HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 13
(By Delegates Butcher, Douglas, Staton, Mezzatesta,
Pino, Michael, Varner, Dempsey and C. White)
[Introduced January 30, 2002; referred to the
Committee on Rules.]
Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to study
the development of policies to more effectively address the
problem of morbid obesity among the citizens of West Virginia.
Whereas, Morbid obesity is a chronic physiological disorder
suffered by persons who are either one hundred or more pounds over
their ideal body weight or are twice their ideal body weight if
they are short of stature; and
Whereas, Morbid obesity causes or substantially contributes to
related comorbid conditions such as diabetes, sleep apnea,
hypertension and other serious health complications and results in
higher mortality rates for those suffering from morbid obesity; and
Whereas, Long-term treatment options for persons having morbid
obesity are limited and nonoperative methods of treatment have not
proven to be effective for the treatment of morbid obesity; and
Whereas, The long-term health care costs for persons afflicted
with morbid obesity can be reduced with the utilization of effective treatments; and
Whereas, Certain treatments for morbid obesity, including
surgical alternatives, are expressly excluded by many health
insurance companies, health maintenance organizations and other
managed health care organizations; and
Whereas, Requiring coverage for additional treatment
alternatives for morbid obesity may result in long-term health care
savings to the State of West Virginia and improve the well-being of
West Virginia's citizens; and
Whereas, The Legislature needs accurate information on the
prevalence and impact of morbid obesity on the citizens of the
State of West Virginia, as well as the effectiveness of treatment
alternatives, the cost of available treatment, the cost savings
which may be realized and the feasibility of requiring health
insurers to provide coverage for additional treatments for morbid
obesity; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby
requested to study the development of policies to more effectively
address the problem of morbid obesity among the citizens of the
State of West Virginia; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2003, on
its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts
of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations;
and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this
study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be
paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on
Government and Finance.