Res No. 442
Resolution calling on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the New York State Governor to sign, legislation requiring that Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) testing be covered by all public and private health insurance plans in New York State
By Council Members Hanks and Louis
Whereas, Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death in New York City and New York State, accounting for over 50,000 deaths statewide in 2021; and
Whereas, Early detection and prevention are critical in reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with heart disease, yet many New Yorkers do not have access to effective preventive diagnostic tools due to cost barriers; and
Whereas, Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) testing is a safe, non-invasive imaging procedure that quantifies calcium deposits in the coronary arteries, providing an accurate assessment of an individual’s risk for developing coronary artery disease, even in those without symptoms; and
Whereas, Clinical research, including studies from the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology, demonstrates that CAC testing can improve risk stratification, guide the initiation of preventive therapies such as statins or lifestyle interventions, and ultimately reduce the incidence of heart attacks and other adverse cardiovascular events; and
Whereas, Despite its proven clinical effectiveness, CAC testing is frequently not covered by public or private health insurance, leaving patients to pay out-of-pocket costs that can range from several hundred to more than a thousand dollars, creating a substantial financial barrier; and
Whereas, Low and moderate-income individuals already face a higher risk of cardiovascular disease because of key indicators including income level, educational attainment, employment status, and neighborhood socioeconomic conditions consistently associated with higher rates of CVD; and
Whereas, These same populations are disproportionately burdened by the lack of insurance coverage for CAC testing, further limiting access to early detection and exacerbating existing health disparities and inequities; and
Whereas, Ensuring coverage for CAC testing represents an evidence-based, cost-effective approach to preventive care, with the potential to reduce long-term healthcare expenditures by preventing advanced cardiac events, hospitalizations, and complications; and
Whereas, Insurance coverage of CAC testing would align with national preventive care initiatives and recommendations, promoting proactive health management and empowering clinicians and patients to make informed decisions about cardiovascular risk reduction; and
Whereas, the New York State Legislature has the authority to enact legislation mandating coverage of medically necessary diagnostic tests for both public and private health insurance plans, and the Governor of New York has the authority to support and sign such legislation into law; and
Whereas, Such legislation should define CAC testing as a medically necessary preventive diagnostic service and require coverage without cost-sharing, including copayments, coinsurance, or deductibles, consistent with national best practices in preventive health care; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor of New York to sign, legislation requiring that Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) testing be covered by all public and private health insurance plans in New York State.
LS 21729
4/7/26
EA