West Virginia enacts Make West Virginia Healthy Act to combat obesity

CHARLESTON, W.Va (WVVA) - West Virginia has enacted legislation aimed at combating obesity and diet-related chronic diseases through a comprehensive wellness initiative.

The Make West Virginia Healthy Act of 2026 was signed into law by Gov. Patrick Morrisey on February 28 and takes effect May 21. House Bill 4982 reestablishes the Office of Healthy Lifestyles within the Department of Health.

The law creates a 13-member Healthy Lifestyle Coalition to coordinate public health and private sector wellness programs. It also authorizes “Food is Medicine” services under Medicaid, including medically tailored meals, nutrition counseling and nutrition prescriptions for members with nutrition-related chronic diseases.

The law encourages Medicaid managed care organizations to partner with community groups and prioritize food from West Virginia farmers and producers where feasible.

The Office of Healthy Lifestyles will establish voluntary partnerships with employers, restaurants and businesses to promote healthy lifestyle programs and coordinate cross-agency health goals.

The Department of Health secretary will appoint the 13 coalition members by July 1, 2026. The Office of Healthy Lifestyles will report its progress annually by December 1 to the Legislative Oversight Commission on Health and Human Resource Accountability.