Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States and creates an enormous burden for people, communities, and healthcare providers. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an American dies every 33 seconds from cardiovascular disease. And between 2019 and 2020, heart disease cost the U.S. about $252.2 billion in health care services, medicines, and lost productivity.
The added and ongoing threat of COVID-19 has further highlighted the importance of cardiovascular health. Research supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has shown that infection with COVID-19 significantly increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death for up to three years after initial infection, particularly for unvaccinated individuals during the early waves of the pandemic. People who experienced severe cases of COVID-19 had nearly four times the risk of cardiovascular events compared to those who were never infected.
This heightened risk emphasizes the need for effective prevention strategies. According to the NIH, even those without pre-existing heart conditions who contracted COVID-19 face elevated cardiovascular risks, with factors such as blood type potentially playing a role. These findings underline the importance of preventive care and education for both Medicare and Medicaid members.
Medicare and Medicaid Members’ Heart Health Vulnerabilities
Medicare members, who are typically aged 65 and older, are at increased risk of heart disease and severe outcomes from COVID-19. Encouraging these individuals to prioritize their cardiovascular health is critical to improving outcomes and reducing healthcare costs. Strong cardiovascular and immune health can help seniors combat not only heart disease but also other health challenges.
Medicaid members often face unique social determinants of health that increase their cardiovascular risks. Factors such as limited access to fresh foods, poor air quality, and economic instability contribute to unhealthy lifestyles and heart health vulnerabilities. Addressing these challenges through education, access to resources, and support can lead to meaningful improvements in their overall health.
How to Encourage Members to Take Care of Their Cardiovascular Health
Encouraging Medicare and Medicaid members to maintain healthy lifestyles often requires extra motivation. Non-cash incentives, such as gift cards, have proven to be effective in driving member engagement and compliance with health goals.
Gift cards offer a flexible and personalized way to motivate members. They can be tailored to support specific health-related activities, creating a positive and memorable experience for members.
Preventative Methods for Better Heart Health
1. Simple Exercise
Exercise is a cornerstone of heart health. Activities like walking, stretching, or light yoga can strengthen the heart and improve overall cardiovascular function. Encouraging members to incorporate small, manageable amounts of physical activity into their daily routines can lead to significant health benefits. Incentivize these activities with gift cards from fitness-focused brands like Athleta, adidas, or Under Armour®.
2. Healthy Eating
A balanced diet is essential for maintaining a healthy heart. Encourage members to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into their meals and cook at home when possible. Gift cards for Instacart or Walmart Healthy Living can make it easier for members to access fresh, nutritious ingredients. Additionally, gift cards for DoorDash or UberEats can support healthier restaurant choices.
3. Stress Management
Chronic stress is a significant risk factor for heart disease. Encourage members to find ways to relax and recharge, whether through meditation, reading, or other stress-relieving activities. Gift cards for Soothe, Barnes & Noble, or popular entertainment venues and streaming services can help members reduce stress and prioritize their well-being.
4. Access to Health and Wellness Resources
CVS Pharmacy® gift cards, available through the Engage2Reward™ Gift Card Ordering Platform are a versatile and impactful way to encourage members to take control of their health. With CVS’s extensive network of pharmacies and health services, members can use these gift cards to purchase heart-healthy products, fill prescriptions, or access wellness resources. Whether it’s buying a blood pressure monitor, heart-healthy snacks, or vitamins, CVS gift cards empower members to make choices that support their cardiovascular health. By incorporating CVS gift cards into your incentive programs, you provide members with the tools they need to prioritize their well-being.
→ Explore available options in our CVS Gift Card Suite.
The Role of Gift Card Incentives
The Engage2Reward Platform is a powerful tool for healthcare providers and ACOs looking to incentivize healthy behaviors. With a vast selection of gift card options, the Engage2Reward Platform allows you to customize rewards that resonate with your members’ preferences. From fitness-focused brands to grocery and meal delivery services, the platform provides an easy and efficient way to drive engagement and encourage preventive health measures. By leveraging the Engage2Reward Platform, providers can create a meaningful connection with their members, fostering a culture of health and well-being.
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The Financial and Health Benefits of Prevention
When healthcare providers and Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) incentivize preventive measures, they not only improve member health but also achieve financial savings. According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), prevention reduces overall costs for patients, providers, and taxpayers. Programs that educate and incentivize members to take preventive actions against heart disease lead to healthier populations and lower healthcare expenditures.
Empowering Members for Better Heart Health
Healthcare providers have an opportunity to make a meaningful impact by encouraging members to prioritize their cardiovascular health. By combining education with effective incentives like gift cards, providers can motivate members to adopt healthier habits. This approach benefits everyone involved—members achieve better health outcomes, and providers reduce costs while fulfilling their mission to care for their communities.
By empowering members to take their heart health seriously, we can combat the leading cause of death in the U.S. and create a healthier future for all.
Register today for your free account on the Engage2Reward Platform and get access to over 300 gift card brands that can be delivered at the click of a button to support your Medicare and Medicaid members’ health!
