The purpose of this bill is to control the
increase in the cost of liability insurance and to maintain access to affordable health care services for West Virginians. It provides a mechanism to increase the limitation on civil damages in medical malpractice cases to account for inflation by
linking increases to the Consumer Price Index. It also requires appellate courts to review certain decisions made by circuit court judges; adds provisions limiting the admissibility and use of certain information; and requires adjustment of verdicts for
past medical expenses.Legislative outcome: Vetoed by Governor; then modified & re-passed by Senate 28-4-2 on March 6; re-passed by House 77-16-7 on March 9; then signed by Gov. Tomblin March 18.
Source: West Virginia legislative voting records for S.B.6
, Mar 18, 2015
All should have access at an affordable price
Gov. Tomblin's request to expand health care coverage of uninsured children in West Virginia up to 300 percent of the federal poverty level was approved.Having access to affordable health care should not be reserved for a few.
We all get sick and we all must rely on doctors and nurses to heal us. I am pleased to know more of our youngest citizens will now be able to get the care they need and deserve and their families can obtain that care at an affordable price.
Source: 2011 gubernatorial press release, "WVCH"
, Feb 24, 2011
WV Connect: access for 10,000 working uninsured & spouses
Regardless of the debate over the federal health care bill, we need to continue to improve our health care system. One focal point of my administration will be to find ways to foster the creation of health insurance for our working uninsured.
WV Connect provides access to health care for 10,000 working, uninsured West Virginians and their spouses. This pilot program will reduce emergency room visits and avoidable hospitalizations, resulting in a healthier workforce.
Source: 2011 W.V. State of the State Address
, Jan 12, 2011
Page last updated: Sep 10, 2016
