The 2022 Virginia General Assembly Session began on January 13th. Due to the spike in Covid-19 cases with the omicron variant, VBCF will not host an in-person State Breast Cancer Advocacy Day this year. While we are disappointed not to see our advocates face-to-face, we have exciting news for the Session!

VBCF believes no one should have to pay expensive out-of-pocket costs to find out if they have breast cancer. We have been working with Delegate Delores McQuinn (D-70th) on a bill that would eliminate the high out-of-pocket costs that many patients have to pay for breast cancer diagnostic imaging - including diagnostic mammography, ultrasound, and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). These significant extra costs (in the form of co-pays, coinsurance, and deductibles) can lead patients to delay or even forgo additional procedures and therefore can impact breast cancer outcomes.

We are excited to share that HR 1243 was introduced by Delegate McQuinn this week! If passed, this bill would prohibit health insurance plans from imposing higher cost-sharing requirements on breast cancer diagnostic examinations and imaging than they do for routine breast cancer screening mammograms. This would protect patients from expensive out-of-pocket costs for the breast cancer care they need.

VBCF is developing materials to explain more about the need for this bill and will share those soon. We will also offer ways that you can help support the passage of this bill as it moves through the General Assembly, so please stay tuned!