SD8 - Senate Bill 553 (1994): Mandated Coverage for Diagnostic and Surgical Procedures Involving Bones and Joints

  • Published: 1995
  • Author: Special Advisory Commission on Mandated Health Insurance Benefits
  • Enabling Authority: Code of Virginia - § 9-298

Executive Summary:
During the 1994 Session of the General Assembly, the Senate Committee on Commerce and Labor referred Senate Bill 553 to the Special Advisory Commission on Mandated Health Insurance Benefits (Advisory Commission) for review. Senate Bill 553 is patroned by Senator Benjamin J. Lambert, III.

The Advisory Commission held a hearing on April 18, 1994 in Richmond to receive public comment on Senate Bill 553. Eight speakers addressed the proposal. Three representatives of the Virginia Dental Association and the Virginia Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, a pediatric rheumatologist from Children's Hospital in Richmond, and two concerned citizens that had been treated for diseases affecting facial bones or joints spoke in favor of the bill. Representatives of Trigon Blue Cross and Blue Shield (Trigon) and the Virginia Association of Health Maintenance Organizations spoke in opposition to the measure. In addition, the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation filed written comments opposing Senate Bill 553. The Advisory Commission concluded its review of Senate Bill 553 on June 28, 1994.