Health insurance; coverage for proton therapy.
If enacted, this law would affect all individual and group health insurance policies, requiring compliance with the new coverage mandate starting from January 1, 2022. The impact of this legislation would be significant for patients diagnosed with cancer, as it expands treatment options and potentially improves their prognosis by enabling them to access advanced medical technology. Additionally, the bill includes specific exclusions for certain types of insurance policies, such as those designated for short-term travel or limited diseases, ensuring that the mandate applies broadly to standard health plans available in Virginia.
House Bill 1111 proposes to amend the Code of Virginia to require that health insurance policies provide coverage for proton therapy when it is deemed the preferred treatment for cancer by a healthcare provider. Proton therapy is an advanced form of radiation treatment designed to minimize damage to healthy tissue while effectively targeting tumors. This bill aims to ensure that patients have access to this potentially life-saving treatment without facing prohibitive out-of-pocket expenses due to lack of insurance coverage.
During discussions surrounding HB 1111, members expressed varying opinions about the implications of mandated coverage. Supporters argued that proton therapy can be crucial for certain cancer patients and should therefore be readily available in health insurance plans. They emphasized the therapeutic benefits of proton therapy compared to traditional radiation treatments. Conversely, some opponents raised concerns regarding the potential increased costs for insurance companies and the ramifications on insurance premiums. They questioned whether the mandate would result in higher overall healthcare costs and potentially reduced access to care for other types of treatments as premiums adjust to accommodate new mandates.