IL bill would require insurance companies to cover screening for peripheral artery disease

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A state Democratic plan would require insurance companies to cover screening for peripheral artery disease.

The disease happens when blood flow is blocked from reaching the foot. Most patients are asymptomatic until it is too late. Often times it causes severe health issues which require amputations.

Doctors at the hearing said once an amputation happens, in the next five years, the patients chance of survival drops to 20%.

The screening is simple. Alongside a usual blood pressure test around the arm, doctors will also do a blood pressure test around the ankle.

"This is completely saveable," Dr. Shadi Halabi said. "If we prevent this disease early on, we can save those amputations save those lives."

Screening will be given to anyone above the age of 65, or people that have a history of smoking, lung disease, heart issues among other health indicators.

State Representative Thaddeus Jones (D-South Holland) said in the committee he has lost multiple family members from diabetes, and hopes this bill will help reduce unnecessary deaths.

The proposal passed unanimously out of the House insurance committee. It will now head to the House floor, where lawmakers could talk about it in the coming weeks.