Legislation in Illinois Seeks to Improve Screening for Peripheral Artery Disease Among High-Risk Populations
In a significant move towards improving cardiovascular health equity, the Illinois State Legislature, supported by the Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC) and Senator Napoleon Harris III, has advanced new legislation aimed at requiring insurance coverage for peripheral artery disease (PAD) screenings. This legislative initiative is particularly crucial for addressing the serious health disparities faced by at-risk populations, specifically among Black Americans, who have a strikingly higher prevalence of PAD.
According to recent statistics, nearly 33% of Black adults will develop PAD, compared to approximately 20% of Hispanic or white adults. This legislative change is designed not only to encourage early detection and intervention for PAD but also to stem the dangerous trend of unnecessary amputations that frequently result from late diagnoses. Dr. Anthony Fletcher, President of ABC, notes that early identification can be lifesaving and limb-saving. 'By ensuring insurance coverage for these critical screenings, Illinois is taking a bold step toward reducing health disparities and preventing thousands of unnecessary amputations,' he stated.
The bill, which is championed by State Representative Thaddeus Jones (D-South Holland), unanimously passed the House Insurance Committee and is set to move forward in the legislative process. Supporters of the bill underscore its importance in combating cardiovascular problems that disproportionately affect the Black community. Dr. Foluso Fakorede, a prominent advocate for PAD and co-chair of the ABC PAD Initiative, emphasizes that this legislation could act as a model for similar policies across the country. 'Increasing access to early PAD screening will help identify this deadly disease before it progresses to limb loss, saving not only limbs but lives,' he said.
In collaboration with the American College of Cardiology (ACC) Illinois Chapter, the ABC has been instrumental in mobilizing support for this legislative initiative, providing expert testimony and vital data highlighting the urgent need for expanded access to PAD screenings.
Dr. Benjamin H. Freed, Governor of the ACC Illinois Chapter, affirmed their commitment to facilitating equitable access to cardiovascular care through informed and evidence-based policies, stating, 'The ACC Illinois Chapter is proud to partner with the ABC to support this life-saving policy.'
Furthermore, it's vital to understand what peripheral artery disease entails. PAD affects an estimated 18 to 21 million Americans, and it occurs when arteries that supply blood to the limbs become narrowed or blocked due to plaque build-up. PAD screenings are typically non-invasive and involve simple tests, such as the ankle-brachial index (ABI) test, which compares blood pressure in the ankle and arm.
The recent legislation mandates that insurance providers cover PAD screenings for everyone over 65, as well as for younger individuals with risk factors such as a history of smoking, heart disease, diabetes, or other indicators. Unchecked, PAD can lead to severe complications, including amputations—with the five-year survival rate post-amputation plummeting to as low as 20%.
The ABC launched the PAD Initiative back in 2018 to specifically address chronic underdiagnosis and undertreatment of PAD within Black communities. Alongside advocating for state-level reforms, the organization has also been active at the federal level, endorsing the bipartisan Amputation Reduction and Compassion (ARC) Act, aimed at ensuring Medicare and Medicaid fully cover PAD screenings for at-risk individuals.
Through initiatives like these, the ABC is steadfast in its mission to eliminate health disparities affecting people of color. Founded in 1974, the Association of Black Cardiologists is a nonprofit organization committed to advancing research, education, advocacy, and community outreach in order to improve health outcomes for all individuals, especially those in underserved areas. With the ongoing collaboration between various medical and legislative bodies, the efforts to enhance cardiovascular care and outcomes for historically marginalized populations appear to be gaining strong momentum.
For more information about the Association of Black Cardiologists and its vital work regarding PAD screenings, visit their official website at www.abcardio.org.
According to recent statistics, nearly 33% of Black adults will develop PAD, compared to approximately 20% of Hispanic or white adults. This legislative change is designed not only to encourage early detection and intervention for PAD but also to stem the dangerous trend of unnecessary amputations that frequently result from late diagnoses. Dr. Anthony Fletcher, President of ABC, notes that early identification can be lifesaving and limb-saving. 'By ensuring insurance coverage for these critical screenings, Illinois is taking a bold step toward reducing health disparities and preventing thousands of unnecessary amputations,' he stated.
The bill, which is championed by State Representative Thaddeus Jones (D-South Holland), unanimously passed the House Insurance Committee and is set to move forward in the legislative process. Supporters of the bill underscore its importance in combating cardiovascular problems that disproportionately affect the Black community. Dr. Foluso Fakorede, a prominent advocate for PAD and co-chair of the ABC PAD Initiative, emphasizes that this legislation could act as a model for similar policies across the country. 'Increasing access to early PAD screening will help identify this deadly disease before it progresses to limb loss, saving not only limbs but lives,' he said.
In collaboration with the American College of Cardiology (ACC) Illinois Chapter, the ABC has been instrumental in mobilizing support for this legislative initiative, providing expert testimony and vital data highlighting the urgent need for expanded access to PAD screenings.
Dr. Benjamin H. Freed, Governor of the ACC Illinois Chapter, affirmed their commitment to facilitating equitable access to cardiovascular care through informed and evidence-based policies, stating, 'The ACC Illinois Chapter is proud to partner with the ABC to support this life-saving policy.'
Furthermore, it's vital to understand what peripheral artery disease entails. PAD affects an estimated 18 to 21 million Americans, and it occurs when arteries that supply blood to the limbs become narrowed or blocked due to plaque build-up. PAD screenings are typically non-invasive and involve simple tests, such as the ankle-brachial index (ABI) test, which compares blood pressure in the ankle and arm.
The recent legislation mandates that insurance providers cover PAD screenings for everyone over 65, as well as for younger individuals with risk factors such as a history of smoking, heart disease, diabetes, or other indicators. Unchecked, PAD can lead to severe complications, including amputations—with the five-year survival rate post-amputation plummeting to as low as 20%.
The ABC launched the PAD Initiative back in 2018 to specifically address chronic underdiagnosis and undertreatment of PAD within Black communities. Alongside advocating for state-level reforms, the organization has also been active at the federal level, endorsing the bipartisan Amputation Reduction and Compassion (ARC) Act, aimed at ensuring Medicare and Medicaid fully cover PAD screenings for at-risk individuals.
Through initiatives like these, the ABC is steadfast in its mission to eliminate health disparities affecting people of color. Founded in 1974, the Association of Black Cardiologists is a nonprofit organization committed to advancing research, education, advocacy, and community outreach in order to improve health outcomes for all individuals, especially those in underserved areas. With the ongoing collaboration between various medical and legislative bodies, the efforts to enhance cardiovascular care and outcomes for historically marginalized populations appear to be gaining strong momentum.
For more information about the Association of Black Cardiologists and its vital work regarding PAD screenings, visit their official website at www.abcardio.org.
Topics Health）
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