Update on SB1238

Just a quick update that due to many delays yesterday in the State Senate, our bill, SB1238 was not heard in the Commerce and Labor Committee after all. It should be on the agenda for Monday, January 27th now so stay tuned!

Also, you have more time if you have not had a chance to reach out to your legislators on that committee to urge their support. (See below). Action is now needed by Noon on January 27th

Thank you!

Action Alert from 1/23/24:

**Now, we must turn our attention to the Senate side bill - and quickly!**

We found out late today that SB1238 (same as HB1828) will be heard in the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee TOMORROW AFTERNOON, January 24th. We need you to take action by NOON tomorrow to support this bill!

Background

HB1828/SB1238 will eliminate the high out-of-pocket costs (co-pays, co-insurance or deductibles) that many patients face when getting follow-up diagnostic or supplemental breast imaging, including diagnostic mammography, ultrasound, and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). For more information about the bill see: HB1828/SB1238 FACT SHEET

ACTION NEEDED by Noon tomorrow, Jan 24st

1) If your Legislator is on the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee, please call or email them tomorrow morning

(member listing and contact information is below.)

Here is a sample message:

"I am calling/writing as a constituent of Senator [insert name] from [insert city/town] to ask him/her to support SB1238. This bill would protect patients from expensive out-of-pocket costs for medically necessary diagnostic or supplemental breast imaging. SB1238 ensures that no one faces the impossible choice between their health and their finances. It will help ensure earlier detection of breast cancer and save lives." [Add something personal about your own experience, if you'd like].

2) Email Senator Durant:

Your message can be simple: "Thank you for sponsoring SB1238, 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. Senator Durant can refer to these emails when speaking at the Committee.

2025 Senate Commerce & Labor Committee Members

Senator Bagby (804)6987514 senatorbagby@senate.virginia.gov

Senator Deeds (804) 698-7511 senatordeeds@senate.virginia.gov

Senator Deeds is the Chair of this Committee

Senator DeSteph (804) 698-7520 senatordesteph@senate.virginia.gov

Senator Ebbin (804) 698-7539 senatorebbin@senate.virginia.gov

Senator Locke (804) 698-7523 senatorlocke@senate.virginia.gov

Senator Lucas (804) 698-7518 senatorlucas@senate.virginia.gov

Senator Marsden (804) 698-753 senatormarsden@senate.virginia.gov

Senator McDougle (804) 698-7526 senatormcdougle@senate.virginia.gov

Senator McPike (804) 698-7529 senatormcpike@senate.virginia.gov

Senator Obenshain (804) 698-7502 senatorobenshain@senate.virginia.gov