gallon. Working 20 days a month (more or less) and any other travel (church) ~ COST OF GAS: 400.0o
Posted by: PAS on Nov 10, 2008 at 01:18 PM
DONT WORRY YOUR NEW SOCIALIST PRESIDENT WILL FIX IT FOR YOU. '
Posted by: Sue on Nov 10, 2008 at 09:06 AM
Back in the 80's state workers in WV had medical coverage that didn't cost the employee one dime an it paid 100%. In the same way they had workers comp. that took care of workers injured at a time when they really needed it. Now they just don't care about anyone! Look at what this so called prosperous state has come to now! This is what you get for keeping on voting in the same old ones that has cut your throats. Yes it was all done right on the senate floor one slash at a time. Now they have given it all over to their big insurance buddies. You just like cattle being lead to the slotter goes and votes for them again. What do you expect, dummies!
Posted by: Mike on Nov 10, 2008 at 08:51 AM
I have worked for the state for ten years I like having my insurance because if not I would be in the welfare line and on a medical card. It is very hard trying to make it on my salary and paying other bills but thats life. Gov Joe said we havent had a premium raise in three years, where has he been because yeah we have. You know the state doesnt even know what a cost of living raise is. When we do get a raise 9 times out of 10 they raise our insurance when they give it to us. I have 2 kids and I appreciate the insurance I have yeah its going to go up but without insurance I might as well go file for bankruptcy because I wouldnt be able to do it but still it is really hard with the insurance.But you people on here bashing state employees to quit whining, I will trade paychecks with you anytime you want and then let you just find out the kind of money some state employees receive compared to others in the state. There going to raise it and there isnt nothing we can do but payup.
Posted by: State worker on Nov 10, 2008 at 08:36 AM
I'm a state worker and whoever thinks we are paid a decent living needs to check public records. Try supporting a family on a $13,800 yearly salary and that is before insurance and taxes are taken out. Yes, PEIA is a great insurance but with the increase of everything else in the world such as food, auto insurance, gas and now wanting 17% increase in natural gas there is no way a state employee can make it on their salary. How can they justify a 9% health insurance increase, if a state employee does get a raise, it is never more than a 2 or 3% increase every 5 years not a yearly cost of living increase. Perhaps if the Governor hadn't wasted millions remodeling the governors mansion we could get a raise. It is very frustrating working in a state facility when you leave the parking lot in a 10-15 yr old vehicle and the lot is full of newer model vehicles that the clients are driving in to get their food stamps and medical cards and lieap and emergency lieap to pay their heating cost.
Posted by: Will Change Come? on Nov 10, 2008 at 12:07 AM
Young children,teens and young adults that DEPEND on TATAL CARE 24/7, through no fault of their own needs the (BEST) MEDICAL CARE,THAT THEY DO NOT RECIEVE,but ARE CHARGED FOR! They have NO DENTAL CARE nor PROPER EYE CARE and they do NEED THE BEST in their conditions! It is a DISGRACE for the STATE of WEST VIRGINIA to let this HAPPEN! If anything would happen to your child or young adult,and they need care 24/7,then you will see the LOW GRADE CARE THEY RECIEVE in FACITILIES in this STATE! They DO NOT HIRE or Pay Enough EXPERICENCED WORKERS! It makes me SICK to that the Big Guys get PAID Big MONEY to LIVE WELL,FEED THEIR FAT FACES,and NOT have to WORRY about their Health & Dental Care,while MOST of West Virgina People get Poor Health Care! A LOT of Places DO NOT WANT & DO NOT ACCEPT people who recieves MEDICAL CARDS,MEDICADE or MEDICARE,CARDS ONLY! People who WORK have to pay out their A%$#S for HEALTH & DENTAL CARE,while trying to help thier family! EVERY AMERICAN NEEDS FULL HEALTH CARE!
Posted by: jamie webb on Nov 9, 2008 at 08:50 PM
It's Wells Fargo folks...they are worth hundreds of billions..check it out. They want us to pay more for less to finance their buying up crooked financial companies. PEIA is Wells Fargo..I'm gonna work to lobby the the Insurance Commissioner to seek a new Provider if this is how it is to be.
Posted by: Oh please on Nov 9, 2008 at 03:02 PM
quit whining people! At least you HAVE insurance (and good insurance coverage at that) while MOST of us out here don't have ANY!
Posted by: Janette on Nov 9, 2008 at 12:00 PM
Billy Hill, In reality it's just the Manchin way of life.
Posted by: Billy Hill on Nov 9, 2008 at 05:09 AM
It's called the "Real World".
Posted by: LSHworker on Nov 8, 2008 at 10:26 PM
If my insurance raises again I WILL RETIRE ON WELFARE. That way I could get free medical care, Foodstamp and a little baby check for me and my 2 kids. A medical card is the ticket I hear these days to an easy way of life.
Posted by: State Worker on Nov 8, 2008 at 10:21 PM
I work for the state of Wv and My insurance right now is $240 a month and I keep it because I have to due to a heart condition. And to you Anonymous just because we are state employees does not mean we are payed well...We are number 47 lowest paid in the united states. I know people who work fast food that makes almost the same amout of money I make. You need to get your facts together.
Posted by: ex-DHHR worker on Nov 8, 2008 at 08:32 PM
I worked for the state and in the private sector before returning to college and insurance is comparable between the two. PEIA offers 3 different plans and many private sects offer alternative plans. Rates are increasing nationwide in Government and private sects. Your workplace does not have to offer insurance at all. They are only required by law to pay a minimum wage.
Posted by: Seriously on Nov 8, 2008 at 08:31 PM
I honestly think the state workers should quit whining. My health insurance just went up to right at 200 dollars a week!!! My prescriptions are 40 dollars and 60 dollars unless we are fortunate enough to find a generic, and that is 10 bucks. Not to mention, in the portion that my insurance DID NOT cover this year alone, we spent almost 7 grand in co-pays, deductibles and medications, along with the insurance premium. Think about that!!!
Posted by: Arthur on Nov 8, 2008 at 08:02 PM
Whys youz'll belly aching about health care? I does't needs no health care card, when I'z don't feel good or needs a sick excuse from work, I jusz goes uptown to the emergincy room and gets treated, by law they can't turn youz away! I'ben doin that all my life and it hazz worked out jusz fine fur me.
Posted by: county worker on Nov 8, 2008 at 05:25 PM
You state workers get a life. Look in your insurance books and look what county workers pay. You have it made. County workers pay 250 more a month that state workers and teachers get paid ALOT more than county employees.
Posted by: Sue on Nov 8, 2008 at 03:29 PM
I thought Obama was getting health care for everyone in the country. I guess state workers in WV aren't considered even people any more. Josh got it right, they don't care to take food off your table or clothing off of your childerns backs. Watch em spend millions on campaigns and use wv credit cards.
Posted by: teacher... on Nov 8, 2008 at 02:37 PM
wow teacher you used the wrong there/their... guess you spent less time learning huh.... for anon... peia gives only 80/20 as well.. want 90/10 go to the mines.
Posted by: Been There Done That on Nov 8, 2008 at 02:32 PM
Having been in both state government and in private industry--I can tell you that PEIA canNOT be beat. You can moan all you want about the cost--but your coverage is superior. Even if you suffer a price increase--you still have incredibly affordable, very comprehensive coverage. Try the private sector--and you'll appreciate just how comprehensive coverage PEIA has and just how affordable--by comparison to private pay insurance--that you have. It's easy to complain about a bumpy ride in a luxury car--until you find yourself in the rain on a bicycle w/ bad tires. Complain if you want--but you don't know how good you've got it.
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 8, 2008 at 11:32 AM
you all quit your crying! Most of you great paying jobs ! And most of u don't do your job anyway! And the ONLY resaon some of you have your job ! Is because of friends or Family mebers that helped you get the jobs to begin with ! For those state works who do .The jobs ! I say thank you!
Posted by: teacher on Nov 8, 2008 at 11:19 AM
The increase doesn't just effect monthly premiums (stated to be approximately 7%). It also wants to raise copays by 50%. If this is what people consider good--I will quit teaching. $160 a month isn't too bad right now(also a $15 copay and $20 specialist copay prescription deductible and higher copays) There proposals will up our premium, destroy our copays, out of pocket maxiums, kill our prescriptions etc... Why not give us another option...I know people with blue cross that pay basically nothing for scrips...I am read to move on if this change goes full steam ahead. With three small boys, medical cards look pretty good.
Posted by: to josh on Nov 8, 2008 at 11:17 AM
i can tell you one thing the governor didnt do,,,,,,,,,,,, lay you off !!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 8, 2008 at 11:15 AM
do state workers think they are special? my health care cost just doubled, and i am on an 80/20 plan
Posted by: Mad on Nov 8, 2008 at 08:17 AM
I'm a DOH worker.Our insurance coverage is not too good.I think it is too high now.We have no eye care whats so ever.No dental care.You would think we would at least have eyecare.After all, it is important for us to be able to see on the roads.Mr. Governor,why the heck the WV people voted you in is beyond me.
Posted by: josh on Nov 8, 2008 at 08:17 AM
tell the gov thanks he said yesterday health care was a priority.maybe if everybody pays more they can give to people WHO WONT WORK. HE IS ALREADY HELPING OMAMA. NEVER SHOULD HAVE BEEN GOV. IN THE FIRST PLACE. LOOK AT HISTORY SOMEBODY TELL ME SOMETHING A DEM. GOV. HAS DONE FOR THIS STATE. JUST ONE.
Posted by: MMBHEmployee on Nov 8, 2008 at 07:54 AM
I work at the overcrowded facility that's been making the news frequently. During the past 2 years we've been doing 30% more work at the same pay rate, with the exception of the meager 3% raise. Now you're wanting to raise my insurance! What is this, part of the Obama plan to "FORCE" volunteer community service hours (something in laymen terms known as SLAVERY). I LOVE my job but I'm beginning the think I'd do better on welfare with a medical card! I would save me from having to buy drss clothes, spend money on gas to get to work, car insurance and Continuing Education Credits, not to mention the money I'd save on TAXES!
Posted by: state worker on Nov 7, 2008 at 11:18 PM
with what the state pays you to work if the insurance goes up any more we would be better off on welfare, come on WV look at what you pay your workers, wonder why this was not brought up before the election???
Go to our mobile site | Make this your homepage (IE)
WSAZ.com Most Popular / Most Comments
National News Headlines
PHONE IN YOUR YELLS TO: 1-866-616-5354
The Yell: Comments for the Week of 1/4
  • Posted By: Ari: Cheers to Rob-I feel ya!
  • Posted By: joe: I have worked for companies all over this nation and have had to take drug tests. Why should teachers be exempt from this practice? It is now common to be randomly tested(and I have been) so what makes a teacher any different than a steel worker. I can say proudly that I passed but I have seen those who didn't. They chose to use drugs and lost their jobs I didn't.
  • Posted By: Katy: As a teacher, I have no problem being randomly drug tested...as long as you agree to drug test the parents who enter the doors of my school as well. Most teachers deal with students who are exposed to/use more drugs and alcohol than any of the teachers. If these students or parents who are using drugs (and are not drug tested) enter our schools, the safety of the teachers and students are at risk. Since children spend more time with them, let's randomly drug test PARENTS, too!!!
  • Posted By: stephen: Why the heavy emphasis ont he damage to property and life Israel is doing . Where was the media uproar for years that Hamas was rocketing Israel irespective of innocent israelis.. Hamas is actualykilling their own citizens by firing rockets from UN schools and residents. Why does UN allow Hamas to use facilities for attacking Israel, then complain when Israel responds to protect their territory and citizens. Israel targets military targets, respons to from whence rockets or gun fire comes. What would we fire at if Huntington was attacked?Why does the media not put bla,e where balame belongs, and give moral support to the aggreived.What would America do if attacked? to whom would we listen? Russia, Saudi Arabia,Iran?.Media get REAL! Who has given Hamas and the Palestinians millions with which they could buy weapons---American taxpayers money!
  • Posted By: Robert: Although I feel for the employees that lost their positions at Cabell Huntington Hospital, at least more nurses were hired. I recently had a relative in the cardiac unit at Kings Daughters, in Ashland, and I was told that the nursing staff had been cut back and that no overtime was being given. This seems to be a drastic cut in patient care for a facility that spends thousands advertising that they are in the top 5% of cardiac hospitals in the country. I would be willing to wager that the Cleveland Clinic has not cut hours of those giving patient care.
  • Posted By: Boyd: If the state's budget is doing so well, why don't we use some of this money to help towns and cities in the state who are in trouble with their budget, or will this just become another pay raise for politicians?
  • Posted By: Rob: Why does everyone have to be so into using the term "racist" and have that kind of attitude. I know what my heritage is and who my ancestors were but you want to know what I consider myself? I AM AN AMERICAN! I was born and raised in this country and that's how I feel it should be. Born here, raised here.....then by God you are an American. Not an African American, not an Asian American etc. etc. You are an AMERICAN!
  • Posted By: Chris: To Ex-Officer: I agree with you 100% about the pay of police dept and the drug testing. I was formerly involved with the BCPD and had multiple ride alongs with the BCSO. I am probably one of their biggest critics due to having watch some of the bad side of the department for a long time. I wish that I could tell everything that I have seen officers do,which would put most of them behind bars or they'll lose their sheild, But retalliation is bad in our area. To the cops that do their job and do it with the best intentions, I proud of you and don't mean any disrespect. To the ones who I personally watch being more currupt then the "badguys" here,your day will be coming.
  • Posted By: Pablo: Teachers aren't the only ones underpaid. Law enforcement officers are underpaid also. And I'd like to speak about them. For example, I'm sure any parent would sacrifice their live for thier children. And several may give thier live to save their spouse. A few individuals may even do it for a close friend. But, I only know of 3 types of beings who will sacrifice thier lives for complete strangers; indeed even for people who hate them. The first would be our men and women in our armed forces. The second would be our law enforcement officers. And of course, third would be our Savior, Jesus Christ. Others are killed in the line of their employment, but not in order to save a complete stranger. Everytime a cop puts on his/her uniform, they can be a target for anyone upset about something. Even though it doesn't involve the cop personally, that very cop will give his life to save yours when a problem arises. We need to give our cops not only a wage, but a living wage and a great big THANKS.
  • Posted By: Craig: If what I am hearing is correct that Kanawha County teachers accepted a pay raise in return for submitting to drug testing, and then sued successfully so they do not have to be subject to testing, then why shouldn't we the taxpayers demand they return the raise?
  • Posted By: teresa: racist lmao i am one cherokee,german,irish,german,and who knows what else TIRED of hearing of racist comments u are either GOOD OR BAD k no skin color needed just evil or NOT
  • Posted By: Ex-Officer: I agree with Robert 100% I worked in law enforcement and loved the job but try to rise a family on less than 10.00 an hour (out of that pay for your own duty gear and gun). I believe that all public safety workers should be drug tested but i also believe that they should be paid for the job that they do. Not many people understand what a public safty worker goes through. Would you put your life on the line for this kind of pay? Remember the saying that you get what you pay for. I see this in several new officers in my area. Don't get me wrong there are still very good officers in law enforcement. Something really needs to be done about the low pay for these jobs.
  • Posted By: Garland: What's the difference between teachers and other workers(coal mineers, bus drivers, state employees,etc.)? Teachers aren't any better are they?
  • Posted By: : This is not a comment, but I would like comments on it please. What do you think of Poca High School? Racist or not?
  • Posted By: Robert: We the people, through our own self centeredness and apathy, have allowed our teachers and police officials to be some of the most underpaid people in the United States. We are trusting our childrens education and our public safety to the very people that are some of the most underpaid profesions in the U.S.. If I could change this, I would. However, I do believe that these people should be randomly drug tested. I work in the construction industry and I have no problem being drug tested. I have nothing to hide. I also believe that any person who is intrusted with the safety of others should have nothing to hide. This includes plitical officials up to and including the president.
Click Here to Read Story and Post Comments
First Warning Weather Hour-By-Hour
+ Ashland, KY
+ Athens, OH
+ Beckley, WV
+ Charleston, WV
+ Clarksburg, WV
+ Clay, WV
+ Gallipolis, OH
+ Huntington, WV
+ Ironton, OH
+ Logan, WV
+ Morgantown, WV 		+ Paintsville, KY
+ Parkersburg, WV
+ Pikeville, KY
+ Pomeroy, OH
+ Portsmouth,OH
+ Ripley, WV
+ Spencer, WV
+ Sutton, WV
+ Wayne, WV
+ Wheeling, WV
+ Williamson, WV
WSAZ.com Sponsor Sections & Links
SOMC
Very good things are happening here
Prudential Bunch
Since 1959 unequaled performance
Moms4Moms
By moms, for moms
WV Lottery
Nightly drawings and numbers
WVA Electric
Visit our unique lighting lab
Big Sandy
For all your furniture and appliance needs
Budget Blinds
The best in custom window coverings
Smackdown Live
Watch & Win: Win 2 tickets to Smackdown Live
Healthy Tri-State
Live a healthier lifestyle in 2009

WSAZ Mobile