West Virginia is investing $500 million to improve rural health care through the Rural Health Transformation Fund.
Governor Patrick Morrisey is criticizing lawmakers for moving too slowly on Senate Bill 570, which would place $199.5 million of that fund under the state Department of Health and Human Resources. The bill passed the Senate last month and it’s in the full House with the legislative session to end on Saturday.
Morrisey says improving care for conditions like COPD, diabetes, and obesity could boost the workforce and the state’s economy, but warned delays could come with financial consequences.
Dr. Carrie Jeffries, who leads the Rural Health Transformation program, says rural patients often travel hours for specialists and face delays due to transportation and limited providers.
Morrisey also signed a bill Tuesday aimed at getting funds to rural providers faster.