Heart Health and Medicare: What to Know During American Heart Month

February marks American Heart Month, a perfect time to show support by wearing red and taking meaningful steps toward maintaining a healthier heart. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for an estimated 17.9 million deaths annually according to the World Health Organization. In the United States, the CDC reports that heart disease is responsible for roughly one out of every three deaths.

The encouraging news is that many heart-related health issues can be prevented. By blending smart lifestyle choices with the preventive care benefits included in Medicare, you can take intentional steps toward safeguarding your heart and overall wellness.

Healthy Habits Begin with Prevention

Small, consistent habits can have a major impact on your long-term heart health. Staying active, choosing nutritious foods, getting quality sleep, and finding ways to manage daily stress all contribute to a stronger cardiovascular system. When you combine these efforts with the preventive services offered through Medicare, you create a solid foundation for ongoing heart health.

1. Routine Screenings and Diagnostic Tests

Identifying risk factors early is one of the most effective ways to prevent heart disease. Under Medicare Part B, you can receive cholesterol, lipid, and triglyceride screenings every five years. The plan also covers blood pressure checks and diabetes screenings—both of which play a major role in assessing cardiovascular risk.

If you already have heart-related conditions or are considered high-risk, your provider may suggest more frequent testing, and Medicare may help cover these additional evaluations. Knowing your health numbers empowers you to make informed decisions and supports early intervention when necessary.

2. Support for Lifestyle and Behavioral Changes

Medicare also provides coverage for one cardiovascular behavioral therapy session each year. During this visit, your doctor can review your daily habits, discuss diet and exercise routines, and evaluate your current medications. This personalized guidance helps you understand what changes can lower your risk and how to stay on track with your heart-health goals.

3. Resources to Help You Quit Smoking

Smoking remains one of the top preventable contributors to heart disease. Fortunately, both Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans offer coverage for smoking cessation support. This includes counseling sessions, structured quit programs, and certain medications designed to help you stop smoking.

Quitting smoking has immediate and long-term benefits. In fact, within just a year of quitting, your risk of experiencing a heart attack drops significantly. It’s one of the most powerful steps you can take for better heart health.

4. Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs

If you’ve had a heart attack, undergone bypass surgery, received angioplasty, or had a valve repaired or replaced, Medicare covers both standard and intensive cardiac rehab programs. These programs feature supervised exercise sessions, lifestyle education, and ongoing medical monitoring. The goal is to help you regain strength, improve circulation, and lower your chances of future heart complications.

5. Coverage for Hospital Care and Cardiac Procedures

Medicare Part A provides coverage for inpatient hospital stays related to heart events, including surgeries and recovery periods. This typically includes semiprivate rooms, meals, and essential nursing care following a qualifying hospital admission. Having this support can ease both financial and emotional stress during critical stages of treatment and healing.

6. Annual Wellness Visits and Preventive Checkups

Your Medicare-covered annual wellness visit under Part B is another important opportunity to keep tabs on your heart health. During this appointment, your provider can take measurements such as blood pressure and cholesterol levels, review your medical history, and recommend additional preventive screenings based on your risk factors.

Most plans cover this yearly visit at no extra cost, making it an easy and effective way to stay proactive about your well-being.

Why Prioritizing Preventive Care Matters

Preventive care plays a major role in reducing the likelihood of developing serious heart disease. Medicare’s offerings—from screenings to counseling to rehab—allow you to address potential issues early and stay informed about your health. These services are designed to be accessible, affordable, and proactive, giving you the support you need to make confident choices about your heart health.

Final Thoughts

Heart disease affects millions, but it doesn’t have to define your future. By pairing healthy lifestyle habits with the preventive tools provided through Medicare, you can take meaningful steps toward protecting your heart. During this American Heart Month, consider scheduling your wellness visit, reviewing your preventive benefits, and choosing one small action that brings you closer to better heart health—this month and throughout the year.