EKB News

To encourage overweight West Virginia workers to lose weight, the Public Employees' Insurance Agency is considering imposing higher health insurance premiums on overweight public employees, following a similar plan in North Carolina. The idea came in part from Governor Joe Manchin's interest in finding ways to promote healthier lifestyles and controling health care costs. At his urging, the Public Employees Insurance Agency Finance Board will hold public hearings on proposed 2010-2011 coverage plans, beginning November 9th. at the Civic Center Little Theater in Charleston. The so called "fat tax" is one of three possible plan changes of which the Board will seek public comment.