Heart disease is a leading cause of death worldwide. It can affect people of any age. That’s why getting preventive care for heart disease is so important. Fortunately, Medicare can cover that care. It can even offer coverage for heart disease treatment. But the specifics of this coverage may vary.
It’s important to understand what’s available so you can choose the best coverage for your needs. Original Medicare may cover certain treatments and preventive care. If you need more coverage, you may be able to get it with a Medicare Advantage plan. If you have a chronic condition that raises your risk of heart disease, a Chronic Condition Special Needs Plan (C-SNP) can offer even more specialized care.
What is heart disease?
Heart disease is a basic term for a wide range of conditions that can affect your heart. These conditions can lead to heart attacks or strokes. Here are some common types of heart disease:
- Coronary artery disease
- Vascular disease
- Heart rhythm disorders
- Cardiomyopathy
Using your Medicare benefits to prevent heart disease
Part B covers a screening for heart disease once every 5 years. You may even get this heart screening at no added cost if your health care provider accepts Medicare. These screenings are an important part of preventing heart disease. They can also help catch it early. Catching heart disease early may lead to more effective treatment.
If you have a chronic cardiovascular condition, an Aetna® Medicare C-SNP may offer you other screening and prevention benefits. Find the right plan for your needs.
Cardiovascular screening blood test
Cardiovascular screenings are blood tests that check the health of your heart and blood vessels. They can help find out if you’re at risk of getting a heart condition. These screenings may raise your chances of diagnosing heart disease early and treating it successfully.
Cardiovascular behavioral therapy visit
Cardiovascular behavioral therapy visits are another kind of preventive care. They give you and your health care provider a chance to talk about your heart health. During these visits, you may talk about your medications, diet and exercise. You can also talk about other things that affect your heart. Your blood pressure is usually tested to check for hypertension (high blood pressure). Cardiovascular behavioral therapy is covered once per year by Medicare Part B.
Using your Medicare preventive care benefits to treat heart disease
If you have heart disease, Medicare may cover ways to help you treat it. Cardiac rehabilitation programs use exercise, education and counseling to aid physical recovery. They can also help prevent further problems. These programs are covered by Part B for those who qualify. You may qualify if you have had one of these conditions or treatments:
- Heart attack
- Coronary artery bypass surgery
- Heart valve repair or replacement
- Heart or lung transplant
- Stable chronic heart failure
If you’re covered, you’ll pay 20% of the cost for this care after you pay your Part B deductible. The 2026 Part B deductible is $283.
You may be able to get added benefits for treating heart disease with Medicare Advantage or a Special Needs Plan (SNP). For example, an Aetna Medicare C-SNP connects you to a personal care team who can support you through both prevention and recovery. Whether you’re looking for a Medicare Advantage plan or a C-SNP, we’re here to help you find the perfect plan.
Does Medicare cover heart disease medicine?
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover prescription medicine for heart disease. But you may get coverage from Part D. You can join a Part D plan separately or get prescription drug coverage as part of a Medicare Advantage plan. Coverage for heart medication varies by plan. You can check your plan’s drug formulary to find which drugs are covered.
Does Medicare cover chronic care management services?
If you have a chronic heart condition, Medicare may cover the care you need. Chronic care management services can give you a specific care plan, medications, urgent care access and other support. Part B may cover these services if you have at least two serious chronic conditions that are expected to last at least a year. For example, diabetes and arthritis. After your Part B deductible is paid, the cost of these services is 20% of the Medicare-approved amount.
Need more coverage for your chronic condition? An Aetna Medicare C-SNP can offer added benefits to support you.
Does Medicare cover an echocardiogram?
Echocardiograms use ultrasounds to find possible problems in your heart. If you need one while staying in a hospital, Medicare Part A may cover it. Outside of a hospital, Part B may cover it if it is medically necessary. Echocardiograms still carry out-of-pocket costs when covered by Medicare. You may be able to lower these costs with a Medicare Advantage plan or Medicare Supplement Insurance plan (Medigap).
How to check if you have Medicare coverage for heart disease
If you have an Aetna Medicare plan, you can log in to view your current plan details. You can also use the Aetna Plan Finder to check coverage by ZIP code or plan name.
Don’t have an Aetna Medicare plan? Aetna offers specialized plans built to support heart conditions. Enroll in Medicare Advantage or a C-SNP plan to get more of the care you need.
Aetna Medicare Chronic Condition Special Needs Plans (C-SNPs)
Aetna Medicare C-SNPs can offer added benefits for members with heart conditions. With coordinated care and support, these plans may help you better manage your condition. You may qualify if you have a chronic heart condition.
