The finance board for the Public Employees Insurance Agency (PEIA) hosted its last public hearing on cost increases Thursday night in Charleston.

Over the course of three hours, retirees, teachers, emergency services personnel, and a range of state employees with PEIA health insurance spoke about anticipating more financial strain.

“We don’t have collective bargaining,” America Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees retirees from West Virginia union president Spud Terry said. “We have collective begging.”

Many pointed to the new legislature and governor – who could designate funds to offset the rising healthcare costs – to take action next year.

Del. Mike Pushkin, D-Kanawha, and chair of the state Democratic party, attended the hearing. He asked the governor and state legislature for action.

“The House Finance Committee and the Senate Finance Committee is who actually needs to hear this,” Pushkin said.

When Pushkin asked if anyone in the audience was from the legislature, Gov. Jim Justice’ office, or governor elect Patrick Morrisey’s office, he was met with no response. 

Del. J.B. Akers, R-Kanawha, attended the first portion of the meeting. The hearing’s registration pages recorded no other state legislators in attendance.

Those who want to comment to the PEIA finance board may email [email protected] or send mail to 601 5th St. SE, Suite 2, Charleston, WV 25304. The PEIA finance board will consider comments received by Dec. 4.