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Bill

SB 790

Health insurance; mandated benefits, coverage for treatment of menopause and perimenopause.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Ryan McDougle

Virginia would require health insurers to cover menopause and perimenopause treatments without exclusions, expanding access but likely increasing insurance costs.

Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
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Bill Summary · SB 790

Legislative bill overview

SB 790 mandates that health insurance plans in Virginia cover treatments and therapies for menopause and perimenopause symptoms. The bill requires insurers to include these conditions within their standard benefit packages without exclusions or unreasonable restrictions.

Why is this important

Menopause and perimenopause affect millions of women and can cause debilitating symptoms including hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, and sleep disruption that impact work and quality of life. Currently, coverage for treatments varies widely by insurance plan, leaving many women with significant out-of-pocket costs for hormone replacement therapy, non-hormonal medications, and other therapies.

Potential points of contention

  • Insurance cost implications: Mandated benefits increase insurance premiums for all enrollees; insurers and employers may argue this raises healthcare costs without sufficient offset mechanisms
  • Medical evidence debates: Some healthcare providers debate the long-term safety and necessity of certain menopause treatments, particularly hormone replacement therapy, which has complex risk-benefit profiles
  • Scope of coverage ambiguity: The bill's definition of covered "treatments and therapies" could be interpreted broadly or narrowly, creating disputes over what procedures, medications, and alternative therapies qualify for coverage

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

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