Committee advances bill to remove co‑pay for coronary artery calcium scan for many commercial plans

The Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee recommended passage of SB278 by roll call, 8–1, after testimony from the bill sponsor and medical experts who said coronary artery calcium screening paired with guideline lipid management can identify people at high risk for heart attack and save health‑care dollars over the long term.

The bill’s presenter described coronary artery calcium scanning as a five‑minute CT scan that detects arterial calcium left by repeated plaque inflammation and said large savings accrue if high‑risk people are found early and started on effective LDL‑lowering therapy. The presenter cited national statistics and provided a state estimate: roughly 3,400 coronary artery deaths per year in New Mexico and large annual state health‑care spending attributable to coronary disease.

The sponsor said the bill would eliminate co‑payment for calcium scans under fully insured commercial plans (the proposal targets a subset of the insurance market) and noted Office of Superintendent of Insurance (OSI) staff had identified technical issues the bill’s sponsor intends to fix in amendment. Doctoral‑level cardiology and endocrinology experts were cited in the hearing materials; Senator Hickey, who led the presentation, mentioned endocrinologist David Shade as an on‑line expert but the committee proceeded with the sponsor’s summary.

A state employee testified from the audience that she paid about $250 for a scan and found the information useful for directing her care. Committee members asked technical questions comparing lipid panel results and calcium scores, and about how the scan interacts with in‑ or out‑of‑state networks. The sponsor said the bill targets in‑state coverage and that additional clarifications in amendments would address high‑deductible plans, small plan definitions and similar technical matters raised by OSI.

OSI staff testified in support of a committee substitute after working with the sponsor to clarify language. Vyara Nakeva, life and health division director at the Office of Superintendent of Insurance, told the committee OSI and the sponsor had been negotiating language to reduce unintended consequences and OSI supported the revised approach.

After discussion the committee recorded a roll call in which one senator voted no to explain their vote; the committee announced an 8–1 do‑pass recommendation.

Votes at a glance: SB278 — Do pass recommendation, committee vote 8–1.