This bill would require health plans and federal programs to cover two specific blood tests — lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) and apolipoprotein B (ApoB) — without cost sharing for people with certain cardiovascular risk factors. It changes parts of the Public Health Service Act and the Social Security Act to add these tests to the list of recommended preventive services and to require coverage in Medicare and Medicaid.
If you have a family history of premature cardiovascular disease, a past heart attack (myocardial infarction), stroke, high LDL cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, or other recognized cardiovascular risk factors, these tests must be covered with no out-of-pocket cost under employer group plans, individual plans, Medicare, and Medicaid. The private plan changes apply to plan years beginning 180 days after enactment. The Medicare and Medicaid changes apply to items and services furnished on or after that same 180-day effective date.
No publicly available information.
The bill’s findings say cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States; routine cholesterol tests can miss elevated Lp(a) and ApoB; about 1 in 5 Americans have high Lp(a); ApoB can predict risk better than LDL cholesterol alone; and many heart attack survivors die within five years without effective risk management. Supporters would argue that covering these tests without cost sharing helps find and manage risk earlier.
No publicly available information.