is it a requirement that i keep life and health insurance on my wife during the 1 year separation?

Yes, you should keep your wife on your health insurance, unless and until she is able to affordably get her own or until you are divorced.  If you remove her from your coverage, you could potentially be liable for any out of pocket medical costs that she incurs.  Under the "doctrine of necessities" spouses are legally responsible to provide for each other's basic needs.  Remember that she is still your spouse until a divorce is final.  This answer is given in accordance with the laws of Virginia and may not be applicable in any other state.  It should not be construed as legal advice, as that would require a more thorough analysis of all of the facts involved in a specific case.