Bill > HB4982

This bill, titled the "Make West Virginia Healthy Act of 2026," aims to promote healthier lifestyles across the state by reestablishing and expanding the statewide Healthy Lifestyles Program. It repeals existing laws related to a previous Office of Healthy Lifestyles and creates a new framework under the Department of Health. Key provisions include the creation of an Office of Healthy Lifestyles with a Healthy Lifestyle Coalition and a clinical advisory committee to coordinate efforts, establish partnerships with the private sector, and develop cross-agency goals. The bill also establishes a dedicated "Healthy Lifestyles Fund" to support these initiatives. It mandates increased physical education requirements in schools, with the Office of Healthy Lifestyles coordinating with the Department of Education on physical fitness and nutrition programs, including a sustainable Farm-to-School program. Furthermore, the bill directs the Office to work with the Department of Agriculture to map "food deserts" and improve access to local foods, and to coordinate with the Bureau for Medical Services (BMS) to explore a "Food Is Medicine" demonstration waiver for Medicaid members with nutrition-related chronic diseases, which involves services like medically tailored meals and produce prescriptions. The bill also includes provisions for a county grant program to further promote healthy lifestyles, with a priority for schools involved in Farm-to-School initiatives, and requires annual reporting on the progress and outcomes of these programs.

Health and Social Services

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=4982&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill