Cardiac rehab’s successful role in heart health

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If you’re on Medicare and ever happen to need cardiac rehab, it’s good to know it’s covered. Studies show how much it helps participants as they recover from heart issues. Surprisingly, only about 20%-30% of people who could benefit from it take advantage.

This is sometimes the case in rural or other underserved populations, among women, and with older patients. And, according to the American College of Cardiology, some patients might not even be referred. And for those who are? Many don’t go, or don’t go to every session.

What is cardiac rehab?

It’s a medically supervised exercise program for people recovering from certain heart-related conditions and procedures. It also provides education about nutrition, medication use and lifestyle choices. These can help patients strengthen their hearts and lead healthier lives.

A standard program typically includes 36 sessions over 12 weeks (about 12 sessions a month) and offers:

one-on-one supervised exercise regimens
practical advice for heart-healthy eating and reducing stress
support for managing medications, smoking cessation and other heart risk factors

A team of medical professionals works with patients to help them feel better, regain strength, and live a heart-healthier lifestyle. It includes doctors, nurses, exercise specialists, physical therapists or occupational therapists (or both), and nutritionists.

How cardiac rehab can help

The main goal is to lower the likelihood of future heart problems or related death.

According to studies, people who participate have up to 30% fewer fatal heart events, and are 25% less likely to die compared with people who get standard therapy alone. They also can lower their chance of a second heart attack or heart surgery.

Cardiac rehab programs are comprehensive, focusing on the whole patient to give them the education and tools they need to make long-term health changes. Because of this, cardiac rehab patients typically have more success in controlling their other cardiovascular risk factors, like high blood pressure or cholesterol.

Through the program, patients learn how to:

Improve their physical fitness and exercise safely. Exercise routines will generally include both aerobic exercise and muscle-strengthening activities.
Adopt a heart-healthy diet through nutrition counseling.
Manage other cardiovascular risk factors.
Keep up with and follow their treatment plan.
Focus on their emotional health and the importance of staying engaged socially. Patients may have access to a counselor or social worker, as well as peer support.

Medicare covers cardiac rehab for these conditions

As a reminder from the “Medicare & You 2026” handbook, Medicare covers regular and intensive cardiac rehabilitation programs that include exercise, education and counseling if you’ve had at least one of these conditions:

A heart attack in the last 12 months
Coronary artery bypass surgery
Current stable angina pectoris (chest pain)
A heart valve repair or replacement
A coronary angioplasty (a medical procedure used to open a blocked artery) or coronary stenting (a procedure used to keep an artery open)
A heart or heart-lung transplant
Stable chronic heart failure

Medicare covers services in a doctor’s office or hospital outpatient setting. You pay 20% of the Medicare‑approved amount if you get the services in a doctor’s office, and a copayment in a hospital outpatient setting. The Part B deductible applies.

In order to participate in a cardiac rehab program, you need a referral. If you have a heart condition, ask your doctor if you’re eligible.

Take action for your heart with these tips

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, but it can often be prevented. Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle can help you reduce the risk of heart disease and its risk factors. Take action to protect your heart by following these tips from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.