Health Coverage for Heart Conditions

Over 4 million Americans lost their health insurance in 2009, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, devastating those who depended on insurance for cardiac-related conditions. The Affordable Care Act, Medicare and Medicaid may benefit patients who have heart conditions.

Affordable Care Act

• The Affordable Care Act, enacted by the Obama Administration in March 2010, took effect on Sept. 23, 2010. Those with heart conditions benefited immediately from its insurance reforms as bans on unreasonable annual care limits and pre-existing conditions are provision hallmarks.

Medicare

• Senior citizens needing cardiac care have long relied on Medicare for their health coverage or to supplement their existing insurance. Men and African Americans rank highest in heart hospitalizations, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Medicaid

• Medicaid is contingent on income. Often those who have no insurance but don't qualify for Medicare may qualify for Medicaid to cover heart conditions.