West Virginia Bill: HB 4982

Bill Summary

HB4982, the Make West Virginia Healthy Act of 2026, reestablishes and expands West Virginia's statewide Healthy Lifestyles Program by creating a new Office of Healthy Lifestyles within the Department of Health, establishing a dedicated Healthy Lifestyles Fund, and mandating increased physical education and nutrition programs in schools. The bill creates a Farm-to-School program, directs the Office to map food deserts and improve access to local foods, and authorizes exploration of a "Food Is Medicine" demonstration waiver for Medicaid members with nutrition-related chronic diseases. The legislation also establishes a county grant program to support healthy lifestyle initiatives with priority for schools participating in Farm-to-School efforts and requires annual reporting on program outcomes.

Why It Matters to MAHA

HB4982 aligns with MAHA principles by prioritizing access to real, whole foods through Farm-to-School programs and local food initiatives that reduce reliance on processed foods laden with artificial additives. The bill's "Food Is Medicine" waiver concept directly supports health freedom by allowing Medicaid beneficiaries to use benefits for medically tailored meals and produce prescriptions, empowering patients to address chronic disease through nutrition rather than pharmaceutical interventions alone. By mapping food deserts and improving access to local, whole foods, the bill removes barriers to patient autonomy in choosing nutritious options. The legislation promotes transparency and evidence-based health solutions by requiring coordination across state agencies and annual reporting on outcomes, reflecting MAHA's commitment to accountability in public health.