Provides for mandatory health insurance coverage for coronary artery calcium diagnostic testing

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Jessica Scarcella-Spanton says this is needed

This important legislation requiring all public and private health insurance plans in New York State to cover Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) testing as a medically necessary preventive diagnostic service. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in New York State, accounting for more than 50,000 deaths statewide in 2021. CAC testing is a safe, non-invasive screening tool that helps detect coro- nary artery disease before symptoms arise and allows physicians to iden- tify individuals at elevated risk for heart attacks and other serious cardiac events. Despite its proven effectiveness and support from organizations such as the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology, CAC testing is frequently not covered by insurance, forcing many New Yorkers to pay significant out-of-pocket costs. These financial barri- ers disproportionately impact low and moderate-income individuals and limit access to early detection and preventive care. This legislation will address four key areas of coronary health care by expanding access to preventive cardiac care, reducing long-term health- care costs through early intervention, address healthcare inequities, and prevent avoidable cardiac emergencies and deaths.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.