Coalition for women with heart disease publishes health care policy recommendations

WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease released policy recommendations intended to guide Congress in improving access to health care for women with heart disease, according to a press release.

“Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women,” Mary McGowan, CEO for WomenHeart, said in the release. “Nearly 48 million women are living with or at risk for heart disease, which means it directly or indirectly impacts every American.”

The recommendations are part of a multiyear initiative by WomenHeart to assess the amount of access women with heart disease have and to make improvements.

The organization consulted patients, advocates, medical professionals, researchers and policy specialists to form the recommendations, which include:

Enact legislation that allows for affordable insurance premiums and access to all necessary services;

Act to reduce out-of-pocket costs;

Require transparency from insurers so women can make informed decisions;

Pass HR 1155, to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to make rehabilitation programs more accessible, especially in rural areas;

Expand reimbursement for cardiac rehabilitation; and

Work to minimize barriers to approving evidence-based treatments.

“At a time when health care faces an uncertain future, it is essential that Congress does all it can to improve the heart health of our mothers, sisters, spouses and daughters,” McGowan said in the release.