Senate Action Needed Now for SB1238: Protect Patients from High Out-of-Pocket Costs

Update!

Unanimous House Committee Support for HB1828

We’re thrilled to share that during our State Advocacy Day, the full House Labor and Commerce Committee unanimously voted to report HB1828 to Appropriations. This bipartisan support is another big step forward for the bill! Stay tuned for updates on how you can advocate for the bill in the Appropriations Committee.


Immediate Action Required: Senate Side Focus

SB1238, the Senate companion bill to HB1828, will be heard in the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee tomorrow afternoon, January 24th. To ensure its passage, we need your help before NOON tomorrow!

Why SB1238 Matters

SB1238 eliminates high out-of-pocket costs—like co-pays, co-insurance, and deductibles—for diagnostic and supplemental breast imaging. This includes:

  • Diagnostic mammography
  • Ultrasound
  • MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)

By removing financial barriers, the bill ensures that no one faces the impossible choice between their health and their finances, promoting early detection and saving lives.


How You Can Help

1. Contact Your Legislator by Noon Tomorrow

If your legislator serves on the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee, call or email them in the morning using this message:

Sample Message
“I am calling/writing as a constituent of Senator [insert name] from [insert city/town] to ask them to support SB1238. This bill would protect patients from expensive out-of-pocket costs for medically necessary diagnostic or supplemental breast imaging. SB1238 ensures no one faces the impossible choice between their health and finances. It will help ensure earlier detection of breast cancer and save lives.” [Feel free to add a personal experience.]

2. Email Senator Durant

Senator Durant is the bill sponsor and will be presenting it in committee. Your email can be simple:

Sample Message
“Thank you for sponsoring SB1238, which will help protect patients from expensive out-of-pocket costs to find out if they have breast cancer.” [Feel free to include a personal experience.]


2025 Senate Commerce & Labor Committee Members

Here is the contact information for committee members. If your legislator is listed, please reach out to them:

Not sure who your legislator is? Use the Who’s My Legislator? tool to find out.


Questions?

Contact Kirsta Millar at kirsta@vbcf.org or (804) 285-1200 ext. 203 for more information.

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