Bill > HB5071

This bill, titled the Oral Health and Cancer Rights Act, mandates that health insurance policies, plans, and contracts issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2026, must cover medically necessary dental procedures that are a direct consequence of cancer treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. This coverage is intended to address oral health issues that arise as a side effect of these treatments and includes a comprehensive range of services like evaluations, examinations, patient education, medications, treatments, restoration, rehabilitation, medical devices, and prosthetics. These services are crucial for individuals to undergo cancer treatment or to regain functions related to eating, breathing, voice, speech, and swallowing that may be impacted by their cancer diagnosis. Furthermore, the bill requires the Public Employees Insurance Agency and the Bureau of Medical Services to report on the cost of these new coverage requirements to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance one year after the bill's implementation.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=5071&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill