Morris Advances Bill to Expand Access to Life-Saving Heart Screenings

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Representative Yolonda Morris, D-Chicago, is celebrating a key step forward in advancing preventive health care after her legislation to expand access to life-saving heart screenings passed out of committee.

“This is a meaningful step toward ensuring every Illinois family has access to the care they need,” Morris said. “Passing this bill in committee brings us one step closer to making sure people can access the life-saving screenings without worrying about whether they can afford them.”

House Bill 4207 aims to strengthen early detection of heart disease by ensuring that health insurance plans cover medically necessary coronary calcium scans and scoring 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 critical tool for identifying early signs of heart disease, allowing patients and physicians to take preventive action before serious complications arise.

This legislation underscores Rep. Morris’s ongoing commitment to improving health outcomes, reducing disparities in care, and ensuring Illinois residents have access to essential medical services.

“Preventive care should be accessible to everyone, not just those of a certain socioeconomic background,” Morris said. “This legislation is about catching problems early and saving lives. I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance this measure because when we invest in early detection, we invest in healthier communities and a stronger future for our state.”

The legislation now advances to the House for further consideration.