summary
Introduced
01/08/2026
01/08/2026
In Committee
02/23/2026
02/23/2026
Crossed Over
01/27/2026
01/27/2026
Passed
03/31/2026
03/31/2026
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
03/31/2026
03/31/2026
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Regular Session
Bill Summary
Health insurance; tobacco surcharge. Eliminates the authority of a health carrier to vary its premium rates based on tobacco use. Under current law, a health carrier may charge premium rates up to 1.5 times higher for a tobacco user than for a nonuser. The provisions of the bill apply to health benefit plans providing individual or small group health insurance coverage entered into, amended, extended, or renewed on or after January 1, 2027.
AI Summary
This bill eliminates the ability of health insurance companies, known as health carriers, to charge higher premiums to individuals who use tobacco products. Currently, health carriers can charge tobacco users up to 1.5 times more for health insurance than non-users. This change will apply to new or renewed individual and small group health insurance plans starting January 1, 2027.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (7)
Patrick Hope (D)*,
Nadarius Clark (D),
Elizabeth Guzmán (D),
Michelle Lopes-Maldonado (D),
Fernando Martinez (D),
Charlie Schmidt (D),
Irene Shin (D),
Last Action
Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0034) (on 03/31/2026)
Bill Topics
Health
- ‐ Health Insurance Reform
- ‐ Tobacco Abuse, Treatment, and Education
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location | Created |
|---|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB220 | 01/08/2026 |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB220/text/CHAP0034 | 04/01/2026 |
| Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from State Corporation Commission (HB220) | https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1196089.PDF | 03/05/2026 |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB220/text/HB220ER | 03/03/2026 |
| Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from State Corporation Commission (HB220) | https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1133874.PDF | 02/09/2026 |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB220/text/HB220 | 01/08/2026 |
Loading...