Illinois Cardiovascular Care Providers Commend Passage of Legislation Requiring Coverage for PAD Screening

The American College of Cardiology Illinois Chapter commends State Senator Napoleon Harris III and State Representative Thaddeus Jones for their efforts to advance legislation to require insurance companies cover peripheral artery disease (PAD) screening for at-risk individuals. Through their tireless work the bill was passed unanimously by the Illinois State Legislature on Thursday, May 29.

“Timely diagnosis and treatment of peripheral artery disease is essential to prevent some of the severest outcomes, including limb amputation and other cardiovascular complications. PAD is a debilitating disease that often significantly impacts our patients’ quality of life, yet we are often late to diagnosis and treatment. This is especially true in our under-resourced communities,” said ACC-Illinois Chapter Governor Benjamin H. Freed, MD, FACC. “Black Americans are often diagnosed at an advanced disease state and are four times as likely to require a major limb amputation. This legislation gives us an opportunity to ensure those at the highest risk have access to life-changing and life-saving care. ACC-Illinois 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.”

ACC-Illinois partnered with the Association of Black Cardiologists to advocate for this landmark legislation, including providing expert testimony and data throughout the process to help Illinois lawmakers understand the need for improved access to PAD screening.

“Access to PAD screening is not just a clinical issue—it’s a moral imperative.  For decades, vulnerable communities have faced devastating rates of preventable amputations due to missed diagnoses, lack of preventative screenings, delayed referrals and inadequate access. This legislation ensures we meet patients where they are—with the tools to diagnose PAD early and intervene before lives and limbs are lost. 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,” said Foluso Fakorede, MD, co-chair of the Association of Black Cardiologists PAD Initiative.

The legislation mandates 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.

The American College of Cardiology Illinois Chapter commends State Senator Napoleon Harris III and State Representative Thaddeus Jones for their efforts to advance legislation to require insurance companies cover peripheral artery disease (PAD) screening for at-risk individuals. Through their tireless work the bill was passed unanimously by the Illinois State Legislature on Thursday, May 29.

“Timely diagnosis and treatment of peripheral artery disease is essential to prevent some of the severest outcomes, including limb amputation and other cardiovascular complications. PAD is a debilitating disease that often significantly impacts our patients’ quality of life, yet we are often late to diagnosis and treatment. This is especially true in our under-resourced communities,” said ACC-Illinois Chapter Governor Benjamin H. Freed, MD, FACC. “Black Americans are often diagnosed at an advanced disease state and are four times as likely to require a major limb amputation. This legislation gives us an opportunity to ensure those at the highest risk have access to life-changing and life-saving care. ACC-Illinois 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.”

ACC-Illinois partnered with the Association of Black Cardiologists to advocate for this landmark legislation, including providing expert testimony and data throughout the process to help Illinois lawmakers understand the need for improved access to PAD screening.

“Access to PAD screening is not just a clinical issue—it’s a moral imperative. For decades, vulnerable communities have faced devastating rates of preventable amputations due to missed diagnoses, lack of preventative screenings, delayed referrals and inadequate access. This legislation ensures we meet patients where they are—with the tools to diagnose PAD early and intervene before lives and limbs are lost. 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,” said Foluso Fakorede, MD, co-chair of the Association of Black Cardiologists PAD Initiative.

The legislation mandates 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.

PAD affects more than 8 million Americans, including 1 in 10 people over age 40. While leg pain is a common symptom, 40% of people with PAD don’t have leg symptoms. PAD occurs when arteries in the leg become narrowed or clogged by plaque buildup, causing less blood flow and increasing patients’ risk of heart attack, stroke or limb loss. Learn more at Cardiosmart.org/PAD.