Cardiovascular disease, including problems with the heart, blood vessels or both, is a concern for many of us as we try to live life boldly. At ApexHealth, we encourage you to identify heart concerns early and get the best preventive care. 

Cardiovascular screenings and treatment are available from your doctor and can be covered by Medicare. Consider these questions – and their answers – to ensure that you’re getting the right care you need for the life you lead!

What are cardiovascular screenings?

Cardiovascular screenings identify your risks of developing heart disease and monitor factors that may lead to a heart attack or stroke. Heart health screenings may assess:

• Blood pressure
• Fasting lipoprotein profile (cholesterol)
• Body mass index (BMI)
• Blood glucose
• Smoking, physical activity and diet

What coverage does Medicare provide for cardiovascular screenings?

Original Medicare Part B covers some cardiovascular screening blood tests once every five years. If your doctor accepts the Medicare-approved rate for payment, you won’t have to pay anything for these screenings. It’s also a good idea to make use of your Medicare-covered annual “Wellness” or “Welcome to Medicare visit” to discuss additional kinds of cardiovascular screenings with your doctor.

What coverage does Medicare provide to improve heart health?

Based on the results of the screening, your doctor may recommend different ways to improve heart health, such as a cardiovascular behavioral therapy visit, prescription drugs and lifestyle changes. 

Original Medicare covers a yearly cardiovascular behavioral therapy visit that can identify lifestyle changes to lower your risk of heart disease or stroke. The visit may include blood pressure screening and advice on diet and exercise. Ask our ApexAssistants to schedule a cardiovascular behavioral therapy appointment with your doctor.

Heart disease is often managed or treated with prescription drugs — something Original Medicare doesn’t include. You would need to purchase a Medicare Part D plan or consider a Medicare Advantage plan with Part D coverage (MAPD). Most Medicare Advantage plans (including ApexHealth) include prescription drug coverage to manage costs.

A healthy lifestyle is a common way to minimize the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke, and Medicare Advantage plans can support lifestyle changes like improving your diet, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising more and quitting smoking. 

For example, fitness benefits from ApexHealth promote the lifestyle changes recommended by your doctor by providing access to:

• A free gym membership
• Local fitness centers and YMCAs
• Online workout classes
• Wearable fitness trackers
• Exercise kits for activities like Pilates, swimming and strength

And don’t forget that our ApexAssistants are here to help you utilize your benefits and get the best care! ApexAssistants can schedule doctor’s appointments, improve your access to routine care and support your personal goals. They will also act as your advocate if you need special approval for services or resolution of any issues. If you’re wondering about the benefits provided by ApexHealth, getting in touch with our ApexAssistants is a great place to start. 

We hope that this information has encouraged you to get a cardiovascular screening and improve your heart health this February! If you have any questions, ApexHealth is a Medicare Advantage plan that has your back. Give us a call at (844) 279-0508 (TTY: 711) to speak with an ApexAssistant. Our hours of operation are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. (local time) from Apr. 1 through Sept. 30 and seven days a week 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. (local time) from Oct. 1 through Mar. 31. For all matters related to your medical health, we recommend contacting your doctor or health care provider.

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