The Surest guide to cardiac rehab

You have so much to think about with a heart condition—the last thing you should have to worry about is your insurance. Use this resource to better understand available cardiac rehabilitation programs (cardiac rehab). This can be a key part of recovery (and preventing future issues).

Who might benefit from cardiac rehab:

• After you’ve had a heart attack.
• If you have coronary artery disease with stable angina.
• If you have heart failure.
• If you have had coronary angioplasty or coronary artery bypass graft surgery.
• If you’ve had a heart valve repaired or replaced.
• If you’ve had a heart transplant.

What is cardiac rehab?

Cardiac rehab is a medically supervised program designed to help people recover after a heart-related issue—like a heart attack, heart surgery, stent placement, or a diagnosis of heart failure—and to lower the chance of future problems.

According to the Million Hearts® program, a national public effort to help prevent heart attacks and strokes, individuals who complete at least 36 cardiac rehab sessions have a 47% lower risk of death and a 31% lower risk of heart attack than those who complete only one cardiac rehab session.^[1]

Cardiac rehab is made up of three parts:

• Exercise counseling and training: Light to moderate exercise gets your heart pumping and your entire cardiovascular system working more efficiently. With most rehab sessions, you start slow and build up over time. It’s not unusual for your heart rate, blood pressure, and heart rhythm to be monitored before, during, and after exercise.
• Education for heart-healthy living: You don’t know what you don’t know. A key element of cardiac rehab is education: How can you better manage risk factors? How do medications work (and why do they matter)? What role does aspirin play? How does smoking affect the heart? Which foods best support heart health?
• Counseling to reduce stress: There’s no way around it—stress takes a toll on your heart. Cardiac rehab may help you identify and manage everyday sources of stress and give you tools on how to cope with lifestyle changes.

Ways cardiac rehab can help your heart

Cardiac rehabilitation has the potential to support your recovery now and in the future. These programs are designed specifically for you, taking into account your heart condition, medical history, and personal goals.

Benefits may include:

• Strengthening your heart and body after a heart attack or heart procedure.
• Better managing heart disease and related conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
• Building healthy, lasting habits, including becoming more physically active, quitting smoking, and eating a heart‑healthy diet.
• Learning how to take your medications safely and correctly, which helps lower your risk of future heart problems.
• Reaching or maintaining a healthy weight, or lose weight safely if recommended.
• Increasing your energy and strength, making everyday activities—like carrying groceries or climbing stairs—easier.
• Managing stress and improving your mood. Depression is common after a heart attack, and cardiac rehab can help prevent or reduce depressive symptoms.^[2]
• Feeling empowered and more confident in managing your own health.
• Lowering your risk of future heart problems or death. Studies show that cardiac rehabilitation can reduce the chance of death in the five years following a heart attack or bypass surgery by up to 35%.^[3]

How to get more information about cardiac rehab

1. Search “cardiac rehab” in the Surest app to find an in-network provider. There are often in-person and virtual programs available.
2. Would you feel more comfortable going in-person or choosing a virtual option?
3. If you choose an in-person cardiac rehab program, contact your provider and ask if you’re cleared to enroll in cardiac rehab. Ask that they send a prescription to the cardiac rehab program you’ve selected and call the program to schedule your first appointment.
4. If you choose a virtual cardiac rehab program, call the number listed in the Surest app to begin the enrollment process.
5. Complete the program as directed. Don’t cut corners. Cardiac rehab exists to help you.

Surest coverage for cardiac rehab

You can access cardiac rehab either in person or through a virtual provider, both with a copay.

To find in‑network options and view your cost, search “cardiac rehab” in the Surest app. The app will show your copay amount, which applies per session. (In most cases, virtual cardiac rehab programs have a lower copay than in‑person programs.)

If you’d like additional help or resources, ask to speak with a Clinical Advocate. Our clinical team is here and ready to help.

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© 2016 - 2025 Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor.

This content is not medical advice. You should always consult with your health care professional.

^[1] https://millionhearts.hhs.gov/data-reports/factsheets/cardiac.html

^[2] https://www.cdc.gov/heart-disease/about/cardiac-rehabilitation-treatment.html#cdcreference_6

^[3] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Cardiac Rehabilitation. https://www.cdc.gov/heart-disease/about/cardiac-rehabilitation-treatment.html

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