The Maryland General Assembly's Finance Committee convened on January 28, 2025, to discuss Senate Bill 60, which aims to mandate insurance coverage for coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring. This non-invasive test is crucial for early detection of heart disease, the leading cause of death in Maryland. Senator Malcolm Augustine, who introduced the bill, emphasized the importance of early diagnosis in saving lives and improving health outcomes.

Senator Augustine highlighted alarming statistics from the Department of Health, noting that over 3.6% of Marylanders are diagnosed with heart disease, with 3.4% suffering heart attacks. He pointed out that Black Marylanders face a higher mortality rate from heart disease, making this bill a priority for the Black Caucus. The proposed legislation seeks to ensure consistent insurance coverage for CAC scoring, which is currently not universally available, leading to missed opportunities for early intervention.

Supporters of the bill, including Florence Champagne, a heart attack survivor and CEO of the Open My Heart Foundation, shared personal testimonies about the life-saving potential of early detection through CAC scoring. Champagne recounted her own experience of being misdiagnosed due to lack of insurance coverage, which delayed critical treatment. She and other advocates argue that mandatory coverage for this test could significantly reduce health disparities and empower patients to make informed health decisions.

The committee also reviewed a study from the Maryland Health Care Commission, which indicated that the benefits of CAC scoring outweigh the associated costs, particularly when considering the potential for preventing costly heart-related emergencies. The test is relatively affordable, costing under $200, and other states that have implemented similar coverage have reported improved health outcomes.

The committee's discussions underscored the urgent need for legislative action to enhance preventive care and address health inequities in Maryland. The next steps will involve further deliberation on the bill, with advocates hopeful for its passage to improve access to essential heart health screenings for all Marylanders.