Virginia Cancer Action Center

Earlier this week, House Bill 1725 was voted out of the Senate Commerce & Labor Committee. This legislation, which will protect patients from the cascading impacts of medical debt, now advances to the Senate floor for consideration. Cancer survivor Tiffany Freeman joins her fellow volunteers with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) in urging members of the Senate to follow the lead of their House colleagues and vote in support of the bill.

A new report by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) found that over 70% of commercially-insured patients encountered out-of-pocket expenses for follow-up breast cancer diagnostic tests in 2023. These follow-up tests, such as a diagnostic mammogram, MRI, ultrasound or biopsy, are medically recommended next steps to determine if an individual may or may not have cancer; however, barriers like cost can keep people from getting them.

Leading patient organizations, including the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), applaud Virginia lawmakers for passing legislation to protect patients from the harmful effects of medical debt.

Last week, Governor Youngkin signed critical legislation improving Virginians’ access to colorectal cancer screening.