Virginia-regulated plans with drug coverage must cover birth control, including OTC

If you are covered by a Virginia-regulated individual or group health plan with outpatient prescription drug coverage, the plan will have to cover FDA-approved birth control, including products sold over the counter without a prescription. Over-the-counter hormonal birth control, such as the daily pill now sold on store shelves, will cost nothing at an in-network pharmacy counter. For other birth control, your plan can charge a copay for some brands, but at least one equivalent version must be free. If your provider says you need a specific product for medical reasons, the plan must cover that one without cost-sharing.

You don’t have to apply. The rules apply to policies and HMO plans delivered, issued, or renewed in Virginia on or after January 1, 2027, so you get the benefit when your plan next renews. The law does not reach self-funded employer plans or government coverage such as Medicaid and Medicare. Covered plans also can’t require a prescription for over-the-counter products, and they must post clear coverage information online.

Del. Josh Thomas carried the bill in the House, and Sen. Jennifer Carroll Foy carried an identical Senate bill. Both are Democrats from Prince William County. The House passed it 63–34 in February. The Senate first passed it 23–17, reconsidered that vote, then gave final passage 24–16 in March. Gov. Abigail Spanberger recommended changes, which both chambers accepted on April 22, 2026, and the bill became law that day. She held a public signing in June.