Landmark legislation that mandates insurance companies cover peripheral artery disease (PAD) screening for at-risk individuals was passed by the Illinois State Legislature May 29.

ACC's Illinois Chapter partnered with the Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC) to advocate for this legislation, including providing expert testimony and data throughout the process to help Illinois lawmakers, including State Senator Napoleon Harris III and State Representative Thaddeus Jones, understand the need for improved access to PAD screening.

Specifically, the legislation requires insurance coverage for PAD screening in individuals over 65 years of age and for younger individuals with risk factors, including smoking, heart disease and diabetes.

"This legislation gives us an opportunity to ensure those at the highest risk have access to life-changing and life-saving care," said ACC Illinois Chapter Governor Benjamin H. Freed, MD, FACC. "ACC's Illinois Chapter is committed to ensuring equitable access and care to all patients in Illinois and beyond. We are proud of the work we have done to help pass this legislation and look forward to working with Illinois lawmakers and stakeholders to continue to improve access, care and outcomes in Illinois."

"This legislation ensures we meet patients where they are – with the tools to diagnose PAD early and intervene before lives and limbs are lost," adds Foluso Fakorede, MD, co-chair of the ABC PAD Initiative. "Illinois is setting a precedent that every state should follow. Early detection not only saves limbs and lives – it also reduces the financial burden on our health care system by preventing costly surgeries, hospitalizations and long-term disability care."

Take action through ACC's Action Alerts to support additional state and federal legislation, including the Amputation Reduction and Compassion (ARC) Act (H.R. 307).

Clinical Topics: Vascular Medicine, Atherosclerotic Disease (CAD/PAD)

Keywords: ACC Advocacy, Diabetes Mellitus, Peripheral Arterial Disease