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HB 2611

Health insurance; coverage for cancer follow-up testing, report.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Nadarius Clark and 9 co-sponsors

Virginia bill eliminates patient cost-sharing for cancer survivors' follow-up testing to improve early recurrence detection and access to necessary care.

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Bill Summary · HB 2611

Legislative bill overview

HB 2611 requires health insurance plans in Virginia to cover cancer follow-up testing and diagnostic imaging without cost-sharing (copays, coinsurance, deductibles) for cancer survivors during their treatment and follow-up care periods. The bill also mandates a report to the legislature on coverage policies and any barriers to accessing these services.

Why is this important

Cancer survivors require ongoing surveillance testing to detect recurrence early, which significantly improves treatment outcomes and survival rates. Removing financial barriers to follow-up care ensures patients can afford medically necessary monitoring without delaying or avoiding tests due to cost concerns, potentially preventing late-stage cancer diagnoses.

Potential points of contention

  • Insurance cost impacts: Insurers and employer groups may argue that mandatory first-dollar coverage increases premiums for all policyholders, including those who never need such services
  • Definition scope: Ambiguity about which tests qualify as "cancer follow-up testing" could create disputes—routine bloodwork versus advanced imaging have different cost implications
  • Duration limits: The bill's reference to "treatment and follow-up care periods" may lack clear timelines, raising questions about how long coverage obligations extend after treatment completion

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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