Heart Health and Medicare: Your Guide This American Heart Month

February marks American Heart Month — a reminder to not only bring out the red attire but also to take real steps toward improving your cardiovascular health. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death globally, with the World Health Organization estimating 17.9 million lives lost each year. In the United States, the CDC reports that heart disease is responsible for about one out of every three deaths.

The encouraging news is that many heart-related issues can be prevented. By combining healthy lifestyle habits with the preventive services offered through Medicare, you can take meaningful action to support your heart and overall wellness.

Healthy Habits Begin with Prevention

Simple daily choices play a major role in long-term heart health. Regular exercise, nutritious eating, stress management, and consistent sleep all contribute to a stronger cardiovascular system. When you pair these habits with Medicare’s preventive care benefits, you gain an added layer of support in monitoring and maintaining your heart health.

1. Screenings and Tests

Catching potential problems early is essential in reducing the impact of heart disease. Medicare Part B covers cholesterol tests, lipid panels, and triglyceride screenings every five years. It also provides coverage for blood pressure checks and diabetes screenings — two key indicators of cardiovascular risk. If you already have heart disease or are considered high-risk, your provider may recommend additional testing, which may be covered by Medicare as well.

Understanding your health metrics can lead to earlier interventions and more positive long-term outcomes.

2. Support for Healthy Behaviors

Medicare also pays for one cardiovascular behavioral therapy session each year. During this visit, your healthcare provider can review your diet, activity levels, and medication routine. This appointment offers tailored guidance to help you make lifestyle improvements that directly reduce your heart disease risk.

3. Smoking Cessation Resources

Smoking significantly increases the likelihood of developing heart disease, but quitting can dramatically lower that risk. Both Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans offer coverage for counseling, approved cessation programs, and certain medications designed to help you stop smoking. Within just one year of quitting, your risk of heart attack decreases substantially, making this one of the most beneficial changes you can make.

4. Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs

If you’ve had a heart attack, bypass surgery, valve surgery, or angioplasty, Medicare covers both standard and intensive cardiac rehab. These programs blend guided exercise with education, counseling, and medical supervision. The goal is to help patients regain strength, improve heart function, and lower the chances of future cardiac issues.

5. Hospital Care and Procedures

Medicare Part A provides coverage for inpatient stays related to cardiac events. This can include surgeries, hospital recovery, nursing care, meals, and semiprivate rooms following a qualifying hospital admission. Having this coverage can ease the financial burden during an already stressful time in your recovery.

6. Annual Wellness Visits and Ongoing Prevention

Your annual wellness visit — fully covered under Medicare Part B — offers another opportunity to stay informed about your heart health. During this appointment, your provider can check important markers like cholesterol and blood pressure and recommend screenings or preventive measures tailored to your situation.

Most beneficiaries can access this visit at no additional cost, making it a simple way to stay proactive about your health.

Why Preventive Care Is So Important

Preventive services and thoughtful lifestyle choices can significantly lower your risk of developing heart disease. These tools allow your provider to catch concerns earlier and help you make informed decisions about your wellness. Medicare’s preventive care offerings make staying healthy more accessible and affordable.

Final Thoughts

While heart disease is common, it isn’t unavoidable. With a combination of healthy routines and Medicare-covered services, you can take steps that truly support your cardiovascular health. This American Heart Month, consider booking your wellness visit, learning more about your preventive benefits, and adopting one small habit that keeps your heart strong throughout the year.