EKB News

While Congress debates overhauling the nation's health care system, West Virginia plans to expand its Medicaid program to cover adults earning up to 50% of the federal poverty level, or $10,830 for individuals, has been put on hold. Governor Joe Manchin says, while about 271,000 residents lack health insurance, the state is considering everything possible to provide health coverage for everyone. Currently, Medicaid coverage is available to parents earning up to 35% of the federal poverty level, $22,050 for a family of four, but Manchin's proposal would have increased that to 50%, while allowing adults without children to enroll. Manchin is awaiting the outcome from Washington.