October 18th, 2023 by WCBC Radio
More than 13% of health insurance claims are being denied in West Virginia, according to a report from the Department of Health and Human Services. Health advocates say companies are raking in profits while residents can’t get the pacemakers, medication or surgeries they need, with serious consequences for community health. According to a federal report, one out of every eight requests for prior authorization of services by Medicaid Managed Care Organizations were denied in 2019. Eve Marcum-Atkinson of the West Virginia Citizen Action Group says transparency and accountability from insurers is needed.