Preeclampsia is a high blood pressure disorder in pregnancy that may progress into eclampsia, causing seizures. It is a leading cause of maternal and infant illness and mortality, but thankfully, most preeclampsia-related deaths are preventable. Advancements in biomarker testing allow identification of high-risk pregnancies, helping to predict if a patient may develop preeclampsia. However, these lifesaving biomarker tests may not be covered by insurance. 

 

Therefore, I plan to introduce legislation requiring insurance to cover preeclampsia biomarker testing for predictive screening in asymptomatic individuals, as well as diagnosis and management when symptoms are present. As preeclampsia rates continue to increase, it is important that pregnant women can access tests as recommended by their doctor to ensure a healthy pregnancy. 

 

Early detection promotes healthy outcomes for both the mother and baby, especially as preeclampsia may otherwise come without any visible signs or symptoms. For the estimated 1 in 12 pregnancies that will develop preeclampsia, screening tests are essential in identifying the condition before adverse effects, pregnancy complications, or progression into eclampsia occur.  

 

Please join me in co-sponsoring this necessary legislation to ensure access to critical preeclampsia tests and treatment and to support healthy pregnancies.