Jones Mandates Coverage for Peripheral Artery Disease, Expanding Screenings for Marginalized Populations

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Thaddeus Jones, D-Calumet City, passed Senate Bill 1418 out of the House on Thursday, legislation expanding coverage for lifesaving screenings for Peripheral Artery Disease, a condition impacting 21 million Americans annually and disproportionately Black and Hispanic populations.

“Addressing our state’s chronic health inequities means fighting not only the big battles against out-of-control premiums and diminishing coverage, but the incremental ones, too. Ensuring Black and Hispanic Americans receive early, accurate screenings for Peripheral Artery Disease is one step we can take to lower the rates of hospitalizations – and ultimately, amputations – for our at-risk neighbors. I am proud to join Senator Napoleon Harris on this important issue. Our communities pay too high a cost for their health insurance to not receive the very coverage that will help them lead long, healthy lives.”

The Jones-backed Senate Bill 1418 would require new and renewing health coverage plans to include annual Peripheral Artery Disease screenings for at-risk individuals.

“The Illinois chapter of the American College of Cardiology wishes to thank Chairman Jones for his leadership and advocacy of this vital legislation,” said Dr. Benjamin Freed, Governor of the Illinois ACC Chapter.

“Early detection of PAD can be life-saving and limb-saving,” said Dr. Anthony Fletcher, President of the Association of Black Cardiologists. “By ensuring insurance coverage for these critical screenings, Illinois is taking a bold step toward reducing health disparities and preventing thousands of unnecessary amputations. This legislation aligns perfectly with ABC’s ongoing mission to eliminate cardiovascular disparities in all people of color.”

“This bill represents a crucial turning point in our fight against the amputation epidemic that has disproportionately affected Black and underserved communities for far too long,” said Dr. Foluso Fakorede, a nationally recognized PAD advocate and member of the ABC. “Increasing access to early PAD screening will help identify this deadly disease before it progresses to limb loss, saving not only limbs but lives. I’ve seen firsthand how early intervention can dramatically change outcomes, and this legislation is a model that should be replicated nationwide.”

Peripheral Artery Disease (P.A.D.) occurs when there is a severe blockage in the blood vessels flowing to and from the arms and legs. This is most commonly caused by a build up of plaque along the inside of the arteries. Typical P.A.D. cases lead to chronic numbness, developing sores, or muscle atrophy. In severe cases, this decreased blood flow can cause tissue death, leading to the amputation of the limbs. These P.A.D.-related amputations account for 85% of all amputation cases yearly. With earlier, covered screening, these amputations can be prevented.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1 in every 20 Americans over the age of 50 has P.A.D. Additionally, African-Americans are twice as likely to be diagnosed with P.A.D. as their white counterparts.

The bill now heads to the governor for final consideration.

For more information, visit ILGA.gov.