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Bill

HB 328

Health insurance; essential health benefits benchmark plan selection.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Elizabeth Bennett-Parker and 16 co-sponsors

Virginia HB 328 establishes health insurance essential benefits benchmark requirements, advancing through committee with amendments pending appropriations review for fiscal impact.

Governor's recommendation received by House
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 328

Legislative bill overview

HB 328 establishes a benchmark plan for essential health benefits in Virginia's health insurance market, likely defining which services and treatments insurers must cover. The bill has advanced through House committee with amendments and now awaits appropriations review, indicating fiscal implications requiring budget consideration.

Why is this important

Health insurance coverage standards directly affect Virginia residents' access to care and out-of-pocket costs. Benchmark plans serve as the minimum coverage baseline, influencing what treatments are available without additional cost-sharing and potentially affecting insurance premium pricing across the state.

Potential points of contention

  • Coverage scope vs. affordability trade-off: Broader essential health benefits requirements may increase insurance premiums for consumers and employers, raising equity concerns about access for lower-income populations
  • Benchmark selection criteria: Disagreement likely exists over which existing plan should serve as the benchmark (commercial, Medicaid, or federal standard), as different choices create different coverage obligations
  • State vs. federal authority: Tension may exist between Virginia's standards and federal ACA essential health benefit requirements, with questions about whether state benchmarks exceed or conflict with federal minimums

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

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