Bill > HR8260

This bill, titled the "Cardiovascular Disease Early Detection and Prevention Act of 2026," aims to improve the detection and management of cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in the U.S., by requiring certain health insurance plans and government programs to cover specific cardiovascular tests without charging patients any out-of-pocket costs, known as cost sharing. Specifically, for individuals with risk factors such as a family history of early heart disease, a personal history of heart attack or stroke, high LDL cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, or other recognized risk factors, this bill mandates coverage for tests that measure Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) and Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) levels. These tests are important because routine cholesterol panels may not detect elevated levels of Lp(a) and ApoB, which are significant predictors of cardiovascular risk. The bill amends the Public Health Service Act (which governs group health plans and individual health insurance), Medicare (the federal health insurance program for seniors and some disabled individuals), and Medicaid (the federal and state program for low-income individuals) to implement these coverage requirements. The changes to Medicare and Medicaid will take effect for services provided on or after the date the bill is enacted, while the changes to private health insurance will apply to plan years beginning 180 days after enactment.