I'm at high risk for heart disease based on my family history. What additional preventive services might Medicare cover for someone with my risk factors?

Question

Kathy Adams · Accepted Answer

Based on family history of heart disease, you may consider a Medicare Supplemental Plan, to go along with your original Medicare, this would give you the best coverage if you encountered major issues so your medical expenses would have the best coverage available to you.

Answered by Kathy Adams on April 28, 2025

Agent Licensed in NV & ND

Answered by Kathy Adams Medicare Insurance Agent

Ruben Trejo · Answer

If you’re at high risk for heart disease, Medicare DOES cover some extra preventive services that can really help.

They’ll cover things like a cardiovascular screening every 5 years, that checks your cholesterol and other key levels. And you also get a yearly visit with your doctor to talk about heart health and how to stay on track with things like diet and exercise.

If your doctor sees any other red flags, there may be more services Medicare can cover, too, but it depends on your situation.

Steven Bleicher · Answer

Medicare has placed a dollar value on over 60,000 treatments & procedures. As long as there is a value on anything you are diagnosed with, among those 60,000 are various heart procedures. The only aspects to think about are those experimental treatments which have not yet been approved by the CDC (the Center for Disease Control) & CMS (the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services). First, are you watching carefully your intake of salt/red meat?

The most important thing is to set a "baseline" with your cardiologist when you are still in fairly good health so that if your health turns, he/she will have something to compare to in your early EKG's. I hope you have just realized that using your Primary Care Physician in NOT the recipe for you due to your family's history. You must find a great cardiologist who has been recommended to you as being one of the best. Check if your local university employs a doctor of cardiology who is well known. Just like when you detect something is wrong with your car, you'll bring it to the best mechanic you know of. By the same token, you'll spend a great deal of time seeking the best in cardio specialists. Also, pay attention to the advanced exercises that will be given to you, in order to stave off the possible stents that you might need.

Diana Garner · Answer

Medicare Part B covers a cardiovascular screening every five years for individuals at risk for heart disease, including those with a family history. This screening includes blood tests to check cholesterol, lipid, and triglyceride levels, which can help detect conditions leading to heart attack or stroke.

Answered by Diana Garner on August 21, 2025

Broker Licensed in KY, FL, IN, OH & TN

Answered by Diana Garner Medicare Insurance Agent

Leslie Kaz · Answer

Great question — and a very smart one to ask. If you’re at high risk for heart disease, Medicare offers several preventive services to help catch problems early and support your heart health.

Here’s what Medicare Part B typically covers at no cost to you (if your provider accepts assignment):

✅ 1. Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Risk Screening
What it is: A screening every 5 years that checks your cholesterol, lipid, and triglyceride levels.

Why it matters: Helps identify high cholesterol and other risk factors early — especially important if heart disease runs in your family.

✅ 2. Cardiovascular Behavioral Therapy
What it is: An annual visit with your primary doctor to assess your diet and provide tips on healthy eating to reduce heart disease risks.

Pro tip: This is often bundled into your Annual Wellness Visit.

✅ 3. Blood Pressure Checks
Done routinely during office visits.

High blood pressure is a silent killer — and a key indicator for heart problems.

✅ 4. Obesity Screening & Counseling
What it is: If your BMI is 30 or higher, Medicare may cover intensive behavioral counseling to help you lose weight.

Excess weight is a major contributor to heart disease.

✅ 5. Diabetes Screenings
What it is: Covered up to 2 times per year if you’re at high risk — and diabetes is a major heart disease risk factor.

If you already have diabetes, Medicare also covers self-management training, nutrition therapy, and supplies.

✅ 6. Smoking Cessation Counseling
Covered even if you haven’t been diagnosed with a smoking-related illness.

Up to 8 face-to-face sessions per year if you’re a smoker — and quitting reduces heart risk immediately.

✅ 7. Annual Wellness Visit
Includes a personalized prevention plan.

You can discuss all your risk factors and build a heart-healthy strategy.

🧠 Bonus Tip:
If you qualify for a Medicare Advantage Plan, some of them offer extra perks like gym memberships (SilverSneakers), meal delivery, or expanded nutrition counseling — which can really h

Fred Manas · Answer

1. Cardiovascular Disease Screenings: Medicare Part B covers these screenings once every 5 years. This includes blood tests to check your cholesterol, lipid, and triglyceride levels, which can indicate conditions that may lead to a heart attack or stroke.  If your provider accepts assignment, you won't have to pay anything for these screenings. 
2. Cardiovascular Behavioral Therapy: Medicare Part B covers one session each year with your primary care physician or practitioner. This therapy helps you lower your risk for  cardiovascular disease and may include a blood pressure check and healthy diet advice. You pay nothing if your provider accepts assignment. 
3. Abdominal Aorta Aneurysm Screening: If you have a family history of abdominal aorta aneurysm, Medicare covers a one-time screening. This screening involves a one-time ultrasound to check for a ballooning of the main blood vessel transporting blood to the legs. 
4. Intensive Behavioral Therapy (IBT) for Obesity: Medicare covers IBT for obesity, especially relevant if being overweight contributes to your heart disease risk. This counseling is typically done by a doctor or other healthcare professional in a primary care setting. If the provider accepts Medicare assignment, there are no out-of-pocket costs for the counseling and assessments. 
5. Other Related Preventive Services: Tobacco Cessation Counseling: If you use tobacco, Medicare Part B covers counseling to help you quit.
Medical Nutrition Therapy: Medicare covers medical nutrition therapy if your doctor determines it is medically necessary.
Intensive Behavioral Therapy for Cardiovascular Disease: This therapy is specifically designed to reduce CVD risk through counseling on diet, exercise, and aspirin use.
Annual Wellness Visit: This annual visit provides an opportunity to discuss preventive care and establish a personalized screening schedule.

Vachik Chakhbazian · Answer

If you’re at high risk for heart disease, Medicare actually offers a pretty solid range of preventive services designed to catch issues early and manage your risk.

Gary Henderson · Answer

Medicare Part B covers several preventive services for heart disease, including cardiovascular screenings and behavioral therapy. Cardiovascular screenings check cholesterol, lipid, and triglyceride levels every five years, helping to detect conditions that may lead to heart attack or stroke. Additionally, individuals can receive a yearly cardiovascular behavioral therapy visit with their primary care physician to help lower their risk for cardiovascular disease.

Answered by Gary Henderson on April 10, 2025

Agent Licensed in TX, AK, AL & 46 other states

Answered by Gary Henderson Medicare Insurance Agent

Mike Henry · Answer

Testing services. Also any additional procedures that may be required. Must be recommended by your Dr and Medicare approved

Deborah Webster · Answer

Specified disease plans such as heart attack, Cancer and Stroke are additional policies one can buy that will give extra help to pay for costs for treatment; additionally can be set up to cover travel expenses as well.

Answered by Deborah Webster on May 14, 2025

Broker Licensed in Ia & SC

Answered by Deborah Webster Medicare Insurance Agent

Tony Hardwick · Answer

Medicare offers preventative services beyond the standard screenings. Preventative services for high risk individuals include: 1) Cardiovascular disease risk reduction, 2) Cardiovascular Behavioral therapy, 3) Intensive Cardiac rehabilitation, 4) Cardiovascular screenings, 5) Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm, 6) Annual Wellness visit.

Answered by Tony Hardwick on April 28, 2025

Agent Licensed in GA, AZ, CA & 15 other states

Answered by Tony Hardwick Medicare Insurance Agent

Jim Carroll · Answer

My initial question is are you already on Medicare or are you planning ahead?

If you have not turned 65 yet or have and have no serious pre-existing conditions, a Medicare Supplement (a.k.a. Medigap plan) covers everything that Original Medicare Part A and Part B do not with only an annual deductible of $257, and no other surprise out of pocket expenses.

Natalee Nimmo · Answer

Medicare covers 100% of qualified preventive tests including cardiovascular tests and exams. Such as: cardiovascular tests including blood.

Jody Hill · Answer

Medicare plans can offer special programs for certain conditions called CSNPS.  CSNPS may of provide extra services that are more in tune with their members needs.

Marisol Torres · Answer

Medicare may cover extra preventive services like heart disease screenings, cholesterol and blood pressure tests, and counseling on diet if you’re at high risk. These help catch issues early and support a healthier lifestyle.

Answered by Marisol Torres on April 12, 2025

Broker Licensed in IL, CA, FL & 19 other states

Answered by Marisol Torres Medicare Insurance Agent

I'm at high risk for heart disease based on my family history. What additional preventive services might Medicare cover for someone with my risk factors?

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