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Bill

SB 257

Health insurance; requirements for certain opioid antagonists.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Barbara Favola and 1 co-sponsor

Virginia bill mandates health insurance coverage of opioid antagonists and requires pharmacies to notify customers about their availability to combat overdose deaths.

Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB257)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 257

Legislative bill overview

SB 257 requires health insurance plans in Virginia to cover opioid antagonists (such as naloxone/Narcan) and mandates that certain pharmacies provide notice to customers about the availability of these life-saving medications. The bill aims to improve access to overdose reversal drugs while increasing public awareness of their availability.

Why is this important

Opioid overdose deaths remain a significant public health crisis, and immediate access to antagonists can reverse overdoses and save lives. This legislation addresses two barriers to access: cost (through insurance coverage requirements) and information gaps (through pharmacy notification requirements). Expanding coverage and awareness could reduce preventable deaths in communities affected by opioid use disorder.

Potential points of contention

  • Insurance cost implications: Insurers may argue that mandatory coverage increases premiums for all customers, and questions exist about whether coverage should include all formulations or just generic versions
  • Pharmacy burden and specificity: The bill's requirement for pharmacies to provide notice raises questions about which pharmacies are covered, notification frequency, and implementation costs for smaller pharmacies
  • Scope of coverage: Debate may arise over whether insurance should cover antagonists for at-risk individuals only or universally, and whether co-pays or other cost-sharing should apply

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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