WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 460

State employee health insurance plan; coverage for prosthetic devices.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Danica Roem

Virginia bill requiring state employee health insurance to cover prosthetic devices, indefinitely passed after cost concerns raised in Finance Committee.

Passed by indefinitely in Finance and Appropriations (14-Y 0-N)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 460

Legislative bill overview

SB 460 would require Virginia's state employee health insurance plan to cover prosthetic devices as a medical benefit. The bill mandates coverage without specifying limitations on which devices, frequency of replacement, or cost-sharing requirements, leaving implementation details to the insurance plan administrators.

Why is this important

Prosthetic devices can cost thousands to tens of thousands of dollars, making them financially inaccessible for many state employees without insurance coverage. This bill directly affects approximately 600,000+ state employees and retirees in Virginia, while also establishing precedent for what medical devices insurers must cover under public employee plans.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and budget impact: The fiscal impact statement suggests implementation costs, though the bill's indefinite passage in Finance suggests cost concerns may have been significant enough to stall it
  • Scope ambiguity: The bill doesn't define which prosthetic devices qualify (limbs only? orthotics? dental prosthetics?), potentially creating disputes over coverage eligibility and appeals
  • Replacement and upgrade frequency: No specified limits on how often devices can be replaced or upgraded, creating open-ended liability for the state insurance program and potentially driving premium increases

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

Sign in to ask a question.