Virginia Senate Bill SB333

Virginia 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

State plan for medical assistance services; fertility preservation treatments, etc.

Impact

Should SB333 be enacted, it will have significant implications on state healthcare policies regarding reproductive health. By including fertility preservation treatments in the state medical assistance services, the bill seeks to alleviate the financial burden on patients who may otherwise be forced to forego such critical options due to cost. This could enhance the accessibility of these services for those under the Medicaid program, ensuring that cancer patients are not only receiving treatment for their cancer but also preserving future reproductive opportunities.

Summary

SB333 is a bill that focuses on amending the state plan for medical assistance services to include provisions for fertility preservation treatments, which are critical for individuals diagnosed with certain forms of cancer. The bill outlines that standard fertility preservation services such as sperm banking and embryo banking should be covered under medical assistance. The intent of this legislation is to ensure that individuals receiving cancer treatment that could lead to infertility are given the opportunity to preserve their fertility in accordance with established medical practices.

Contention

However, there are points of contention surrounding SB333, particularly regarding the potential strain on Medicaid resources and the implications of coverage on insurance premiums for all users. Critics argue that while fertility preservation is an important concern, the additional costs associated with expanding Medicaid coverage to include such treatments could increase state costs and impact overall funding for other health initiatives. Additionally, there is an ongoing debate about the extent of what should be covered under state-sponsored health plans and how this aligns with broader healthcare reform discussions.