A 3% increase in premiums for workers receiving benefits through the West Virginia Public Employees Insurance Agency might not sound like much. But other cost increases heading into the 2027 fiscal year, which starts in July, have state employees justifiably upset.

As noted by West Virginia Watch reporter Lori Kersey, an increase of $200 in the spousal surcharge received the most complaints during public hearings around the state. That additional charge is applied to spouses of employees covered by PEIA who could otherwise obtain coverage through their own employer. The costs for spouse and family coverage under PEIA have been steadily increasing. State employees covered by PEIA were also hit with a 14% premium increase for fiscal year 2026. Local employees saw a 16% increase and premiu

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