Send a quick email to support HB230!

Take Action to Support HB230 to Eliminate Out-Of-Pocket Costs for Diagnostic Breast Imaging

The Virginia General Assembly is in full swing! VBCF's Advocacy Day is tomorrow and we have a wonderful group of volunteer advocates gearing up to meet with their legislators. Even if you cannot join us this year, you can take action TODAY to help support one of our priority bills.

VBCF believes no one should have to pay expensive out-of-pocket costs to get the medically necessary follow-up breast imaging they need to confirm or rule out breast cancer. HB230 was introduced in the General Assembly this year by Delegate Shelly Simonds (VA-70th) and would eliminate the high out-of-pocket costs that many patients have to pay for follow-up breast diagnostic imaging - including diagnostic mammography, ultrasound, and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). For more information about the bill see VBCF's Fact Sheet HB230.

Things are moving fast!

HB230 will be heard in the House Labor & Committee subcommittee tomorrow afternoon, Tuesday, January 23rd. We need VBCF advocates to show their support for this bill ASAP!!

ACTION NEEDED by Noon tomorrow, Jan 23rd

1) Call or Email your Legislator if they are on Subcommittee #1 of the House Labor & Commerce Committee (list and contact information below)

Your message can be simple: "I am calling/writing as a constituent of Delegate [insert name] from [insert city/town] to express my support for HB230. This bill would protect patients from expensive out-of-pocket costs for follow-up diagnostic mammograms, ultrasounds, or MRI. Early detection and treatment of breast cancer are essential to ensuring better health outcomes. Eliminating expensive financial barriers to accessing diagnostic breast imaging can help save lives." Add something personal about your own experience, if you'd like.

2) Email Delegate Simonds: DelSSimonds@house.virginia.gov

Your message can be simple: "Thank you for sponsoring HB230, which will help protect patients from expensive out-of-pocket costs to find out if they have breast cancer." Add something personal about your own experience, if you choose. Delegate Simonds can refer to these emails when speaking at the Committee.

3) Provide written comments in support of HB230

VBCF will speak at the meeting in support of the bill. You can also help by submitting a brief personal statement/comments about why you support the bill. These comments are shared with the Subcommittee members. To submit comments click HERE and then select the box: "Provide Written Comments"

2024 House of Delegates Labor & Commerce SubComm#1 Members

Del. Maldonado, Chair of Subcommittee #1: (804) 698-1020 DelMMaldonado@house.virginia.gov

Del. Sullivan (804) 698-1006 DelRSullivan@house.virginia.gov

Del. Shin (804) 698-1008 DelIShin@house.virginia.gov

Del. LeVere Bolling (804) 698-1080 DelDLeVereBolling@house.virginia.gov

Del. Kilgore (804) 698-1045 DelTKilgore@house.virginia.gov

Del. Wilt (804) 698-1034 DelTWilt@house.virginia.gov

Del. McNamara (804) 698-1040 DelJMcNamara@house.virginia.gov

*Don't know who your legislator is: Who's My Legislator?

THANK YOU!! For questions, contact Kirsta Millar, Policy Manager kirsta@vbcf.org or 804-285-1200 ext. 203.

www.vbcf.org | 1-800-345-8223