Legislation modernizing health insurance electronic transactions clears Virginia House and Senate

State Del. Michelle Lopes Maldonado’s measure to update health insurance business practices by mandating expanded electronic transactions between carriers and providers won approval from both chambers, according to the Virginia State House.

The measure was enacted by both chambers and officially enrolled as of March 3, 2026, having passed the House 98-0 and the Senate 40-0.

Filed as HB676 on Jan. 14, 2026, during the regular legislative session, the bill was described by the state legislature as: “Health insurance claims; electronic attachments accepted, delayed effective date.”

Below is our summary, referencing the actual bill text, and may include explanation for clarity on its details.

Essentially, the bill revises Virginia’s standards for health insurance carriers by requiring broader use of electronic transactions with providers. It stipulates that documents required to support clean claims and medical necessity be delivered electronically, prohibiting mandates for paper or fax submissions. Starting July 1, 2025, carriers are required to distribute provider contracts, amendments, notifications and eligibility tools digitally, with providers obligated to reply electronically beginning Jan. 1, 2026. The legislation also mandates that claim defect notices and communications relating to retroactive denials be delivered electronically and considered received upon transmission for timing of payment.

On the House floor, 63 Democrats and 35 Republicans backed the legislation.

In the Senate, 21 Democrats and 19 Republicans voted for the bill.

Primary sponsors include Del. Michelle Lopes Maldonado (Democrat-20th District), Del. Nadarius E. Clark (Democrat-84th District), Del. Rozia A. Henson, Jr. (Democrat-19th District), and an additional sponsor.

Maldonado holds a BA from Barnard College (1991) and a JD from The George Washington University Law School (1996).

Maldonado, a Democrat, assumed office in the Virginia State House in 2024 representing the 20th District, succeeding John Avoli.

The legislative process in Virginia initiates when a bill is put forward in either the House of Delegates or the Senate. The proposal is assigned to committees for review and potential revisions. After committee approval, it receives a full chamber debate and vote in both bodies. If successful in both, it is sent to the governor for signature, veto, or to become law without signature. The Virginia General Assembly meets annually in regular session beginning the second Monday in January, with legislators introducing numerous bills each session, though only a fraction become law.

Details for this article were drawn from the Virginia State House. Source material can be accessed here.