Vindman Introduces Legislation to Expand Access to Cardiovascular Screening and Early Detection

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) today introduced legislation to expand access to important cardiovascular screening tests by requiring coverage without cost sharing under group health plans, individual health insurance coverage, Medicare, and Medicaid.

The Cardiovascular Disease Early Detection and Prevention Act would require coverage of Lp(a) and ApoB testing without cost sharing for individuals with certain cardiovascular risk factors, including a family history of premature cardiovascular disease, a personal history of heart attack or stroke, elevated LDL cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, or other recognized risk factors. By removing out-of-pocket costs for these tests, this legislation would help eligible patientsidentify cardiovascular risks earlier and work with their health care providers to make informed decisions about prevention and treatment.

"Too many Americans face serious health consequences because cardiovascular risks go undetected until it's too late,"said Vindman. "By expanding access to critical screening tests and eliminating out-of-pocket costs for eligible patients, we can help more Americans identify potential risks early and take steps to protect their health. I'm grateful to the Boatman family for sharing their story and helping bring attention to this important issue, and I'm proud to work alongside them to introduce legislation that could save lives."

Vindman introduced this legislation after hearing from veteran and constituent Johnny Boatman, who lives with cardiovascular disease. Mr. Boatman is an advocate with the Partnership to Advance Cardiovascular Health (PACH), where he raises awareness of cardiovascular disease and the importance of early detection and prevention.

"I served 25 years in the Army, and I learned that the threats you see coming are the ones you can defeat," said Johnny Boatman, PACH Patient Advocate. "My heart condition was hereditary, and by the time it was found, prevention was no longer an option for me. It doesn't have to be that way for others. H.R. 8260 gives families the chance to know their risk early, with no cost standing in the way. I'm fighting for this bill so other families get the head start mine never had."

The Cardiovascular Disease Early Detection and Prevention Act was co-drafted with Roseline Moise, Vice President of Heart Sistas, Inc., based on the lived experience of Hyvelle Ferguson-Davis, Founder and President of Heart Sistas, Inc.

"Nothing for us without us. I survived a stroke, two heart attacks, a bypass, and 10 stents keeping me alive," said Hyvelle Ferguson-Davis, Founder/President of Heart Sistas, Inc. "I think families shattered by heart disease and strokes. Today, is a remarkable day in drafting the Cardiovascular Early Detection and Prevention Act of 2025 (CEDPA) advancing early detection, prevention, and health equity. Change starts with me, and it stops with Us, together we are going to save lives."

"For far too many families, heart disease is discovered too late," said Roseline Moise, Vice President of Heart Sistas, Inc. "This legislation represents a powerful step toward health equity. By expanding access to advanced testing like Lp(a) and ApoB, we can identify risk earlier, prevent avoidable tragedies, and save lives."

This bill is also endorsed by the Partnership to Advance Cardiovascular Health (PACH) and the Family Heart Foundation.

"You can exercise, eat well and keep your LDL in check and still have dangerously high Lp(a)," said Ryan Gough, Executive Director of PACH. "This inherited risk factor goes undetected by routine cholesterol tests, and too many patients learn they have it only after a heart attack or stroke. A simple, one-time test can change that. Expanding access to Lp(a) screening means identifying risk before tragedy strikes. It's meaningful progress in the fight against America's #1 killer-heart disease."

"According to recently published data from the Family Heart Foundation, fewer than 2% of adult Americans have been screened for Lp(a), a powerful, independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease," said Hilly Paige, Jr, the Chief Innovation Officer for the Family Heart Foundation. "Lp(a) screening has been shown to be cost saving for the US healthcare system, is endorsed by the most recent 2026 US Dyslipidemia Guidelines, and yet coverage by insurance companies remains suboptimal, with many people facing high out of pocket costs. H.R. 8260 represents an important step forward to improve access for Lp(a) and ApoB testing."

Click here for bill text.

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