It's Official! HB625/SB161 signed into law!

Yesterday, Governor Spanberger signed HB625/SB161 into law, giving Virginians an option to choose a health insurance plan with flat-dollar copays for prescription drugs. These capped, co-pay only health insurance options will be available in 2027's open enrollment (for Virginians with state-regulated insurance). VBCF has been working on this legislation for several years and we appreciate all of our advocates who took action to help get it across the finish line! THANK YOU!

We are grateful to the bill patrons Senator Perry and Delegate Henson for championing this legislation. Please send them a note of appreciation!

senatorperry@senate.virginia.gov

delrhenson@house.virginia.gov

Update on Paid Family and Medical Leave legislation

Yesterday, Governor Spanberger indicated that she is proposing amendments to (HB1207/SB2), legislation which would establish a paid family and medical leave program in Virginia. This means that the General Assembly will consider those amendments next week during their reconvened session on April 22nd. Details about what those amendments entail are forthcoming so please stay tuned.

Background on HB625/SB161:

Advancements in the treatment of breast cancer include many high-cost, specialty medications like the newest, targeted breast therapies, immunotherapy, and drugs used to treat Stage IV breast cancer. Many insurance companies require patients to pay a percentage-based coinsurance for these life-saving medications. These unpredictable and unaffordable out-of-pocket costs can force patients to skip doses or stop taking their prescriptions altogether.

HB625/SB161 gives patients an option to choose a health insurance plan with flat-dollar copays for prescription drugs. Health insurance carriers would be required to offer at least one plan in each metal level with a predictable, co-pay-only prescription drug benefit option. Any covered medication within that plan could not exceed: $150 per prescription per month in Platinum plans; $200 per month in Gold Plans; $250 per month in Silver plans; and $300 per prescription per month in Bronze level plans.  

Background on HB1207/SB2:

Roughly 3.4 million Virginia workers do not have access to paid leave. HB1207 (Del. Sewell) and SB2 (Sen. Boysko) will ensure that Virginia workers are able to take up to 12 weeks of paid leave each year to address serious illness or injury or care for a new baby or their loved ones. Workers will receive 80% wage replacement and protection of their health care coverage. Learn more about the specifics of the program HERE.

Questions: contact Kirsta Millar

kirsta@vbcf.org or 804-285-1200 ext. 203.