SD14 - Mandated Coverage of Reconstructive Breast Surgery (Senate Bill 948, 1997)
Executive Summary: The 1997 Senate Committee on Commerce and Labor referred Senate Bill 948 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 948 is patroned by Senator William Roscoe Reynolds. The Advisory Commission held a public hearing on July 29, 1997 in Richmond to receive comments on Senate Bill 948. In addition to the bill's chief patron, representatives from the American Cancer Society (ACS), the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASPRS), the Virginia Society of Plastic Surgery, the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation (VBCF), and seven interested parties spoke in favor of the bill. Written comments supporting the proposal were received from the ACS, VBCF, ASPRS, six plastic and reconstructive surgeons, two surgical oncologists, seven physicians, two psychologists, one obstetrician, and forty-six interested parties. One physician submitted the case history of a breast cancer patient who was denied coverage for reconstructive surgery. A plastic surgeon specializing in breast reconstruction submitted a list of the states that currently legislate reconstructive breast surgery. Another plastic surgeon submitted a petition with eighteen names and addresses of individuals who support Senate Bill 948. Written comments in opposition to the bill were received from the Virginia Manufacturers Association (VMA), the Virginia Chamber of Commerce (VCC), and Trigon Blue Cross Blue Shield (Trigon). The Virginia Association of Health Maintenance Organizations (VAHMO) stated in written and oral comments that it had no position on Senate Bill 948. The Advisory Commission concluded its review of Senate Bill 948 on August 27, 1997. |
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