2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26104821D

SENATE BILL NO. 275

Offered January 14, 2026

Prefiled January 13, 2026

A BILL to direct the Department of Medical Assistance Services, in coordination with the Department of Health, the Department of Social Services, the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, and the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services, to evaluate, develop, and report on a statewide Community Health Worker integration strategy.

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Patron—Williams Graves

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Referred to Committee on Education and Health

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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. § 1. That the Department of Medical Assistance Services, in coordination with the Department of Health, the Department of Social Services, the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, and the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services, shall (i) evaluate and identify opportunities to require Medicaid managed care organizations to embed certified community health workers (CHW) into care coordination models, including but not limited to chronic disease management, aging-in-place programs, high-utilizer care coordination, and social determinants of health navigation; (ii) evaluate the adoption and implementation of the 2024 Medicare Community Health Integration services codes (HCPCS G0019 and G0022) and determine the feasibility of establishing Medicaid reimbursement for CHW-delivered services through a State Plan amendment or other mechanism; (iii) develop and implement statewide workforce pathways for CHW training that are accessible to Medicaid and SNAP recipients who must satisfy the federal 80-hour monthly community engagement or work requirement, in coordination with the Department of Workforce Development and Advancement, the Virginia Community College System, and the Department of Education; and (iv) identify opportunities to expand the use of CHWs in programs supporting high-cost Medicaid populations, including individuals with multiple chronic conditions, behavioral health needs, disabilities, or complex social support needs.

§ 2. The Department of Medical Assistance Services shall submit a report of its findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislative or regulatory changes to the Joint Commission on Health Care and the Chairs of the House Committee on Appropriations and the Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriations no later than December 1, 2026, and based on those findings and recommendations shall design and implement a plan for subsequent years.