

Medicare may approve cardiac rehabilitation under certain circumstances, such as after coronary artery bypass surgery, heart attack, stable chronic heart failure, or placement of a coronary stent.

AFib often results from irregular electrical activity in your heart. Services/therapiesĭoctors may recommend surgical or nonsurgical approaches - or both - to treat AFib. It’s important to carefully read your plan’s formulary to ensure it covers the specific medicines your doctor prescribes. Medicare requires Part D plans to cover at least two medications in key categories, such as beta blockers or anticoagulants. A doctor may prescribe medications that include beta blockers (atenolol, carvedilol, and metoprolol), calcium channel blockers (diltizem), and digoxin. AFib can cause your heart to beat too fast, which affects its ability to pump out enough blood. Examples of anticoagulants include warfarin (Coumadin), dabigitran (Pradaxa), or apixaban ( Eliquis). These medications work differently than antiplatelets but also reduce risks for blood clotting. They’re used to help keep blood clots from forming. Aspirin is the most common example of an antiplatelet medication. Examples include sodium channel blockers (flecainide) or potassium channel blockers (amiodarone).

These medications help your heart beat in a normal rhythm. Medications your doctor may prescribe to manage your AFib include the following: Medicationsĭoctors will often prescribe medications to control your heart rate and sometimes anticoagulants (blood thinners) to reduce stroke risk. You’ll be responsible for the Part B or Part C copayment for these doctor’s visits. You’ll likely also see a cardiologist (heart specialist) for regular appointments to check the status of your AFib. If you’re at a doctor’s office, you’ll pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount, provided you’ve met your deductible. If you’re at a hospital or hospital-owned clinic, you may pay a copayment to the hospital. Medicare covers this test, and what you pay depends on where the test is done.

Your doctor will usually detect the condition using a diagnostic test called an electrocardiogram, or EKG. Doctor’s office visits and testingĪFib can cause symptoms such as an irregular heart rate and feeling faint. Next, we’ll go over the specifics of what Medicare will cover for the diagnosis and treatment of AFib.
