CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The PEIA Finance Board gave employees and retirees a chance to speak about the agency’s proposed changes Thursday.

Around 50 people made their way to the state Culture Center in Charleston, with over a dozen people choosing to address the board about the changes.

The agency’s proposal for next year includes a 3% premium increase for employees and their employers. The changes also include a $200 monthly spousal surcharge increase.

If approved, the changes would go into effect on July 1, 2026.

“There is a $200 hike in the spousal penalty because apparently, being married to someone with employer coverage is now a taxable offense,” resident Chad Francis said.

“This is asking working families to pay more for less. These changes don’t reflect fiscal responsibility, they

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