McIver Introduces ARC Act to Reduce Patient Costs and Save Lives

McIver Introduces ARC Act to Reduce Patient Costs and Save Lives | U.S. House Representative LaMonica McIver Skip to content Close Home About Meet LaMonica Committees And Caucuses Our District Votes and Legislation Contact Email Me Newsletter Subscribe Office Locations Request An Appearance Media Press Releases In the News Press Kit Issues Education Environment Healthcare Housing LGBTQ+ Rights Reproductive Justice Small Business Transportation and Infrastructure Voting Rights Services Help With A Federal Agency Congressional Art Competition Commendations And Greetings Appropriations Requests Flags Grant Applications Internships Military Academy Nominations Congressional App Challenge Tours And Tickets Resources Close Mobile Site Search SEARCH Congresswoman LaMonica McIver About Meet LaMonica Committees And Caucuses Our District Votes and Legislation Contact Email Me Newsletter Subscribe Office Locations Request An Appearance Media Press Releases In the News Press Kit Issues Education Environment Healthcare Housing LGBTQ+ Rights Reproductive Justice Small Business Transportation and Infrastructure Voting Rights Services Help With A Federal Agency Congressional Art Competition Commendations And Greetings Appropriations Requests Flags Grant Applications Internships Military Academy Nominations Congressional App Challenge Tours And Tickets Resources Modal Search Button Mobile Site Search Submit Search MENU Facebook Logo Twitter Logo BlueSky Logo Youtube Logo Instagram Logo Home Media Press Releases January 09, 2025 McIver Introduces ARC Act to Reduce Patient Costs and Save Lives WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. LaMonica McIver (NJ-10) introduced the Amputation Reduction and Compassion (ARC) Act to help combat preventable amputations brought on by peripheral artery disease (PAD) by requiring Medicare, Medicaid, and plans sold on the federal healthcare exchanges to fully cover screening tests for those at risk. The bill is co-led by Reps. Jonathan Jackson (IL-01) and Robin Kelly (IL-02). PAD is a health condition which limits blood flow to the lower extremities, resulting in heightened risk of heart attack, stroke, amputation and—in severe cases—death. One in every 20 Americans over the age of 50 has PAD and, oftentimes, they cannot access the screening needed to prevent further health issues. The bill was previously introduced by the late Rep. Donald Payne, Jr. “People with pre-existing conditions struggle to receive the care they need due to high costs and insurance hurdles,” said Rep. McIver. “The ARC Act will save lives and reduce amputations by ensuring high-risk Medicare and Medicaid recipients have access to PAD screenings, at no additional cost. I am proud to continue the remarkable legacy of Rep. Payne Jr. and fight for better, more affordable care. "I am honored to carry out the late Congressman Payne's legacy and cosponsor his Amputation Reduction and Compassion Act," said Rep. Kelly. "This was a personal battle for Rep. Payne, who was at a higher risk of peripheral artery disease due to diabetes. We can help prevent amputations with fully covered screenings and better preventative healthcare. The ARC Act will save limbs and save lives." “The Amputation Reduction and Compassion Act addresses a critical health crisis affecting Chicago and Illinois's 1st Congressional District,” said Rep. Jackson. “Studies have shown that racial disparities in lower extremity amputation rates persist in northern Illinois, with African American populations being disproportionately affected. By expanding access to preventive care and education, this legislation aims to reduce these disparities and improve health outcomes for all residents.” "We commend Congresswoman LaMonica McIver for her leadership in introducing the ARC Act and continuing the vital legislative legacy of the late Representative Donald Payne Jr. This groundbreaking proposal holds the potential to change the trajectory of PAD-related disparities across underserved communities," said Dr. Foluso Fakorede, Interventional Cardiologist and Chair of Association of Black Cardiologists PAD Initiative . "The ARC Act is more than legislation—it is health equity in action. By implementing this critical initiative, we can not only improve cardiovascular outcomes for at-risk patients but also reduce the economic and societal burden of preventable amputations.” The bill has been endorsed by: American Diabetes Association Association of Black Cardiologists CardioVascular Coalition Outpatient Endovascular and Interventional Society Full text of the ARC Act can be found here . ### Print Email Share Next Article About Contact Media Issues Services