Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick Introduces Legislation to Expand Access to Lifesaving Cardiovascular Testing

Washington, D.C. - Today Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20) introduced legislation to require private insurance plans, Medicare, and Medicaid to cover Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] and Apolipoprotein B [ApoB] testing without cost-sharing for individuals at high risk of cardiovascular disease.

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States. Routine cholesterol tests often fail to detect elevated Lp(a) and ApoB levels, which are key indicators of heart disease risk. Approximately one in five Americans has elevated Lp(a), and elevated ApoB levels can more accurately predict cardiovascular risk than LDL cholesterol alone.

Heart disease disproportionately impacts Black and Hispanic communities, low-income families, and other medically underserved populations. Structural barriers to care, limited access to preventive screening, higher rates of chronic stress, and long-standing health inequities have contributed to higher rates of cardiovascular complications and mortality in these communities. In South Florida and across the nation, families too often face preventable heart attacks and strokes due to delayed diagnosis and lack of access to advanced testing.

"Hypertension and heart disease continue to disproportionately impact underserved communities, including many families in South Florida," said Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick. "Because these conditions often have no obvious symptoms, early detection is critical. By eliminating cost barriers to advanced cardiovascular testing, we can improve health outcomes, reduce disparities, and save lives."

Leaders from Heart Sistas, Inc. emphasized the urgency of the legislation: "Nothing for us without us. After surviving a stroke, two heart attacks, bypass surgery, and multiple stents, I know firsthand the importance of early detection," said Hyvelle Ferguson-Davis, Founder and President. "For far too many families, heart disease is discovered too late," added Roseline Moise, Vice President. "Expanding access to advanced testing like Lp(a) and ApoB will help identify risk earlier, prevent avoidable tragedies, and save lives."

This legislation builds ongoing national efforts to strengthen prevention, expand early detection, and improve access to care for cardiovascular disease. By increasing access to advanced screening tools, the bill aims to ensure more Americans can identify risks earlier and receive timely, life-saving interventions.

###