“The Governor’s budget would implement the important recommendations of his Health Reform Commission to bring needed health care to women who right now cannot afford health screenings for breast and cervical cancer, hard-working women in low-paying jobs who cannot afford adequate prenatal care and care for their babies, and all people who work for small businesses that cannot afford employee health insurance. If this funding is sustained through the budgetary process, it will mean that thousands more Virginia women and children will have access to needed health care,” said Marj Signer, VaNOW president.

Numerous budget items are consistent with VaNOW priorities, including increases or new funding for:

• Community-based health safety net providers to stabilize their operations, expand access to health care services, and coordinate services for uninsured Virginians.
• Expanded eligibility for prenatal coverage of women from 185-200 percent of the federal poverty level, covering about 400 additional women per year. 
• Virginia Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (VABCCEDP), which provides free screenings and diagnostic tests for breast and cervical cancer for uninsured Virginians.
• VirginiaShare Health Insurance program, which will offer health insurance coverage for the uninsured who work in small businesses.

Signer said: “The Governor’s budget is opening the door to new advances for women’s health in Virginia and is consistent with his pledge to support underserved communities to gain access to healthcare and get the services they need to thrive. Thank you, Gov. Kaine, for putting women and children first.”

Virginia NOW is a membership organization with chapters in Alexandria, Arlington, Charlottesville, Fairfax County, the Fredericksburg area, Lynchburg, Montgomery County, Richmond and Henrico County, Roanoke, Rockbridge Valley, Tidewater, and Vienna. For more information or to set up an interview, please contact Katherine Ely, Vice President for Media Relations of the VA NOW PAC. Contact: mediavp@vanow.org  or call 757.371.9160.  Visit our website at www.vanow.org. ###