Earlier today, Governor Abigail Spanberger signed into law bipartisan legislation that will help make prescription drug costs in the Commonwealth more predictable and affordable, delivering on her mandate to reduce cost burdens for Virginians.
The newly enacted law, formerly known as Senate Bill 161/House Bill 625 and championed by co-sponsors Senator Russet Perry and Delegate Rozia Henson, will give Virginians the option to choose insurance plans with flat-dollar copays for prescription drugs. This will remove the uncertainty that comes when health plans solely operate with a coinsurance model where patients’ out-of-pocket obligation is a percentage of their medication’s cost, instead of a predictable and consistent dollar amount.
In response and gratitude, Mollie Montague, Virginia government relations director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), said the following:
“Insurance coverage alone does not guarantee that someone can afford health care. Limited health plan options make it hard for Virginians to plan for costs. This new law provides clarity by providing more coverage options that protect Virginians, especially those who rely on prescription drugs, from surprise costs.
“With Senate Bill 161/House Bill 625 signed into law, access to life-saving medication is within reach for more Virginians. Along with cancer survivors across the Commonwealth, we are grateful for Governor Spanberger’s leadership in recognizing the burden of health care costs and taking decisive action to address it.”
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About ACS CAN
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) advocates for evidence-based public policies to reduce the cancer burden for everyone. We engage our volunteers across the country to make their voices heard by policymakers at every level of government. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and advanced proven tobacco control measures. We stand with our volunteers, working to make cancer a top priority for policymakers in cities, states and our nation’s capital. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.