RD17 - Mandated Coverage for Reconstructive Breast Surgery - House Bill 1010


Executive Summary:
The Senate Committee on Commerce and Labor referred House Bill 1010 to the Advisory Commission for review during the 2002 Session of the General Assembly of Virginia. House Bill 1010 was patroned by Delegate Mitchell Van Yahres. House Bill 1010 amends and reenacts § 38.2-3418.4 of the Code of Virginia. If enacted, this legislation would revise the current mandate of coverage for breast reconstruction after mastectomy to include coverage of a new medical technique called the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap procedure.

The Advisory Commission held a public hearing on November 12, 2002 in Richmond, Virginia to receive comments on House Bill 1010. In addition to the bill’s chief patron, one interested party spoke in favor of the proposed bill, and had previously provided written comments in favor of the legislation.

A representative of the Virginia Association of Health Plans (VAHP) spoke in opposition to the bill and provided written comments. A representative from Medical College of Virginia also opposed House Bill 1010.

The Advisory Commission is expected to conclude its review at the next Advisory Commission meeting and vote on the bill.