05/18/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/18/2026 12:03
For Immediate Release: May 18, 2026
Office of the Governor Contact: [email protected]
RICHMOND, VA - Governor Abigail Spanberger last week signed a series of bills aimed at addressing the high energy costs Virginia families are facing and making healthcare more affordable and accessible across the Commonwealth.
In Charlottesville, Governor Spanberger signed a package of bipartisan legislation to tackle rising energy prices by increasing energy generation in Virginia and boosting the Commonwealth's energy independence. The Governor also joined healthcare professionals in Fairfax to sign bills capping the monthly out-of-pocket cost of insulin at $35, requiring insurers on the Marketplace to offer health plans that cap monthly out-of-pocket drug costs, and cracking down on costly delays in patient care.
Read below for coverage from across the Commonwealth of Governor Spanberger continuing to deliver results for Virginians:
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NBC4 [Washington, DC]: Gov. Spanberger signs bills to lower drug, healthcare costs
Virginia's governor was in Fairfax County Wednesday for a ceremonial bill signing that lawmakers on both sides of the aisle say will help address rising costs.
Governor Abigail Spanberger was flanked by legislators and advocates Wednesday inside Inova Fairfax to sign several bills to lower healthcare and prescription drug costs.
"Because no Virginian should be rationing insulin because of what it costs at the pharmacy counter. That's why we're capping the out-of-pocket cost of a 30-day supply at $35," Spanberger said.
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Spanberger was quick to point out Wednesday that this group of bills were all passed with strong bipartisan support.
FOX5 [Washington, DC]: Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger signs bills to lower healthcare costs
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger signed healthcare cost-cutting bills into law Wednesday in Fairfax County, aiming to make prescription drugs and medical care more affordable across Virginia.
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Officials and advocates at the event said the new laws are designed to reduce delays in care and lower out-of-pocket costs for patients facing a range of medical needs, from chronic conditions to family planning and specialty treatment.
During remarks, supporters emphasized that the measures would directly affect patients' finances by reducing prescription costs and streamlining access to necessary care.
One speaker noted that administrative hurdles from insurers have, in some cases, led patients to seek emergency treatment when care could have been handled earlier.
WUSA9 [Washington, DC]: Spanberger signs bills to lower healthcare, prescription drug costs
Governor Abigail Spanberger was in Fairfax today addressing high healthcare costs for Virginians. She signed several bills trying to lower those costs on things like insulin, insurance, and rising prescription drug prices.
The state's Health and Human Services Secretary said those bills signed today are also intended to brace Virginians for possible federal healthcare cuts by the Trump administration.
NBC12 [Richmond]: Spanberger signs bipartisan bills to lower healthcare costs
The new laws attempt to make prescription drugs more affordable and ensures more Virginians can get the care they need. They will also cap the out of pocket cost for insulin.
This comes just days after the Governor signed landmark legislation here in Richmond, creating a paid family and medical leave program covering more than 3 million workers across the Commonwealth.
Virginia Mercury: With governor's signature, healthcare affordability bills become law
Gov. Abigail Spanberger traveled to Northern Virginia on Wednesday to sign a slate of bills aimed at reducing healthcare costs, ranging from insurance claims reform to targeted prescription drug affordability.
Most of the legislation was sponsored by lawmakers representing that part of the state and met success following years of efforts under previous gubernatorial administrations. About a dozen of those legislators joined Spanberger for the signing at the Inova Schar Cancer Institute in Fairfax County.
The measures reflect Spanberger's focus on affordability, which she called "the cornerstone of my legislative agenda."
"These bills are a significant step forward to make sure that when your family needs care, you can get it," Spanberger said in a statement. "When your doctor writes a prescription, you can afford to fill it. And when you get sick, the cost of getting better doesn't break the bank."
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NBC29 [Charlottesville]: Governor Spanberger signs energy bills targeting affordability at Charlottesville event
Governor Abigail Spanberger signed a slew of energy bills into law Tuesday, May 12, all aimed at making solar power more affordable and accessible for Virginians.
The signing ceremony was held at the Southern Environmental Law Center in downtown Charlottesville. The bills are part of Spanberger's plan to cut costs in the Commonwealth.
"The bills that I'm signing represent a scope of priorities and legislation that is really going to continue to not just move Virginia in the right direction but demonstrate real leadership," Spanberger said.
CBS19 [Charlottesville]: Governor Spanberger focuses on campus safety, high energy costs in new bill signings
Governor Abigail Spanberger in Charlottesville today signing two major bipartisan bills into law that addressed campus safety and rising utility costs, big issues both in this community.
Governor Spanberger made two stops in the city: First on grounds at UVA where she signed legislation aimed at strengthening campus safety following the 2022 shooting and later signing another bipartisan package that would impact Virginians right at home and it's focused on lowering energy costs.
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While after that, her focus shifted to energy, signing a package of bipartisan energy bills to increase energy generation and address rising utility costs for Virginians. And with a focus on solar, specifically shared solar, it's intended to improve reliability and move Virginia toward greater energy independence.
13 News Now [Norfolk]: Spanberger signs bipartisan energy bills aimed at lowering costs for families
Governor Abigail Spanberger signed six bipartisan energy bills aimed at addressing high energy costs and reducing barriers to solar energy access.
The legislation will expand shared solar, what lawmakers call the fastest and cheapest form of energy, and make Virginia the second state to allow solar panels on balconies. It's part of her plan to cut costs in the Commonwealth.
"The bills that I'm signing represent a scope of priorities and legislation that is really going to continue to not just move Virginia in the right direction but demonstrate real leadership."
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