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SB 278

CORONARY ARTERY CALCIUM SCREENING INSURANCE

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Martin Hickey

SB 278 mandates New Mexico health insurance plans cover coronary artery calcium screening without patient cost-sharing to detect early heart disease in at-risk individuals.

action postponed indefinitely
#health&healthfacilities #insurance
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Bill Summary · SB 278

Legislative bill overview

SB 278 would require health insurance plans in New Mexico to cover coronary artery calcium (CAC) screening—a non-invasive cardiac imaging test that detects calcium buildup in heart arteries. The bill mandates insurance coverage without patient cost-sharing for eligible individuals, typically those at intermediate cardiovascular risk.

Why is this important

CAC screening is a preventive tool that can identify asymptomatic heart disease early, potentially prompting lifestyle changes or medical interventions before a cardiac event occurs. Insurance coverage requirements directly affect healthcare accessibility and costs for New Mexico residents, while also influencing insurance premium structures and overall healthcare spending in the state.

Potential points of contention

  • Medical necessity debate: Professional organizations have mixed recommendations on routine CAC screening for asymptomatic populations; some view it as beneficial preventive care while others question cost-effectiveness for broader populations
  • Insurance cost impact: Mandated coverage requirements increase insurer costs, which may be passed to consumers through higher premiums, potentially affecting affordability for other coverage
  • Screening scope ambiguity: The bill's definition of "eligible individuals" and frequency of screening could significantly expand or limit actual utilization and fiscal impact
  • Legislative stalling: The action postponed indefinitely (June 2025) suggests either lack of consensus or competing legislative priorities that sidelined the measure

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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