Coverage
Heart and lung rehab: what Medicare covers
Medicare covers cardiac rehabilitation after a heart attack, bypass, stent or heart failure, and pulmonary rehab for COPD and long COVID. Who qualifies and what you pay.
Checked against official sources on October 27, 2026 · How we check facts
Cardiac rehabilitation
Medicare covers rehab programs with exercise, education and counseling if you've had at least one of these:
- A heart attack in the last 12 months
- Coronary artery bypass surgery
- Current stable angina (chest pain)
- A heart valve repair or replacement
- A coronary angioplasty or stent
- A heart or heart-lung transplant
- Stable chronic heart failure
Both regular and intensive cardiac rehab programs are covered, in a doctor's office or hospital outpatient department.
Pulmonary rehabilitation
Medicare covers a full pulmonary rehab program if you have:
- Moderate to very severe COPD, with a referral from the doctor treating it, or
- Confirmed or suspected COVID-19 with lasting symptoms, including breathing problems, for at least 4 weeks.
What you pay (2026)
- Doctor's office: 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the $283 Part B deductible.
- Hospital outpatient department: a copay, per session for pulmonary rehab.
Rehab often means many sessions, so the 20% adds up. Medigap or a Medicare Advantage plan's out-of-pocket limit can help; see Advantage or Medigap.
Also for your heart
- A free yearly cardiovascular behavioral therapy visit with your primary care provider: blood pressure check and diet and exercise advice.
- Free cholesterol and lipid blood tests every 5 years. See preventive care.
Common questions
Does Medicare cover cardiac rehab?
Yes, after a heart attack in the last 12 months, bypass surgery, stable angina, a valve repair or replacement, angioplasty or stenting, a heart or heart-lung transplant, or with stable chronic heart failure.
Does Medicare cover pulmonary rehab?
Yes, for moderate to very severe COPD with a referral from the treating doctor, or for COVID-19 with lasting breathing symptoms for at least 4 weeks.
How much does cardiac rehab cost with Medicare?
In a doctor's office, 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the Part B deductible. In a hospital outpatient department, you pay a copay.
Sources
- Medicare & You 2027 handbook (cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation)
- Medicare.gov: Cardiac rehabilitation
- Medicare.gov: Pulmonary rehabilitation
General information, not advice about a specific plan.