BROADBAND COVERAGE MAPS

West Virginia stands to receive hundreds of millions of dollars in funding to connect remaining unserved locations, but only if those locations are correct.

After years of pushing the Federal Communications Commission to update their incorrect broadband coverage maps, I am pleased the FCC has taken our feedback. Previous maps showed WV as 90.6% served, while the new maps show WV as just 79.4% served – the third least connected state in the U.S. behind Montana and Alaska, reflecting what thousands of West Virginians have been saying for years. Anyone can challenge the accuracy of these coverage maps. Learn more about the map and how to file challenges.

VIEW THE FCC MAPS & VERIFY YOUR COVERAGE

REPORT YOUR COVID-19 TEST RESULTS

COVID-19 test results provide valuable data that public health departments can use to assess the needs and modify the responses in the local community, the state or the nation. While taking a rapid COVID-19 test has become commonplace, test results are not often reported. The National Institutes of Health established a website which allows users to anonymously report the results of any brand of at-home COVID-19 test.

Self-report home test results at MakeMyTestCount.org

Mrs. Kim Parrish of Spencer contacted my office to learn more about her late father’s service in the U.S. Air Force. She feared that records of his service had been lost to time. I’m happy to report that as a result of my inquiry, more than 50 pages of records were found and delivered to Mrs. Parrish.

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If you or someone you know is in need of assistance with a state or federal agency, please contact my office at 304-342-5855.

HEALTH INSURANCE MARKETPLACE OPEN ENROLLMENT

New guidelines will lower the cost of of healthcare for most West Virginians, including those who received unemployment, qualified for a stimulus check or rely on COBRA. Get more information about Affordable Care Act health insurance options at https://www.healthcare.gov. Download this checklist to make sure you have everything you’ll need to apply.

Medicare Open Enrollment Period is now until December 7th. Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, seniors will have lower premiums, free access to critical vaccines and a $35 monthly cap on insulin. Find and compare 2023 health and drug plans now, make changes or enroll today by visiting https://www.medicare.gov.

LEARN HOW THE INFLATION REDUCTION ACT WILL IMPACT MEDICARE

Looking for a job? Find job opportunities in your area:
WorkForce WV local job announcement flyers
WorkForce WV job search portal
National Labor Exchange job postings
West Virginia Department of Transportation open job postings
DHHR’s full list of open positions throughout the state​
Path to Pro Network: skilled labor jobs at companies across the U.S.

FREE ACCESS TO PUBLIC LANDS - Veterans, service members and Gold Star Families now have access to free lifetime passes for more than 2,000 federal recreation areas across the nation, including national parks, wildlife refuges and forests. Military-Lifetime Passes can be obtained for free in person at these locations or online through the USGS Store with a processing fee.

SOCIAL SECURITY ONLINE SERVICES - A new online service is available for West Virginians. Residents can use their my Social Security account to request a replacement Social Security card, check the status of an application, estimate future benefits or manage the benefits they already receive. Visit www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount to learn more and create a free and secure my Social Security account.

AT-HOME COVID-19 TESTS - While you can no longer get free COVID-19 test kits from the federal government, if you have health insurance, including Medicare, you’re covered for 8 free at-home COVID-19 tests each month. Purchase over-the-counter from an in-network pharmacy or store or submit a claim after purchase. Get additional COVID resources, see a list of participating pharmacies in your area or find resources for uninsured individuals. 

FEMA RESPONSE IN WV - Federal Emergency Management Agency financial assistance has reached $100 million for West Virginia in its ongoing fight against COVID-19. Learn more about FEMA’s response including funeral assistance, vaccine support and how to avoid the latest scams at https://www.fema.gov/disaster/coronavirus. 

WEATHER EMERGENCIES - The Federal Trade Commission has gathered useful information about assistance with emergencies including tips related to preparation, insurance, finances, scams and rehabilitation. Learn more at ftc.gov/weatheremergencies.

DISASTER ASSISTANCE - U.S. Small Business Administration low-interest loans are available to businesses and homeowners recovering from May 6th flooding in Cabell County and surrounding areas. Check the list of Current Declared Disasters for details. Application deadline is June 15th.

FOSSI SCHOLARSHIP - For graduating high school seniors. Direct questions to FOSSI@americanchemistry.com. See application requirements for more details. Application deadline is January 31.

ALL ENERGY NEWS

Students from 22 counties have been nominated to the U.S. Service Academies, which include the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Military Academy and the Merchant Marine Academy.

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If you or someone you know is in need of assistance with
a state or federal agency, please contact one of my offices: