Beatty, Kelly Call for Greater Medicare Coverage Options for Seniors with Hypertension

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressional Heart & Stroke Coalition Co-Chair Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) and Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust Chair Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-02) led a letter signed by 30 members of Congress encouraging the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) provide additional support for seniors in managing their blood pressure and preventing harms associated with hypertension - the most important modifiable risk factor for coronary heart disease, stroke, congestive heart failure, and end-stage renal disease. Specifically, the letter urges CMS to designate self-measured blood pressure (SMBP) monitoring devices as durable medical equipment (DME) under Medicare, which will make these critical tools more accessible for patients and providers.

“Hypertension is a silent killer that disproportionately affects our seniors and communities of color, as the prevalence rate of hypertension among Black American Medicare beneficiaries is 65 percent,” wrote the Members in the letter.

“Enabling patients to monitor their blood pressure at home with these devices not only empowers them but also provides more accurate health assessments, especially for those with masked or white coat hypertension. SMBP is especially valuable in rural areas where access to care can limit routine office-based blood pressure evaluation.  This evidence-based intervention is a crucial step in addressing the high rates of uncontrolled hypertension in our most vulnerable populations,” they continued.

Roughly half of all Americans have hypertension, and it is the number one chronic condition of Medicare beneficiaries. The prevalence rate of hypertension is even higher among people of color. When left untreated, hypertension can lead to stroke and heart attack, heart failure, and peripheral arterial disease.

Currently, SMBP devices are covered by many state Medicaid programs and are recognized as vital tools for populations acutely vulnerable to hypertension, such as pregnant individuals. These devices have not yet been categorized by CMS as DME, even though an SMBP monitoring device can be used by a patient in a manner consistent with Medicare’s coverage of DME.

“Providing expanded access to SMBP devices through Medicare is a necessary advancement in our healthcare system,” concluded the Members. “It represents a significant step toward reducing healthcare disparities and improving outcomes for millions of seniors.”

The letter is endorsed by the Association of Black Cardiologists, the American College of Cardiology, and the American Heart Association.

“To change the course of cardiovascular disease in the United States and its disproportionate impact on communities of color, individuals must have access to tools and resources that allow them to take charge of lowering modifiable risk factors. Self-measured blood pressure (SMBP) devices empower patients to make behavioral and lifestyle changes to improve their blood pressure based on readings obtained at home,” said Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC) President Anthony Fletcher, MD, FACC, FSCAI. “ABC is grateful Congresswoman Joyce Beatty and Congresswoman Robin Kelly are leading the call for a change in SMBP device coverage policies to ensure those who can benefit most from this technology have access.” 

“High blood pressure impacts nearly half of all Americans, leading to an increased risk for heart attack and stroke. In addition to lifestyle changes and medication, the ability for patients to self-measure blood pressure at home allows clinicians access to important information about whether treatment is working and provides opportunities to manage and adjust treatment plans more quickly and effectively, said American College of Cardiology (ACC) President Cathleen Biga, MSN, FACC.   “The ACC supports designating self-measured blood pressure machines as durable medical equipment, increasing access to this important tool and arming patients and their clinicians with information that can directly impact their care and save their lives.”

Read the full letter HERE.

For more information, please contact Cassandra.Johnson@mail.house.gov.