Crawford-Backed Measure to Expand Preventive Heart Screenings Passes House

SPRINGFIELD, Ill.- State Rep. Mike Crawford, D-Chicago, is recognizing a significant step forward in expanding preventive health care after legislation he co-sponsored to improve access
to life-saving heart screenings passed the House. 

“Far too many families have lost someone to heart disease when earlier detection could have made a difference,” Crawford said. “The technology to catch these risks early already exists, but not everyone has been able to benefit from them. This legislation is about changing that—making sure more people can access screenings, understand their risk, and take action with their doctors before serious problems develop.”

House Bill 4207 strengthens early detection of heart disease by requiring most health insurance plans, beginning in 2028, to cover medically necessary coronary calcium scans every 36 months for individuals aged 40 and older.

Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death in Illinois and across the country. Coronary calcium scans are a proven tool for identifying early signs of heart disease, allowing patients and physicians to take preventive action before serious complications arise.

“At the end of the day, this is about giving people a fair shot at staying healthy,” Crawford said. “By removing barriers to these screenings, we’re helping ensure more individuals can catch potential issues early and take control of their health before it turns into something more serious.”

The legislation now advances to the Senate for further consideration.