BILL TRACKER: HB1609

PATRONS:
Delegate Anne Ferrell Tata

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ABOUT THE EMAIL Fill in this premade template in support of HB1609. All [BRACKETED] sections can be removed OR replaced with your own words. Just remember to add your name at the end. Keep it direct and from the heart. Happy Sending!

WHAT IS IT?:
A bill to expand the Transit Ridership Incentive Program by including and funding on-demand microtransit operations to increase accessibility in Virginia's urbanized areas.

KEY NOTES:

• Provides up to 80% funding for approved transit initiatives

• Develops on-demand microtransit operations

• Ensures continuous annual program funding

• Makes transit more accessible in urban areas

• Creates flexible transit options for communities

• Removes barriers to public transportation

BILL TRACKER: HB1614

PATRON:
Delegate Adele Y. McClure

STATUS: In Subcommittee

• 1/3/2025: Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered

• 1/3/2025: Referred to Committee on Health and Human Services

• 1/13/2025: Assigned to Subcommittee on Social Services

• 1/15/2025: Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget

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Fill in this premade template to express your support for HB1614. All [BRACKETED] sections can be removed or replaced with your own words. Keep it direct and heartfelt. Let your voice be heard!

What the Bill Does:

• Expands Medicaid Coverage: HB1614 expands Medicaid coverage to include up to four postpartum doula visits.

• Comprehensive Support: Doulas provide:

  • Emotional & physical support

  • Infant care & breastfeeding assistance

  • Postpartum mental health education & referrals

  • Guidance on recovery, nutrition, & self-care

  • Connection to community resources

• Data-Driven: Requires annual reporting on program effectiveness and outcomes.

Why Support This Bill:

• Improves Maternal & Infant Health:

  • Reduces postpartum depression by 50%

  • Increases breastfeeding rates, crucial for infant health

  • Addresses the critical first 3 months, when 70% of maternal deaths occur

• Addresses Racial Disparities:

  • Black women are 3-4 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women.

  • Doulas improve outcomes for minority populations through culturally competent care.

• Supports Infant Health & Development:

  • Reduces infant mortality rates by 21% through breastfeeding support.

  • Decreases SIDS risk by promoting safe sleep practices.

• Reduces Healthcare Costs:

  • Lowers cesarean delivery rates by 28%, saving Medicaid costs.

  • Reduces hospital readmissions and emergency care costs.

• Encourages Workforce Growth:

  • Creates a sustainable reimbursement model for doulas.

  • Strengthens community support networks.

Compelling Statistics:

• Maternal Mortality Crisis: U.S. has a high maternal mortality rate, with over 60% of deaths preventable (CDC).

• Postpartum Depression: Affects 1 in 8 women, with less than 50% receiving adequate care.

• Racial Disparities: Black women face significantly higher maternal and infant mortality rates.

Why This Matters to Virginia:

• Improves Maternal Health Outcomes: Addresses the maternal health crisis in Virginia.

• Strengthens Communities: Fosters stronger family and community support networks.

• Positions Virginia as a Leader: Joins states like Minnesota, Oregon, and New Jersey in prioritizing maternal health.

Invests in the Future: Healthy mothers and babies create healthier communities.

BILL TRACKER: HB1918

PATRON: Delegate Destiny LeVere Bolling

STATUS: In Subcommittee

• 1/6/2025: Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered

• 1/6/2025: Referred to Committee on Health and Human Services

• 1/14/2025: Assigned to Subcommittee on Health

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Fill in this premade template to express your support for HB1918. All [BRACKETED] sections can be removed or replaced with your own words. Keep it direct and heartfelt. Let your voice be heard!

WHAT IS IT?

HB1918 directs the Department of Health to establish the Women’s Menstrual Health Program. This program will offer screening and treatment for menstrual disorders, provide education and training on these disorders for both healthcare providers and the general public, and make relevant information available on the Department's website. The bill also requires the collection of data on individuals who are screened.

Menstrual Health Program Bill

What Does This Bill Do?

• Establishes a Women’s Menstrual Health Program within the Virginia Department of Health.

• Aims to identify and assist patients suffering from menstrual disorders such as endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

• Contracts with healthcare providers to offer screenings, treatment, and necessary referrals.

• Provides education and training to healthcare providers, hospital staff, and patients on menstrual health and menstrual disorders.

• Implements actions to increase public awareness and available information regarding the diagnosis and treatment of these disorders.

Why Should You Support This Bill?

Menstrual health disorders are prevalent and significantly impact women's lives:

• PCOS: Affects approximately 1 in 10 women,. It can cause irregular periods, is associated with comorbidities like diabetes and high blood pressure, and can lead to fertility issues or infertility.

• Endometriosis: Affects about 10% of reproductive-age women. This condition involves the growth of uterine-like tissue outside the uterus, often resulting in chronic pelvic pain, severe menstrual cramps, pain during and after intercourse, and infertility.

Despite their prevalence, these conditions often go undiagnosed for extended periods:

• PCOS: 33% of diagnosed women experience a diagnostic delay of 2-3 years. Over 50% of women with PCOS never receive a diagnosis.

• Endometriosis: The average diagnostic delay for endometriosis ranges from 4 to 11 years.

Disparities in diagnosis exist:

• Women of color, low-income women, women on Medicaid, non-English speakers, and those with higher or lower BMIs are less likely to receive timely diagnosis.

Systemic factors contribute to these delays:

• Bias and a lack of training among medical professionals.

• Insurance companies' failure to cover timely tests.

• A fragmented healthcare system.

The Women's Health Program aims to:

• Address these inequities.

• Ensure timely diagnosis and treatment for vulnerable populations.

• Improve women's quality of life and reduce the risk of associated health complications.

What the Bill Does:

• Directs the Health Insurance Reform Commission to investigate including infertility treatments as essential health benefits in its 2025 review.  

• Proposes coverage for:

  • Procedures and medications recommended by medical professionals (e.g., ACOG, ASRM guidelines).  

  • Fertility preservation for individuals at risk due to medical conditions or treatments (e.g., cancer).  

  • Embryo transfer for individuals unable to conceive naturally.  

Why Support This Bill:

• Addresses a Critical Medical Condition: Infertility affects millions of Americans, impacting their physical and emotional well-being.  

• Promotes Equity:

  • Ensures greater access to reproductive healthcare for underserved communities.

  • Helps address disparities faced by Black women and women of color.

• Reduces Financial Barriers:

  • Infertility treatments are expensive, making them inaccessible for many families.  

  • Coverage alleviates financial stress and improves treatment affordability.  

• Supports Reproductive Autonomy:

  • Allows individuals facing fertility challenges to make informed decisions about family planning.

  • Provides options for those facing fertility loss due to medical treatments.

Key Points:

• This bill recognizes infertility as a serious medical condition deserving of appropriate insurance coverage.  

• It aims to improve access to essential reproductive healthcare services for all individuals.  

• By reducing financial barriers, this bill empowers individuals and couples to build their families.

Relevant Quote: 

• “Policies that affect the affordability of IVF have major impacts on the use of IVF treatments, especially at the lower end of the income spectrum”  - Maria Polyakova, (SIEPR)