We’re back! VBCF advocates were back in action at the Virginia General Assembly for the 2024 State Breast Cancer Advocacy Day on January 23. Over 25 volunteer advocates traveled from all parts of Virginia – from Toano, Aylett, Williamsburg, Alexandria, Roseland, Roanoke, and Chesapeake, just to name a few – to join us for this inspiring day. We were so glad to be back in person with our amazing breast cancer advocates after a 3-year hiatus!
During our morning reception, several legislators spoke to our group and shared heartfelt remarks about their personal connection to breast cancer. VBCF volunteer advocates then met with over 35 State Delegates and State Senators to discuss our legislative priorities. Many legislators or their aides let us know how breast cancer has touched their lives personally. A few mentioned having a parent or close relative who is a survivor or is currently in treatment. One legislator even told us that, unfortunately, she was just recently diagnosed with breast cancer. These emotional conversations reinforce the sad truth that almost everyone is impacted by breast cancer in one way or another.
VBCF 2024 Legislative Priorities
Affordable Access to Diagnostic Breast Cancer Imaging – HB230 | Fact Sheet
Unfortunately, I (now) have a family history of breast cancer, and when I went in for a screening, abnormalities were found that necessitated additional screenings every six months for a two-year period, which required both a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound. While this was necessary for my health, it proved to be quite financially onerous as I struggled to figure out how to afford the expensive copays for diagnostic mammograms and ultrasounds. When you’re struggling with not only coming to terms with a potentially life-altering health diagnosis but also managing the care needed for that health condition, figuring out how to deal with the ensuing medical bills is another unnecessary and burdensome task during a particularly difficult time.
Jessica – Volunteer Advocate
We are grateful to Delegate Shelly Simonds (VA-70th), the chief patron for HB230, our main priority during the 2024 General Assembly Session. This bill is similar to the one she introduced last year and aims to eliminate the out-of-pocket costs for follow-up medically necessary diagnostic and supplemental breast imaging such as MRIs, ultrasounds, and diagnostic mammograms.
We all know that early detection can help save lives but breast cancer cannot be diagnosed with one mammogram. However, the cost of getting the additional imaging necessary to rule out or confirm breast cancer can be prohibitively expensive, causing some to delay or forgo these additional procedures. A delay in diagnosis and treatment can result in a patient needing more extensive surgery and a longer course of treatment and increases the likelihood of cancer growing and spreading to other parts of the body. VBCF supports HB 230 to help Virginians access the breast care they need without the burden of expensive co-pays, co-insurance, or deductibles.
HB230 was heard in the House Labor and Commerce’s Subcommittee #1 on our Advocacy Day. VBCF staff and several of our advocates attended the meeting and provided testimony. Delegate Simonds spoke impassionedly to the committee about the need to get this bill passed ASAP! However, in Virginia, all bills related to changes in health insurance coverage must go to the Health Insurance Reform Commission (HIRC) for review. Del. Simonds requested that the subcommittee make a recommendation that HB230 go to HIRC with an expedited review process. The hope would be that a quick review by the HIRC later this year would mean the bill could be brought back in the 2025 General Assembly to get a vote for passage.
Great news! The subcommittee unanimously voted for this recommendation! We will follow this bill’s journey and continue to ask for volunteer advocate calls to action as needed.
HB946/SB376 Limiting Cost-Sharing for Prescription Drugs – Fact Sheet
“This bill would require health insurance carriers to give patients an option to select a capped co-pay-only health insurance plan. This is an important issue to me because, as a stage IV breast cancer thriver, I rely on prescription medications to keep me alive, and the cost of those can be prohibitive.”
Anne Woodward – VBCF Vice President & Advocate
Many patients, including breast cancer patients who rely on prescription drugs for their ongoing treatment, may be required by their insurance company to pay a co-insurance that could be thousands of dollars for a single month’s supply of medication. This cost barrier forces some patients to ration their medication and some to stop filling their prescriptions entirely.
HB946/SB376 require health insurers to ensure that at least 50% of their plans offer patients the choice to select a capped, flat-dollar, co-pay-only plan at every level of coverage they offer. VBCF supports these bills (which are identical) because we know that breast cancer patients deserve predictable, affordable access to their necessary medications. VBCF is a member of the Fair Healthcare VA coalition, a group of 13 patient, provider, and health advocacy groups working to pass these bills. It is expected that this legislation will be referred to the Health Insurance Reform Commission (HIRC) for review and hopefully return next Session for a vote.
Thank you to all of the volunteers who participated in the 2024 Breast Cancer Advocacy Day. Your stories and support inspire us and are crucial in driving meaningful change in breast cancer legislation and care.
3 Responses
I, like many am in total support of passing Ms. Simonds’ bill HB230. I am fortunate that I can afford the MRI I am required to have 6 months after my annual mammogram, but many are not as fortunate. I certainly could use that money elsewhere.
Thank you for ALL VBCF does!!!!
Thank you for your support, Kitty! To keep up-to-date on the latest with VBCF’s advocacy work, please consider subscribing to our Advocacy Alerts: https://www.vbcf.org/advocacy-alerts/. If you have any questions – kirsta@vbcf.org
Hello good morning I’m a breast cancer survivor I am looking for a job something more meaningful to my life I live in McLean Virginia. I would love to work for your organization somehow please let me know in what way? I can help more and educate more , by working for you guys thank you