Medicare Advantage Helps Keep Hearts Healthy

Each year on September 29, people around the world commemorate World Heart Day. On this health awareness day, people across the globe are united in the fight against cardiovascular disease (CVD) – one of the world’s leading cause of death – by taking action to encourage heart-healthy living. 

World Heart Day helps educate people about the risks of CVD. To honor this occasion and do our part to help spread awareness, the Coalition for Medicare Choices (CMC) is spotlighting the ways that Medicare Advantage helps promote heart health among its members and reduce members’ risk of CVD.  

Adults over age 65 are at a higher risk of developing CVD, and that risk grows with age. Moreover, heart health is important to managing common conditions experienced by Americans 65+ like diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Taking steps to promote a healthy heart such as quitting smoking, eating a heart-healthy diet, and being physically active, can serve to keep your heart healthy and strong. 

Medicare Advantage plans deliver reliable health care when Americans need it most, not only treating issues as they come up but also keeping members healthy in the long run. An important way Medicare Advantage plans do this is by providing additional benefits. Our coalition member Tammy Kennedy receives free access to the gym and prescription drug coverage through the additional benefits on her Medicare Advantage plan. These benefits help her–and many other Americans 65+– stay active and access the medication needed to manage various health conditions at an affordable price. 

In addition to these benefits, some Medicare Advantage plans have taken decisive action to incorporate programs that help Americans access nutritious food reliable transportation to doctor appointments. Coalition member Angela Harris’ rides to vital doctor appointments are covered by her Medicare Advantage plan, helping ensure she never misses an appointment. Services like these all contribute to ensuring that Americans who are covered by Medicare Advantage have the services and supports they need to stay happy and healthy, and prevent serious illnesses like CVD.  

Even when the worst happens, Medicare Advantage plans are there to help. When our coalition member Frank Little had chest pain and was rushed to the hospital in an ambulance, his only worry was getting better because he knew his Medicare Advantage plan would cover the costs of his care.   

This September 29 make sure you are up-to-date on preventive services and following ongoing treatment plans for chronic conditions. Give your Medicare Advantage plan a call to learn more about how they can help, and take advantage of the better services, better access to care, and better value that can help keep you and your heart healthy.