Why 4/5: Mandates new insurance coverage requirements for a life-saving drug, directly impacting patient access and cost.
Health insurers in Virginia will be required to cover at least one opioid antagonist for overdose reversal, placing it on the lowest cost tier and exempting it from prior authorization. This change aims to make life-saving overdose reversal medication more affordable and accessible for insured individuals across the state.
Third reading
Read third time
Update
committee substitute rejected
Substitute adopted
committee substitute agreed to
Substitute adopted
Engrossed by House - committee substitute
Passed a chamber
Passed House with substitute (96-Y 0-N 0-A)
Substitute adopted
House substitute agreed to by Senate (39-Y 1-N 0-A)
Enrolled
Enrolled
Passed a chamber
Bill text as passed Senate and House (SB257ER)
Passed a chamber
Signed by President
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Summarized from the official bill text (“Health insurance; requirements for certain opioid antagonists.”) · Read the actual bill →
Passed a chamber
Signed by Speaker
Enrolled
Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 31, 2026
Sent to the Governor
Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
Update
Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB257)
Signed into law
Approved by Governor-Chapter 424 (effective 7/1/2026)
Update
Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0424)