The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS) is actively implementing House Bill 4191. HB 4191 is a major, multi-faceted reform piece with various statutory timelines, several of which naturally extend well past July 1. The Department remains committed to fulfill every requirement set by the Legislature.
It is important to note that during the legislative session, DoHS was not asked to testify on HB 4191 nor requested to provide a fiscal note. Not having a fiscal note raises many additional concerns because it harms the budgeting and operational planning process. Had that input been requested and incorporated into legislative deliberations, the operational complexity and required lead time for IT infrastructure, policy updates, and provider training would have been clearly outlined.
Despite these operational realities, significant progress is already underway. Enrollment-based reimbursement has already been implemented and is currently in effect. Work continues on developing the Cost of Care Model (report due December 1, 2026), establishing the child care subsidy cliff provisions (due January 1, 2027), upgrading statewide technology systems, and conducting provider training.
Implementing legislation of this magnitude is much more complex than a single administrative change. It requires modifying complex IT infrastructure, updating policies, testing new functionality, funding and training child care providers, CCR&R agencies, and state staff, all while maintaining uninterrupted payments to providers and care for West Virginia families.
West Virginians know the costs of rushing major IT and government overhauls before systems are fully tested and operational. DoHS is committed to doing this right the first time to deliver long-term stability for families and providers, rather than risking payment disruptions or administrative chaos.
