FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Senators Use Valentine’s Day to Introduce Legislation Providing Life-Saving Coronary Calcium Score Coverage

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 14, 2024

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Hannah Lemek
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Senators Use Valentine’s Day to Introduce Legislation Providing Life-Saving Coronary Calcium Score Coverage

HARTFORD, CT – Today, Senate leadership from the Public Health Committee, Sen. Heather Somers (R-Groton) and Sen. Saud Anwar (D- South Windsor), along with fellow legislators, celebrated Valentine’s Day by introducing policy to provide coverage for an invaluable diagnostic tool for heart health – the Coronary Calcium Scan. The scan, also known as a CT scan of the heart, is a non-invasive procedure that detects calcium deposits in the heart arteries. By detecting calcium buildup and potential artery narrowing, this scan allows for early intervention and prevention of heart-related conditions.

Sen. Somers, Ranking Member of the Public Health Committee, began, “As we celebrate Valentine’s Day, a day dedicated to celebrating love, it is imperative that we also prioritize heart health, and I am excited to introduce a proposal that would expand coverage to include the Coronary Calcium Scan. Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, claiming millions of lives each year. What makes it even more alarming is that, often, its symptoms go unnoticed until it’s too late.”

Chairman of the Public Health Committee, Sen. Anwar, stated, “There’s a cost of doing something, and there is a cost to not doing anything at all. Today, it is evident that the cost of not performing this lifesaving test outweighs the cost of performing the CT scan. The heart of the matter is we must commit ourselves to focus on making sure we protect the hearts of our constituents and providing coverage for this test will do just that.”

“As a doctor, I see the benefits of Coronary CT Calcium Scores for early detection of heart disease. If we can find the medical problem before symptoms even appear, then there are treatments that can be done to keep people healthy and save their lives. I’m proud to co-sponsor this legislation that expands coverage for this non-invasive test, which also helps patients to avoid other costly procedures,” Sen. Jeff Gordon (R-Woodstock), member of the Public Health Committee, said.

Sen. Stephen Harding (R-Brookfield) said, “This proposal prioritizes the health of Connecticut residents. Every dollar spent on preventative measures like Coronary CT Calcium Score saves lives and saves ratepayers from the costly care associated with serious heart disease. I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass this life-saving measure.”

“By embracing this technology and integrating it into routine clinical practice and having it covered by insurance, we can significantly reduce the burden of heart disease and save countless lives,” Sen. Somers concluded.

The introduction of this legislation signifies a significant step towards changing the standard of care for heart health during American Heart Month. Watch the entire press conference HERE.

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