Advocacy
State Advocacy - January 26th, 2026
Senate Labor & Commerce Passes SB 642 Unanimously
The Virginia Association of Hematologists and Oncologists (VAHO) provided testimony on the "Patient Choice" bill which would prohibits an insurer, health maintenance organization, corporation providing preferred provider subscription contracts, or pharmacy benefits manager from imposing upon any person receiving pharmaceutical benefits any policy or practice requiring or incentivizing certain provisions relating to the delivery of prescription drugs.
National Policy Resources—Local Advocacy Results
As cancer care professionals who experience the challenges of providing quality cancer care first-hand, VAHO members are well positioned to educate decision-makers on how coverage and reimbursement issues affect community oncology. State and federal legislation can have a significant impact on the financial viability of local cancer programs, which is why it’s so important that our members make their voices heard.
We want to hear from you! If there is a specific piece of legislation you want to know more about, an important resource we’re missing, or if you want to get more involved, please contact us!
State Advocacy - January 23, 2026
VAHO Urges Members of the VA General Assembly to Oppose SB 271 & HB 483
The Virginia Association of Hematologists and Oncologists (VAHO)respectfully oppose SB271 and HB483, legislation that would create a Prescription Drug Affordability Board in Virginia. We share your goal of making prescription medications more affordable. However, we have significant concerns that establishing a Prescription Drug Affordability Board, and authorizing the use of Upper Payment Limits, could unintentionally restrict access to critical cancer treatments for Virginia patients.
Federal Advocacy
VAHO Joins Coalition Letter Urging Addition of the Cures 2.0 Concept Paper Title IV Provisions in the Next COVID-19 Relief Package
The Virginia Association of Hematologists and Oncologists (VAHO) joined in a coalition letter to congressional leadership urging that Congress include the 21st Century Cures 2.0 concept paper, recently released by Representatives Diana DeGette and Fred Upton in upcoming legislation to further address the COVID-19 public health crisis. Specifically the letter urges leadership to include policy to provide Medicaid coverage of the routine care costs of clinical trials participation for patients with life-threatening conditions in every state. This critical protection is championed by Representatives Ben Ray Luján and Gus Bilirakis in the Clinical Treatment Act (H.R. 913).
COVID-19 Clinical Trials Coalition Letter
