The bill, S.B. No. 2744, aims to modernize cardiovascular screening and prevention under the Texas Heart Attack Prevention Bill (HB 1290) by amending Section 1369.301 of the Insurance Code. It introduces the definition of "advanced cardiovascular screening," which includes Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography (CCTA) with Advanced Plaque Analysis, Quantitative Disease Tracking, and Telecardiology Consultations. The bill mandates that health benefit plans provide coverage for these advanced screening methods, replacing older methodologies such as coronary artery calcium scoring and carotid intima-media thickness ultrasonography. Additionally, it establishes a reimbursement cap of $2,000 to align with national trends set by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Furthermore, the bill recognizes CCTA with Advanced Plaque Analysis as the most comprehensive screening modality and mandates the use of AI-enabled software for precise assessment of coronary atherosclerotic plaque. It emphasizes the importance of implementing serial CCTA and plaque analysis at tailored intervals to effectively stratify risk and identify individuals at residual risk for major adverse cardiovascular events. The changes in law will apply only to screenings performed on or after the effective date of the Act, with prior screenings governed by the law in effect at that time. The Act will take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote from both houses; otherwise, it will take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Insurance Code 1369.301 (Insurance Code 1369)