Erin Beck
@erinbeck.bsky.social
public health reporter @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social / I'm the albatross / feminist / West Virginian
Hi everyone! I am reporting on health insurance costs and need your help. Can you fill out this survey for Mountain State Spotlight and tell us how your health insurance costs or coverage are changing in 2026? Thanks in advance!
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/11/07/a...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/11/07/a...
Help us report: How will health insurance changes affect you?
Do you get your health insurance on the Affordable Care Act Marketplace through healthcare.gov? We want to hear from you.
mountainstatespotlight.org
November 10, 2025 at 5:16 PM
Hi everyone! I am reporting on health insurance costs and need your help. Can you fill out this survey for Mountain State Spotlight and tell us how your health insurance costs or coverage are changing in 2026? Thanks in advance!
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/11/07/a...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/11/07/a...
After @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social requested WV Gov. Patrick Morrisey's visitor logs to see who he was meeting with, the governor's legal counsel said the office was no longer keeping them and that journalists were "abusive about the process"
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/10/24/m...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/10/24/m...
We asked who Gov. Morrisey meets with. His office stopped keeping track.
After Mountain State Spotlight obtained six months of visitor logs from the Governor’s Office, they stopped writing it down.
mountainstatespotlight.org
October 24, 2025 at 8:33 PM
After @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social requested WV Gov. Patrick Morrisey's visitor logs to see who he was meeting with, the governor's legal counsel said the office was no longer keeping them and that journalists were "abusive about the process"
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/10/24/m...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/10/24/m...
This astounding piece by Nicole Blevins is what real investigative journalism looks like. WV has been sitting on $34 million in medical cannabis program fees, taxes and interest that was supposed to go to treatment, law enforcement & cannabis research.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/10/22/3...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/10/22/3...
West Virginia collected $34 million in cannabis taxes. It hasn’t spent a penny.
West Virginia’s cannabis program has generated $34 million for research, addiction help and law enforcement. None of the money has been used.
mountainstatespotlight.org
October 22, 2025 at 2:06 PM
This astounding piece by Nicole Blevins is what real investigative journalism looks like. WV has been sitting on $34 million in medical cannabis program fees, taxes and interest that was supposed to go to treatment, law enforcement & cannabis research.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/10/22/3...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/10/22/3...
Reposted by Erin Beck
NEW: The rural health fund won’t ease the pain of Medicaid cuts
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/10/19/h...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/10/19/h...
October 19, 2025 at 10:12 AM
NEW: The rural health fund won’t ease the pain of Medicaid cuts
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/10/19/h...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/10/19/h...
To get the “Big Beautiful Bill” passed, Congress tacked on a $50 billion fund to divvy among states. It’s no match for massive cuts to Medicaid and health care provider revenue.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/10/19/h...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/10/19/h...
A $50 billion rural health fund won’t soften the blow of massive Medicaid cuts
Congress added funding to the Big Beautiful Bill and said it would stop health care losses. It’s not enough.
mountainstatespotlight.org
October 20, 2025 at 2:21 PM
To get the “Big Beautiful Bill” passed, Congress tacked on a $50 billion fund to divvy among states. It’s no match for massive cuts to Medicaid and health care provider revenue.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/10/19/h...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/10/19/h...
Morrisey says he’ll “make WV healthy” — starting with the Mountaineer Mile.
But if the state is serious about obesity and health, it needs to follow evidence-based, proven strategies — not just slogans.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/10/10/w...
But if the state is serious about obesity and health, it needs to follow evidence-based, proven strategies — not just slogans.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/10/10/w...
Morrisey wants West Virginians to get healthy. Here are 5 ways the state can make that happen.
The Mountaineer Mile is one initiative. Officials could help with nutrition and exercise with several strategies researched for years.
mountainstatespotlight.org
October 10, 2025 at 5:54 PM
Morrisey says he’ll “make WV healthy” — starting with the Mountaineer Mile.
But if the state is serious about obesity and health, it needs to follow evidence-based, proven strategies — not just slogans.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/10/10/w...
But if the state is serious about obesity and health, it needs to follow evidence-based, proven strategies — not just slogans.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/10/10/w...
West Virginia released the contract for the sale of its state nursing hospitals.
🔹 $80M in upgrades pledged
🔹 6 months to find new sites
🔹 Promise to rehire staff “substantially all”… with some loopholes
🔹 No requirement where new hospitals will be located
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/09/29/h...
🔹 $80M in upgrades pledged
🔹 6 months to find new sites
🔹 Promise to rehire staff “substantially all”… with some loopholes
🔹 No requirement where new hospitals will be located
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/09/29/h...
Newly released contract reveals details and timelines for sale of West Virginia hospitals to private company
The West Virginia-owned hospitals sale contract says Majestic Care will spend $140 million on three nursing homes on a rebuild timeline.
mountainstatespotlight.org
September 30, 2025 at 11:01 AM
West Virginia released the contract for the sale of its state nursing hospitals.
🔹 $80M in upgrades pledged
🔹 6 months to find new sites
🔹 Promise to rehire staff “substantially all”… with some loopholes
🔹 No requirement where new hospitals will be located
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/09/29/h...
🔹 $80M in upgrades pledged
🔹 6 months to find new sites
🔹 Promise to rehire staff “substantially all”… with some loopholes
🔹 No requirement where new hospitals will be located
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/09/29/h...
A federal committee opened up access to this year’s COVID-19 vaccine. But some people have already tried to get it and been turned away.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/09/25/v...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/09/25/v...
Delayed CDC guidelines kept people from getting COVID vaccine as cases rose
Patients seeking COVID vaccines were told they needed prescriptions. A federal committee voted to remove that requirement.
mountainstatespotlight.org
September 25, 2025 at 5:18 PM
A federal committee opened up access to this year’s COVID-19 vaccine. But some people have already tried to get it and been turned away.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/09/25/v...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/09/25/v...
Tuberculosis. Black lung. Mine disasters. Mental illness. Hopemont Hospital, Jackie Withrow, John Manchin Sr. Health Care Center and Lakin Hospital evolved over a century to meet pressing health needs. Last month, they were sold to a private buyer.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/09/16/w...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/09/16/w...
Morrisey sells 4 nursing homes to for-profit buyer whose other hospitals have lower staffing levels
State-owned facilities have helped West Virginians with complex health needs. A private owner could trim staff and choose less ill patients.
mountainstatespotlight.org
September 16, 2025 at 2:27 PM
Tuberculosis. Black lung. Mine disasters. Mental illness. Hopemont Hospital, Jackie Withrow, John Manchin Sr. Health Care Center and Lakin Hospital evolved over a century to meet pressing health needs. Last month, they were sold to a private buyer.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/09/16/w...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/09/16/w...
The biggest Medicaid cuts in history are expected to drop 55,000 West Virginians from coverage over the next decade, but not all at once.
This timeline explains when each change hits and which groups of people are affected.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/08/27/m...
This timeline explains when each change hits and which groups of people are affected.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/08/27/m...
Nearly 55,000 West Virginians are set to lose Medicaid. Here’s what to expect, and when.
About 55,000 people in West Virginia are expected to lose Medicaid. The biggest drop starts in 2027.
mountainstatespotlight.org
August 28, 2025 at 1:55 PM
The biggest Medicaid cuts in history are expected to drop 55,000 West Virginians from coverage over the next decade, but not all at once.
This timeline explains when each change hits and which groups of people are affected.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/08/27/m...
This timeline explains when each change hits and which groups of people are affected.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/08/27/m...
While Gov. Patrick Morrisey assured West Virginians his administration rigorously vetted the buyer of four state-owned hospitals for vulnerable seniors, the governor's office wouldn't say if he knew the buyer was facing a lawsuit over alleged discrimination
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/08/19/m...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/08/19/m...
Morrisey said he made 'quality' a 'priority' for hospitals' buyer as he sells to a firm accused of discrimination
Gov. Morrisey approved the sale of four WV senior care homes to a company accused in a federal disability rights lawsuit.
mountainstatespotlight.org
August 21, 2025 at 1:24 PM
While Gov. Patrick Morrisey assured West Virginians his administration rigorously vetted the buyer of four state-owned hospitals for vulnerable seniors, the governor's office wouldn't say if he knew the buyer was facing a lawsuit over alleged discrimination
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/08/19/m...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/08/19/m...
A new law requires people on Medicaid to push through red tape to prove they're working, but a majority of enrollees are workers, students & people with disabilities.
"You don’t 'save' $326 billion by targeting only a few people supposedly on a couch.”
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/07/31/w...
"You don’t 'save' $326 billion by targeting only a few people supposedly on a couch.”
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/07/31/w...
Medicaid work requirements could strip health care from working, disabled and low-income West Virginians
Politicians said work requirements would get people back to work. They’ll actually kick poor and working people off Medicaid.
mountainstatespotlight.org
July 31, 2025 at 9:40 PM
A new law requires people on Medicaid to push through red tape to prove they're working, but a majority of enrollees are workers, students & people with disabilities.
"You don’t 'save' $326 billion by targeting only a few people supposedly on a couch.”
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/07/31/w...
"You don’t 'save' $326 billion by targeting only a few people supposedly on a couch.”
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/07/31/w...
Congress cut Medicaid to stop “fraud.” But patients weren't the ones stealing.
Laura Jones, who runs a Morgantown free clinic that accepts Medicaid, said she doesn't see any patient fraud.
“If you were making tons of money, you’d have insurance.”
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/07/29/f...
Laura Jones, who runs a Morgantown free clinic that accepts Medicaid, said she doesn't see any patient fraud.
“If you were making tons of money, you’d have insurance.”
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/07/29/f...
Congress said they were targeting Medicaid “fraud.” Their cuts hurt patients, not fraudsters.
Politicians said Medicaid patients are milking the system and took away their health care. But providers are the ones at fault.
mountainstatespotlight.org
July 31, 2025 at 6:13 PM
Congress cut Medicaid to stop “fraud.” But patients weren't the ones stealing.
Laura Jones, who runs a Morgantown free clinic that accepts Medicaid, said she doesn't see any patient fraud.
“If you were making tons of money, you’d have insurance.”
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/07/29/f...
Laura Jones, who runs a Morgantown free clinic that accepts Medicaid, said she doesn't see any patient fraud.
“If you were making tons of money, you’d have insurance.”
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/07/29/f...
West Virginia’s state bird, the cardinal, is a symbol a lost loved one is near. They carry messages to grieving people.
A 42% decline in overdose deaths brought us hope. But progress is fragile. 766 people died in a year. Program cuts are looming.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/07/20/o...
A 42% decline in overdose deaths brought us hope. But progress is fragile. 766 people died in a year. Program cuts are looming.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/07/20/o...
West Virginia is seeing fewer opioid overdoses, but Congress’ funding cuts threaten recovery
Politicians celebrated a drop in overdose deaths while supporting Trump and Congress’ funding cuts that could cause more casualties.
mountainstatespotlight.org
July 22, 2025 at 2:19 PM
West Virginia’s state bird, the cardinal, is a symbol a lost loved one is near. They carry messages to grieving people.
A 42% decline in overdose deaths brought us hope. But progress is fragile. 766 people died in a year. Program cuts are looming.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/07/20/o...
A 42% decline in overdose deaths brought us hope. But progress is fragile. 766 people died in a year. Program cuts are looming.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/07/20/o...
West Virginia’s state bird, the cardinal, symbolizes hope, positivity and messages from lost loved ones.
This story is about a sign of hope. But it’s also about how, for grieving people, signs can feel like warnings.
This is why.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/07/20/o...
This story is about a sign of hope. But it’s also about how, for grieving people, signs can feel like warnings.
This is why.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/07/20/o...
West Virginia is seeing fewer opioid overdoses, but Congress’ funding cuts threatens recovery
Politicians celebrated a drop in overdose deaths while supporting Trump and Congress’ funding cuts that could cause more casualties.
mountainstatespotlight.org
July 20, 2025 at 6:11 PM
West Virginia’s state bird, the cardinal, symbolizes hope, positivity and messages from lost loved ones.
This story is about a sign of hope. But it’s also about how, for grieving people, signs can feel like warnings.
This is why.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/07/20/o...
This story is about a sign of hope. But it’s also about how, for grieving people, signs can feel like warnings.
This is why.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/07/20/o...
“There is a long and terrible history of painting Jewish people as deceptive, power-hungry sub-humans… These stereotypes have been used again and again to justify some of the worst atrocities in human history.”
westvirginiawatch.com/2025/07/08/m...
westvirginiawatch.com/2025/07/08/m...
Mon County clergymembers ask WV House Speaker for “full investigation” into antisemitic comment • West Virginia Watch
Several clergy leaders in Monongalia County are calling on House Speaker Roger Hanshaw to “conduct a full investigation” into how an antisemitic comment was made by a personal Instagram account belong...
westvirginiawatch.com
July 9, 2025 at 12:22 AM
“There is a long and terrible history of painting Jewish people as deceptive, power-hungry sub-humans… These stereotypes have been used again and again to justify some of the worst atrocities in human history.”
westvirginiawatch.com/2025/07/08/m...
westvirginiawatch.com/2025/07/08/m...
West Virginia’s child welfare system is in crisis.
Two judges tried to intervene. The state’s ethics panel said they crossed a line.
What does it mean when judges are reprimanded for trying to fix a failing system?
Here’s what happened: 🔗
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/07/08/a...
Two judges tried to intervene. The state’s ethics panel said they crossed a line.
What does it mean when judges are reprimanded for trying to fix a failing system?
Here’s what happened: 🔗
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/07/08/a...
Judges spoke up for kids in danger. West Virginia’s judicial panel wants to silence them.
When WV judges tried to help at-risk kids, they were investigated and told to stay silent. They aren’t giving up.
mountainstatespotlight.org
July 8, 2025 at 11:35 AM
West Virginia’s child welfare system is in crisis.
Two judges tried to intervene. The state’s ethics panel said they crossed a line.
What does it mean when judges are reprimanded for trying to fix a failing system?
Here’s what happened: 🔗
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/07/08/a...
Two judges tried to intervene. The state’s ethics panel said they crossed a line.
What does it mean when judges are reprimanded for trying to fix a failing system?
Here’s what happened: 🔗
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/07/08/a...
Reposted by Erin Beck
Super important @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social story by @erinbeck.bsky.social
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/07/02/m...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/07/02/m...
West Virginians already struggle to get health care. It’s about to get much worse.
Rural West Virginians lack ERs, addiction treatment and infant care. Congress is rushing through a bill to make survival even harder.
mountainstatespotlight.org
July 3, 2025 at 1:44 AM
Super important @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social story by @erinbeck.bsky.social
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/07/02/m...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/07/02/m...
Imagine you're having a heart attack. ERs were already overwhelmed in West Virginia. Congress is on the verge of closing them completely. This is a health care system in crisis on the verge of collapse.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/07/02/m...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/07/02/m...
West Virginians already struggle to get health care. It’s about to get much worse.
Rural West Virginians lack ERs, addiction treatment and infant care. Congress is rushing through a bill to make survival even harder.
mountainstatespotlight.org
July 2, 2025 at 9:49 PM
Imagine you're having a heart attack. ERs were already overwhelmed in West Virginia. Congress is on the verge of closing them completely. This is a health care system in crisis on the verge of collapse.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/07/02/m...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/07/02/m...
Reposted by Erin Beck
Congress’ funding bill defunds a program to help low-income families make healthy choices. So West Virginia nutrition efforts are ending now.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/06/26/n...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/06/26/n...
June 30, 2025 at 7:03 PM
Congress’ funding bill defunds a program to help low-income families make healthy choices. So West Virginia nutrition efforts are ending now.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/06/26/n...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/06/26/n...
Reposted by Erin Beck
A kid with a token. A tote of fruits and veggies. A chance to make healthy choices, like a grown-up. Now members of Congress want to cut the program that made that possible. mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/06/26/n...
June 28, 2025 at 1:01 PM
A kid with a token. A tote of fruits and veggies. A chance to make healthy choices, like a grown-up. Now members of Congress want to cut the program that made that possible. mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/06/26/n...
Wow.
“They make these deceptive accusations because they desire power and social status at the expense of others.” - Del. Pat McGeehan, referencing two Jewish and Democratic delegates.
Via @westvirginiawatch.com
westvirginiawatch.com/2025/06/27/w...
“They make these deceptive accusations because they desire power and social status at the expense of others.” - Del. Pat McGeehan, referencing two Jewish and Democratic delegates.
Via @westvirginiawatch.com
westvirginiawatch.com/2025/06/27/w...
WV House Majority Leader says there’s proof Del. Masters didn’t write antisemitic comment • West Virginia Watch
West Virginia House Majority Leader Pat McGeehan issued a statement Friday saying he had “definitive proof” that Del. Ian T. Masters, R-Berkeley, was not recently using an Instagram account responsibl...
westvirginiawatch.com
June 28, 2025 at 11:20 PM
Wow.
“They make these deceptive accusations because they desire power and social status at the expense of others.” - Del. Pat McGeehan, referencing two Jewish and Democratic delegates.
Via @westvirginiawatch.com
westvirginiawatch.com/2025/06/27/w...
“They make these deceptive accusations because they desire power and social status at the expense of others.” - Del. Pat McGeehan, referencing two Jewish and Democratic delegates.
Via @westvirginiawatch.com
westvirginiawatch.com/2025/06/27/w...
Reposted by Erin Beck
NEW — Morrisey’s inaugural fund gave $500k to nonprofit run by political ally mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/06/27/m...
June 27, 2025 at 10:01 AM
NEW — Morrisey’s inaugural fund gave $500k to nonprofit run by political ally mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/06/27/m...
Reposted by Erin Beck
Kids like Julia were learning to shop, cook and grow food. But WVU is shutting down those programs as organizers anticipate Congress will end the program’s funding.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/06/26/n...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/06/26/n...
June 27, 2025 at 1:02 PM
Kids like Julia were learning to shop, cook and grow food. But WVU is shutting down those programs as organizers anticipate Congress will end the program’s funding.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/06/26/n...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/06/26/n...
Pleas for more methadone treatment have gone disregarded by state lawmakers. A state health official says it could save the lives of people addicted to fentanyl.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/05/27/w...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/05/27/w...
More methadone in West Virginia could reduce overdoses
Methadone works better for some people addicted to opioids. But most West Virginians aren’t permitted to use it.
mountainstatespotlight.org
June 28, 2025 at 12:36 AM
Pleas for more methadone treatment have gone disregarded by state lawmakers. A state health official says it could save the lives of people addicted to fentanyl.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/05/27/w...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/05/27/w...