Heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and obesity are among the leading causes of death and disability in the U.S.—conditions that are largely preventable with early intervention and equitable access to preventive care. Yet, Black Americans and other communities of color continue to face higher rates of illness and death due to barriers in coverage, education, and social determinants of health.

ABC’s Position:
The Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC) champions policies that make prevention a national priority. Through federal advocacy and collaboration with agencies such as CMS and NCQA, ABC advances policies that expand screening, improve disease management, and ensure reimbursement for preventive services.

In January 2025, ABC submitted comments urging Medicare Part D coverage for anti-obesity medications (AOMs), recognizing obesity as both a chronic condition and a key driver of cardiovascular risk, and voiced support for the Treatment to Reduce Obesity Act (TROA), which would expand Medicare coverage for comprehensive obesity treatment. The organization also submitted recommendations on HEDIS LDL Quality Measures in March 2025, supporting stronger performance standards for cholesterol management and stroke prevention.

ABC further emphasized the importance of prevention-based payment models in its September 2025 comments on the Physician Fee Schedule and Ambulatory Specialty Model, calling for reimbursement structures that reward care coordination and early disease management.

Beyond policy engagement, ABC continues to educate and empower communities through initiatives like the Obesity Prevention Fact Sheet, which promotes awareness about cardiovascular health and lifestyle choices.

Together, these actions demonstrate ABC’s vision for a healthcare system that prioritizes prevention, health promotion, and equity for all.

Related Work

Expanding Access to Obesity Care: ABC Comments on Medicare Part D Rule

ABC supports Medicare coverage for obesity screening and treatment to improve outcomes for patients living with obesity and related cardiovascular conditions. In January 2025, ABC submitted comments to CMS on the proposed Medicare Part D Rule, emphasizing the need to cover anti-obesity medications (AOMs) and expand access to comprehensive obesity care. This effort supports ABC’s commitment to addressing obesity as a major driver of cardiovascular disease and health inequity.

Improving Cardiovascular Outcomes: ABC Comments on HEDIS LDL Quality Measures

ABC advocates for stronger cholesterol and lipid management standards to improve outcomes for heart disease and stroke prevention. In March 2025, ABC submitted comments to the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) on the HEDIS LDL Quality Measures. The recommendations called for modernized performance metrics, greater accountability, and expanded access to remote monitoring and lipid management technologies—ensuring that quality measures reflect real-world care needs.

Strengthening Prevention Through Ambulatory Care Reform: ABC Comments on the 2026 PFS

ABC supports payment reforms that fund prevention, coordination, and disease management in outpatient and specialty settings.  In September 2025, ABC provided feedback to CMS on the 2026 Physician Fee Schedule and Ambulatory Specialty Model. The comments highlighted the importance of aligning reimbursement with prevention, early detection, and patient-centered care. By promoting value-based payment systems, ABC is helping shape sustainable models for long-term disease prevention.

Addressing Obesity as a Cardiovascular Risk Factor: ABC’s Prevention Approach

Raising awareness of obesity as a key driver of cardiovascular disease and promoting prevention through education and early intervention. ABC’s Obesity Prevention Fact Sheet highlights obesity as one of the most significant—and preventable—risk factors for heart disease and stroke. The resource emphasizes education, community-based programs, and equitable access to treatment as essential tools for prevention.

Addressing Obesity as a Cardiovascular Risk Factor: ABC’s Prevention Approach

Raising awareness of obesity as a key driver of cardiovascular disease and promoting prevention through education and early intervention.

ABC’s Obesity Prevention Fact Sheet highlights obesity as one of the most significant—and preventable—risk factors for heart disease and stroke. The resource emphasizes education, community-based programs, and equitable access to treatment as essential tools for prevention.