WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 2083

Pregnant qualified individuals; Va. Health Benefit Exchange to establish special enrollment period.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Elizabeth Bennett-Parker and 12 co-sponsors

Virginia requires its Health Benefit Exchange to create a special enrollment period allowing pregnant individuals to access health insurance coverage outside standard annual enrollment periods, effective July 2025.

Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0528)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2083

Legislative bill overview

HB 2083 requires Virginia's Health Benefit Exchange to establish a special enrollment period for pregnant individuals, allowing them to enroll in health insurance outside the standard annual open enrollment window. The bill creates a pathway for pregnant people to access coverage immediately when they become eligible, rather than waiting for the next regular enrollment period.

Why is this important

Pregnancy-related healthcare costs are substantial, and gaps in insurance coverage during pregnancy can result in delayed prenatal care, higher out-of-pocket expenses, and worse health outcomes for both mother and fetus. This policy addresses a practical barrier by ensuring pregnant individuals can secure coverage when they need it most, potentially reducing maternal health complications and improving access to preventive care.

Potential points of contention

  • Eligibility verification complexity: Determining and verifying pregnancy status for enrollment purposes raises privacy concerns and administrative questions about what documentation is required
  • Cost implications: The fiscal impact on the state exchange and insurers may increase premium costs or state subsidy requirements, though the fiscal note details remain unpublished in this summary
  • Implementation timeline: The July 1, 2025 effective date provides limited time for the exchange to establish procedures, staff training, and system modifications to process special enrollments

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

Sign in to ask a question.