2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26103661D

HOUSE BILL NO. 525

Offered January 14, 2026

Prefiled January 13, 2026

A BILL to direct the Department of Medical Assistance Services to seek the necessary permissions from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to authorize and fund a pilot program promoting early literacy and parental bonding as part of routine pediatric primary care visits in select underserved localities through a partnership with Reach Out and Read.

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Patrons—Downey, Willett and Anderson

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Referred to Committee on Health and Human Services

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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. § 1. The Department of Medical Assistance Services (the Department) shall seek the necessary permissions from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to amend the state plan for the Family Access to Medical Insurance Security Plan to authorize and fund a pilot program promoting early literacy and parental bonding as part of routine pediatric primary care visits in select underserved localities through a contracted partnership with Reach Out and Read as permitted pursuant to § 2105(a)(1)(D)(ii) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. § 1397ee). Such pilot program is conditional on the Department obtaining all necessary approvals and federal financial participation.