Governor Spanberger Signs Order to Mitigate Federal Healthcare Cuts

Governor Abigail Spanberger signed Executive Order 20, titled Keep Virginia Covered, on August 25, 2026, to mitigate the impact of federal funding cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The cuts stem from H.R. 1, known as the One Big Beautiful Bill, signed by President Donald Trump. The federal legislation introduces new work requirements for over 500,000 people starting January 1 and increases the state's share of SNAP funding to 75% beginning in October.

State officials estimate that 300,000 Medicaid recipients and 7,000 SNAP recipients risk losing benefits, while 13 hospitals face potential closure. To address the crisis, Spanberger allocated $150 million to offset rising private healthcare premiums and directed state agencies to streamline verification processes and implement plain-language outreach. The administration is also launching a data dashboard and regional workshops, including a session in Charlottesville on September 22, to coordinate community resources.

Spanberger characterized the reductions as the largest cuts to healthcare and food assistance in history, warning that the state cannot fully close the $2.6 billion annual funding gap. The Virginia GOP defended the federal bill, claiming it protects Medicaid for those who need it most by removing access for fraudsters and illegal aliens. In response to the legislation, Virginia is joining other Democratic-led states in a lawsuit challenging the federal cuts.