RD7 - Senate Bill 619 - Mandated Coverage for Prevention, Elimination or Reduction in Illness, Disease or Condition Due to Genetic Predisposition or Family History Prior to Presentation of Symptoms


Executive Summary:
The Senate Committee on Commerce and Labor referred Senate Bill 619 to the Special Advisory Commission on Mandated Health Insurance Benefits (Advisory Commission) in 2002. The bill was introduced in the General Assembly by Senator R. Creigh Deeds.

The Advisory Commission held a public hearing in Richmond on October 10, 2002, to receive public comments on Senate Bill 619. In addition to the patron, a physician from the University of Virginia Cancer Clinic, a private citizen, and a representative of the Virginia Consumer Action Society for Multiple Sclerosis spoke in favor of the bill.

Three parties spoke in opposition to the bill. Those opposing the bill were representatives of the VAHP, Trigon Blue Cross Blue Shield, and the National Federation of Independent Businesses. Public comments on the high cost of health care coverage were offered by the Virginia Association of Free Clinics.

Written comments in support of the bill were received from the American Cancer Society, two physicians and 13 consumers. Comments in opposition to the bill were received from the VAHP, the Health Insurance Association of America (HIAA), the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, Trigon Blue Cross Blue Shield and the National Federation of Businesses.

The Advisory Commission concluded its review of the bill on November 12, 2002.