Yes, Medicare covers cardiac screenings, including cardiovascular stress testing, as long as you meet specific criteria. People at higher risk of developing Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) or experiencing common symptoms of CAD usually can get the test covered by Medicare. However, Medicare does not cover stress tests for patients who have no risk factors or symptoms of CAD.
A cardiac stress test can help your doctor diagnose CAD and other heart issues. Medicare typically foots the bill as long as your doctor deems the test medically necessary for managing your health.
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What Is a Cardiac Stress Test?
A cardiac stress test helps your doctor diagnose heart conditions like CAD, cardiomyopathy, arrhythmia, angina, heart failure, or valve disorders. During a stress test, you’re hooked up to electrodes that monitor the electrical activity in your heart while you walk on a treadmill or ride a stationary bike. Your speed slowly increases throughout the test. The goal is to get your heart rate to a target level so your doctor can see how it reacts to stress.
There are different kinds of stress tests. For example, a stress echocardiogram uses ultrasound to take pictures of your heart during your workout. And a nuclear stress test involves injecting you with a special substance that makes your heart easier to photograph.
Stress tests are particularly important for older adults, as about 80% of people who die from CAD are over 65 years old. Using your Medicare benefits to cover a stress test could save your life.
Understanding Medicare Coverage for Cardiac Stress Tests
Because a cardiac stress test is an outpatient procedure performed by a cardiologist, it’s covered by Medicare Part B. Medicare Part B covers medically necessary services as well as preventive services. Stress tests are classified as a medically necessary service when your doctor uses them to diagnose a medical condition.
Eligibility Criteria
To have Medicare cover your stress test costs, you must meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Have signs or symptoms of CAD
- Have a metabolic disorder that can cause CAD
- Have an abnormal electrocardiogram
- Need a pre-surgery clearance (if you have intermediate/high risk of CAD)
- Need to assess your exercise tolerance when planning cardiac treatments
There’s no guideline on how often Medicare covers stress tests. Medicare only says it covers testing at “appropriate frequencies” when reasonable and necessary.
How Does Medicare Advantage Cover Cardiac Stress Tests?
Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Part C plans, are sold by private insurance companies. They combine the benefits of Medicare Part A and Part B into one policy. These plans cannot offer fewer benefits than Original Medicare, so at a minimum, coverage for cardiac stress tests is the same.
However, since these plans usually offer additional coverages you cannot get from Original Medicare, you may pay less for stress tests with Medicare Advantage. Depending on your plan, there may even be more flexible eligibility requirements. Every Medicare Advantage plan is slightly different, so read the summary of benefits and coverage for every plan you’re considering.
How Much Does a Cardiac Stress Test Cost With Medicare?
Costs for a stress test vary depending on which type of Medicare coverage you have. Here’s a closer look at what you might pay.
Part B Costs
Before coverage for a stress test can kick in, you need to pay your Part B annual deductible. In 2023, this is $226. You also need to pay monthly premiums, which start at $164.90. Finally, Part B has 20% coinsurance, meaning you may pay for 20% of the costs of the procedure.
How Medigap Can Help With Costs
To help reduce the costs of Medicare Part B, you can enroll in a Medigap plan. This is a separate policy that helps to cover the gaps in Medicare’s coverage. Currently, there are ten different Medigap plans, each offering some level of coverage for Part B copays and coinsurance.
For example, Plan A covers your Part B copays at 100%, meaning you would not pay anything for a cardiac stress test if you’ve met your deductible. Some plans can even cover your Part B deductible, so you do not have to pay any fees for your coverage to kick in.
Medicare Advantage Costs
It’s hard to say exactly what a stress test costs with a Medicare Advantage plan, as each plan offers different coverage. Here are a few factors that could affect what you pay:
- Monthly premiums: These vary depending on what additional coverages the plan offers. At a minimum, you’ll pay your Part B premium ($164.90 per month in 2023).
- Copays and coinsurance: These cannot be more than the standard Medicare 20% for Part B services, but they might be less.
- Healthcare networks: Private insurance companies partner with specific providers to receive discounted services. If you go to an out-of-network provider, your stress test might not be covered.
- Out-of-pocket maximums: Many insurance companies have a defined limit on how much you need to spend in healthcare costs before your care is covered at 100%.
What You Should Know About Getting a Medicare-Covered Cardiac Stress Test
Your doctor likely knows Medicare’s guidelines for covered cardiac stress tests, but it does not hurt to ask. Make sure the test is covered by asking your doctor about your eligibility. Confirm they’re testing you because you have symptoms of CAD or you meet other eligibility criteria.
You might also ask about what other cardiac tests you may need pending the results of the stress test. For example, if you have abnormal results, it’s common to have a follow-up cardiac catheterization, CT coronary angiography, or a nuclear stress test. Ask your doctor if Medicare covers these tests.
Other Medicare-Covered Heart Health Benefits
Stress tests are one of the many heart health benefits Medicare covers. Other covered cardiac procedures and screenings include:
- Cardiovascular disease screenings: This includes blood tests to check for high cholesterol, lipid, and triglyceride levels. This is usually free with Medicare once every five years.
- Cardiologist visits: Visits to a cardiologist are covered by Medicare — you pay 20% of the visit cost.
- Heart disease treatment: Treating heart disease might include counseling, education, and exercise, as well as procedures like coronary angioplasty. You pay 20% of the cost for these services.
Reduce Your Risk of CAD
You can lower your chances of needing a stress test by reducing your risk of developing CAD. Try these tips:
- Lower your blood pressure: You might be able to do this by losing weight, reducing your alcohol intake, or taking certain medications.
- Lower your bad cholesterol: Reduce your intake of saturated fats. Eat fewer fried foods, fatty meats, and fatty dairy products.
- Stop smoking: Smoking increases your risk of blood clots, reduces the oxygen supply to your heart, and even raises blood pressure. Cutting this habit can improve your heart health.
- Exercise: Exercising can help you lose weight and strengthen your heart. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity five days a week.
What This Means for You
Getting tested for CAD is crucial, as it kills roughly 375,000 people a year. It makes sense to take advantage of this crucial Medicare benefit whenever you can. Having CAD diagnosed early can give you the time you need to make lifestyle changes, such as eating healthier, exercising more, and losing weight. By making these changes, you can improve your outlook and lower your risk of a heart attack in the future. Talk to your doctor about your eligibility for a stress test if you think you’re at risk for CAD.