Step 4:
Check your health insurance
Medicare and many insurance plans cover the cost of cardiac rehab. Depending on the plan, you may be responsible for some out-of-pocket costs, such as a per-session copay. Rehab facility staff can work with you to understand your insurance coverage.
How to Check Your Insurance Coverage for Cardiac Rehab
1. Contact your health insurance provider.
Call Member Services: The most straightforward way is to call your insurance company’s member services number. They can provide specific information about your plan’s coverage for cardiac rehab.
Online Portal: Many insurance companies have online portals where you can log in to view your plan details, including coverage for specific services like cardiac rehab.
Important Questions to Ask:
- Is cardiac rehab covered by my insurance plan?
- Do I need a referral from my doctor to start cardiac rehab?
- Are there any specific providers or facilities that are in-network with my insurance?
- What is my copay or coinsurance for each cardiac rehab session?
- Is there a deductible I need to meet before insurance coverage begins?
- Are there any prior authorization requirements for cardiac rehab services?
2. Review your insurance policy.
Policy Document: Your insurance policy document contains detailed information about your coverage, including copays, deductibles, and any limitations or exclusions. You can usually find this document online through your insurance provider’s portal or request a physical copy.
3. Consult with your doctor or cardiac rehab provider.
Your doctor or cardiac rehab provider can help you understand your insurance coverage and assist in navigating the billing process. They may also be able to provide information on financial assistance programs or payment plans.
Things to Note
Plan-Specific Details: Coverage can vary significantly between different plans offered by the same insurer. It’s crucial to review your specific plan documents or contact your insurance provider for accurate information.
Network Providers: Ensure that the cardiac rehabilitation program you choose is in-network with your insurance plan to maximize coverage and minimize out-of-pocket costs.
Referrals: You may need a referral from your primary care physician to access cardiac rehabilitation services.
Prior Authorization: Some plans may require prior authorization for cardiac rehabilitation services.
If you have
medicare part b
Covers cardiac rehab if you are eligible:
✔️ Heart attack in the previous 12 months
✔️ Coronary artery bypass surgery
✔️ Stable angina (chest pain)
✔️ Stable chronic heart failure
✔️ Heart valve repair or replacement
✔️ Heart transplant
✔️ Heart-lung transplant
Typically covers 36 session.
You may have to pay out of pocket until you meet your Medicare Part B deductible ($240 in 2024), after that you may be responsible for paying 20% of the cost, called coinsurance.
This actual cost can vary by is usually less than $50 per session. If this is too expensive, ask the rehab facility about options.
If you have
Blue Cross Blue Shield (commercial)
Covered with at least one diagnosis within the past 12 months:
✔️ Heart attack
✔️ Coronary artery bypass graft surgery
✔️ Current stable angina
✔️ Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty or coronary stenting
✔️ Heart valve surgery
✔️ Heart or heart-lung transplant
✔️Stable, chronic heart failure
Covers Phase II cardiac rehabilitation only.
Patient must be medically stable and able to tolerate exercise for 20-40 minutes.
Source: 9/2024 Policy
In a sense, the initial heart surgery saved my life the first time; but cardiac rehab saved it a second time. The rehab people performed a small miracle by restoring my self-confidence.
– John, Cardiac Rehab Participant
