West Virginia HB5527: Relating to Wellness Reimbursement Programs

What the bill says

An act to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding a new article, designated §33-64-1, §33-64-2, §33-64-3, §33-64-4, §33-64-5, §33-64-6, and §33-64-7, relating to the authorization of wellness reimbursement plans that are self-insured medical plans or wellness integrated medical plan expense reimbursement plans to be licensed in this state by the Insurance Commissioner and subject to state and federal laws; providing definitions; requiring licensure of wellness reimbursement program administrators; providing requirements for licensure; providing for revocation or suspension.

From the enrolled text, March 14, 2026:

AN ACT to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding a new article, designated §33-64-1, §33-64-2, §33-64-3, §33-64-4, §33-64-5, §33-64-6, and §33-64-7, relating to the authorization of wellness reimbursement plans that are self-insured medical plans or wellness integrated medical plan expense reimbursement plans to be licensed in this state by the Insurance Commissioner and subject to state and federal laws; providing definitions; requiring licensure of wellness reimbursement program administrators; providing requirements for licensure; providing for revocation or suspension of licenses, civil penalties and criminal penalties; requiring administrator defense of employers and their employees against any and all claims or suits in certain circumstances; providing duties of brokers; authorizing proposal of legislative rules; providing that provisions do not apply to individual or group health plans; and reporting to the Legislature. ARTICLE 64. Wellness Reimbursement plans. §33-64-1. Definitions. As used in this article: "Broker" means an independent health insurance agent licensed in this state. "Commissioner" means the Insurance Commissioner of West Virginia. "Person" means a natural person, corporation, mutual company, unincorporated association, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, trust, estate, foundation, not-for-profit corporation, unincorporated organization, government, or governmental subdivision or agency. "Wellness reimbursement program, arrangement, or benefit plan" means a plan offered to an employer or employee that provides reimbursement or other wellness-related benefits intended to promote health …