SD13 - Mandated Coverage of Annual Prostate-Specific Antigen Test (Senate Bill 1003, 1997)

  • Published: 1998
  • Author: Special Advisory Commission on Mandated Health Insurance Benefits
  • Enabling Authority: Code of Virginia - § 9-298

Executive Summary:
The 1997 Senate Committee on Commerce and Labor referred Senate Bill 1003 to the Special Advisory Commission on Mandated Health Insurance Benefits (Advisory Commission) to be reviewed prior to the 1998 Session of the General Assembly. Senate Bill 1003 is patroned by Senator Kenneth W. Stolle.

The Advisory Commission held a public hearing to receive comments on Senate Bill 1003 on August 27, 1997, in Richmond. In addition to the bill's chief patron, two oncologists, a representative from the American Foundation for Urologic Disease (AFUD), and four prostate cancer survivors spoke in support of the bill. Written comments supporting Senate Bill 1003 were received from the AFUD, the American Cancer Society (ACS), the American Urological Association (AUA), the American Prostate Society (APS), and five interested parties. Representatives from the Virginia Association of Health Maintenance Organizations (VAHMO) and the Virginia Manufacturers Association (VMA) spoke in opposition to the bill. Written comments opposing the bill were received from the VAHMO, VMA, Trigon Blue Cross Blue Shield (Trigon), and the Virginia Chamber of Commerce (VCC).

The Advisory Commission concluded its review of Senate Bill 1003 on September 17, 1997.