Virginia House Bill HB280

Virginia 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/26
• Refer: 1/9/26

Caption

<p class=ldtitle>A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Title 32.1 a chapter numbered 13.01, consisting of a section numbered 32.1-353.01, relating to comprehensive children's health care coverage program.</p>

Summary

HB280 would create a state-funded comprehensive children’s health care coverage program within the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) for Virginia residents under age 19 who are uninsured and not otherwise eligible for Medicaid or CHIP. The program is designed to provide coverage consistent with the benefits, service limits, and manner of delivery already available to children under the state plan for medical assistance services. The bill also sets up an administrative framework for the new program, including a centralized processing site, outreach and marketing, eligibility determinations, enrollment, data collection, and the option to use third-party administrators. It requires applications to be accepted through local social services agencies, providers, and other appropriate persons, and it directs DMAS to provide language access services and accessibility accommodations at no charge.

Impact

If enacted, HB280 would add a new chapter to Title 32.1 of the Code of Virginia and expand the responsibilities of DMAS by creating a separate state-funded coverage pathway for uninsured children who do not qualify for existing public coverage. It would also impose confidentiality and data-protection rules on program information, including restrictions on disclosure for civil immigration enforcement absent consent or a judicial order, subpoena, or warrant. Finally, the bill directs DMAS to seek federal waivers and approvals to maximize federal financial participation, which could affect how the program is financed and administered.

Sentiment

The available legislative history suggests limited support at the subcommittee level but no broad advancement in committee. The subcommittee vote to lay the bill on the table was unanimous (9-0), indicating no recorded opposition in that setting, but the bill ultimately was left in the House Health and Human Services Committee. Overall, the discussion record provided does not show strong public controversy, but the committee outcome suggests the proposal did not gain enough momentum to move forward.

Contention

The main points of potential contention are likely fiscal and administrative: creating a new state-funded coverage program for uninsured children could require significant state spending, even though the bill instructs DMAS to pursue federal matching funds. Another likely issue is the bill’s confidentiality and immigration-related nondisclosure provisions, which restrict sharing program information with government and law-enforcement entities for civil immigration enforcement. Supporters would likely emphasize expanded access to health care for children and protections for immigrant families and other vulnerable populations, while opponents may focus on cost, program duplication, and limits on information sharing.