House HHR Advances Insurance Coverage Bill of Dietary Supplements

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The House Health and Human Resources Committee advanced several bills Monday evening dealing with insurance coverage, foster care support, and pharmacy regulation.
House Bill 4760 would require health insurance plans to cover a range of dietary supplements when they are recommended by a physician for nutritional wellness or preventive care. The bill defines supplements broadly, including vitamins, minerals, herbs, botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, prebiotics, and probiotics. Lawmakers say the measure is intended to help patients access products that support long‑term health. The bill now moves to the House Finance Committee.
House Bill 4730, which was reported to the full House, would expand services for young people preparing to age out of foster care. The proposal focuses on helping older youth transition into adulthood with support programs and resources.
The committee also advanced House Bill 5430, updating regulations for pharmacy benefit managers and state pharmacies, particularly within Medicaid and PEIA. The bill requires an annual pharmacy dispensing fee study and directs the state to implement a cost‑containment tool that identifies the lowest available price for prescription drugs. It also ensures certain pharmacy‑related information is accessible to the Office of the Insurance Commissioner.
Two Senate bills were also taken up. Senate Bill 543 would require the Bureau for Social Services to file its complete policy manual as a legislative rule, giving the Legislature full oversight of the rulemaking process. Senate Bill 404 would allow the Secretary of the Department of Human Services to enter into agreements with child welfare providers — including faith‑based organizations — to help carry out responsibilities under Chapter 49, the section of state code governing child welfare.