Virginia Requires Coverage for PANDAS/PANS

June 03, 2025

On March 18, Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed HB 1641. The new legislation requires health insurance policies issued, reissued, or extended on or after January 1, 2026, to include coverage for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections (PANDAS) and pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS). The legislation specifically requires PANDAS and PANS coverage to include payment for treatment using antimicrobials, medication, and behavioral therapies to manage neuropsychiatric symptoms, immunomodulating medicines, plasma exchange, and intravenous immunoglobulin therapy. The law also prohibits certain denials and limitations on coverage for PANDAS/PANS treatments.

Sponsors of fully insured plans with policies issued in Virginia should be aware of this coverage requirement and work with their insurers to update plan documents as necessary.

HB 1641