Heart Health and Medicare: Key Facts for American Heart Month

February marks American Heart Month, a meaningful reminder to pause, reflect, and take steps that strengthen your long-term cardiovascular health. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide, claiming millions of lives each year. In the United States, the CDC reports that roughly one out of every three deaths is linked to heart disease.

While those numbers are sobering, there is encouraging news — many heart-related conditions can be prevented. By combining healthy daily habits with Medicare’s preventive care benefits, you can take intentional steps to support your heart and overall wellness.

Build Healthy Habits Through Prevention

Small, consistent lifestyle choices can have a big impact. Eating nutritious meals, staying active, managing stress, and getting adequate sleep all support heart function. When these habits are paired with the preventive services offered through Medicare, you gain an even stronger foundation for long-term heart health.

1. Essential Screenings and Tests

Detecting potential issues early is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of heart disease. Medicare Part B covers cholesterol, triglyceride, and lipid panel screenings every five years. It also includes blood pressure and diabetes screenings, both of which help identify cardiovascular risk factors.

If you already live with heart disease or have heightened risk, your healthcare provider may recommend more frequent testing — many of which Medicare may cover. Knowing your numbers empowers you to take action long before problems escalate.

2. Support for Lifestyle and Behavior Changes

Medicare also includes coverage for one cardiovascular behavioral therapy session each year. During this visit, your provider can evaluate your lifestyle habits, discuss medication management, and help tailor a plan to reduce your risks. It’s a customized way to stay on track with heart-healthy goals.

3. Resources to Help You Quit Smoking

Smoking continues to be one of the most preventable causes of heart disease. Both Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans offer coverage for counseling, cessation programs, and approved medications designed to help you quit. Within only a year of quitting, your risk of heart attack decreases significantly — making this lifestyle change one of the most powerful moves you can make.

4. Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs

If you’ve had a major heart event — including a heart attack, bypass surgery, angioplasty, or valve replacement — Medicare covers both standard and intensive cardiac rehabilitation. These programs combine supervised exercise, education, and medical monitoring to help you regain strength, improve circulation, and reduce the likelihood of future issues.

5. Hospital Care and Procedures

Medicare Part A helps cover inpatient hospital stays related to heart conditions, including procedures and recovery periods. This typically includes semiprivate rooms, meals, and nursing care after a qualifying stay. Having this support in place can make a tremendous difference during critical recovery moments.

6. Annual Wellness Visits and Ongoing Prevention

Your annual wellness visit, which is covered under Medicare Part B, offers another opportunity to stay proactive. Providers can review your vitals, assess your heart health, and recommend screenings or lifestyle adjustments tailored to your needs.

These wellness visits are typically offered at no additional cost, making them an easy and effective way to stay informed about your cardiovascular health.

Why Preventive Care Makes a Difference

Proactive care and lifestyle management can significantly lower your chances of developing heart disease. Medicare’s preventive services help identify concerns early, provide clear guidance, and make important screenings more accessible and affordable. With these tools, you gain the support needed to take control of your long-term health.

Final Thoughts

Heart disease may be common, but it’s not inevitable. This American Heart Month, consider taking small steps that can lead to big improvements — scheduling your wellness visit, reviewing your preventive benefits, or making one heart-healthy change. With a combination of positive habits and Medicare-covered care, you can support your heart and strengthen your well-being all year long.