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Empowering Hearts: Celebrating Cardiac Rehab Week & How Medicare Coverage Supports You on Your Road to a Healthier Heart!

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Let’s show our HEART a little more Love!  Cardiac health is a vital aspect of overall well-being, and Cardiac Rehab Week serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of maintaining a healthy heart. This annual celebration not only highlights the significance of cardiac rehabilitation but also emphasizes the important role your Medicare coverage can play at maintaining heart health. Join us as we explore Cardiac Rehab therapy and ‘heart healthy’ benefits under Medicare, and tips on how to show your heart a little extra love through a healthier lifestyle.

Understanding Cardiac Rehab Week

Cardiac Rehab Week, observed annually, aims to raise awareness about cardiac rehabilitation and its positive impact on individuals recovering from heart-related conditions. Did you know that cardiac rehabilitation can reduce the risk of death from heart disease by up to 25%?  It also provides an opportunity to acknowledge the efforts of healthcare professionals, support systems, and patients who contribute to the success of cardiac rehabilitation programs.

Medicare’s Role in Supporting Cardiac Health:

  • Medicare covers cardiac rehabilitation programs for eligible beneficiaries.
  • Cardiovascular Disease Screenings Coverage
  • Cardiovascular Disease Treatment Coverage
  • Cardiovascular behavioral therapy (Medicare Part B)
  • Medical Equipment: Medicare may cover durable medical equipment like blood pressure monitors or cardiac monitors prescribed by your doctor.
  • Medications: Medicare Part D provides coverage for medications prescribed to manage heart conditions, such as high blood pressure or cholesterol.

Your costs in Original Medicare: You pay nothing for the tests if your doctor or other health care provider accepts the assignment.

Costs under Medicare for cardiac rehab vary depending on the location and will include the Part B deductible.  The costs under Medicare often depend upon where you are participating in cardiac rehab. The Part B deductible will apply.

What Diagnosis Qualifies for Cardiac Rehab?

Medicare will cover the costs of cardiac rehabilitation, providing you have a certain medical diagnosis. These include:

  • Having had a heart attack in the past 12 months.
  • History of coronary artery bypass surgery
  • Currently stable angina (chest pain)
  • History of a heart valve repair or replacement
  • History of coronary angioplasty to open a blocked artery or place a stent
  • History of a heart or heart-lung transplant
  • Stable, chronic heart failure

Heart-Healthy Lifestyle Choices for Seniors:

Tips on how to show your HEART a little extra LOVE!

According to a recent 2024 study by the American Heart Association, the average age at first heart attack is 65.6 years for males and 72.0 years for females. This highlights the critical importance of maintaining heart health as we age

By taking advantage of Medicare’s coverage for cardiovascular screenings and wellness visits, along with adopting heart-healthy lifestyle choices, we can empower ourselves to lead healthier, happier lives.

Let’s continue to prioritize our heart health, not just during this special week, but every day of the year. Together, we can make a difference in our cardiovascular health and inspire others to do the same. Here’s to strong hearts and healthier tomorrows!

To learn more about your Medicare benefits, please contact our office today and we would be happy to schedule a plan review with you to ensure you are getting the most out of your benefits! You can also visit our website to schedule an appointment with us.

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