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Bill

HB 462

Health Ed. SOL; Bd. of Ed. to require literacy instruction in grade 9 & 10 in next revision.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Laura Jane Cohen and 1 co-sponsor

Virginia requires K-12 schools to teach health insurance and healthcare literacy within economics curricula to improve student financial decision-making capabilities.

Approved by Governor-Chapter 799 (effective 7/1/2026)
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Bill Summary · HB 462

Legislative bill overview

HB 462 mandates that Virginia public schools incorporate health insurance literacy and health care instruction into economics and financial literacy curricula. The bill requires students to understand concepts like insurance coverage types, costs, claims processes, and healthcare decision-making as part of their K-12 education.

Why is this important

Health insurance is a critical life skill that most Americans must navigate independently, yet it receives minimal formal instruction in most schools. By integrating this into economics classes, the bill aims to reduce financial vulnerability and improve healthcare decision-making among future generations, potentially lowering costs through more informed consumer choices.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation burden: Schools must develop new curriculum materials and teacher training without specified funding mechanisms, potentially straining already-stretched education budgets
  • Content standardization: Disagreement over what constitutes adequate health insurance instruction and whether coverage should include controversial topics (like cost-benefit analyses of different insurance models)
  • Grade-level appropriateness: Debate over whether complex insurance concepts are suitable for elementary students or should be concentrated in high school economics courses

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

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