Does Medicare Cover Life Alert Systems?
Falls and medical emergencies are a common concern for people who live alone. Medical alert systems can provide peace and comfort to those at a higher risk and their loved ones. They may be used as a preventative measure or during recovery.
Many companies sell medical alert systems that let you call for help at the press of a button. But this service comes at a cost. Life Alert and similar products typically require equipment purchases, activation fees, and monthly service charges.
Unfortunately, Original Medicare (Which includes Part A and Part B) does not cover medical alert systems or personal emergency response systems. This is because Original Medicare doesn't consider these potentially life-saving systems to be durable medical equipment. Some Medicare Advantage plans, however, do offer coverage for these systems.
What is Durable Medical Equipment (DME)?
Medicare Part B pays for medical devices designed to assist individuals with disabilities, injuries, or chronic health conditions. However, durable medical equipment must be medically necessary and match Medicare's definition. It must meet the following criteria:
Durable and designed for repeated use
Necessary due to a medical reason
Useful to someone who is injured or sick
Used at home
Made to last three years or longer
Medicare currently covers equipment in five categories:
Mobility aids for impaired movement, such as walkers, wheelchairs, canes, or crutches.
Home care beds and accessories for those with serious mobility issues, such as adjustable hospital beds, bed rails, or pressure-relief mattresses.
Respiratory equipment for those with respiratory disorders, such as oxygen concentrators, nebulizers, or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines.
Monitoring devices for those with chronic conditions like diabetes, such as continuous glucose monitors.
Bathroom safety devices for safety and independence in personal care, such as shower chairs, commodes, or grab bars.
Life Alert systems don’t fall under any of these categories, so Original Medicare coverage doesn’t apply.
Can other types of health insurance help pay for medical alert devices?
The answer here is "maybe."
Medicare Supplement insurance (Medigap) pays for copays and deductibles that Original Medicare doesn't. However, it does not cover any products or services like life alert systems.
Many Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans cover personal emergency response systems (PERS) or medical alert devices. In some instances, Medicare Advantage providers may cover or offer a discount on a specific brand of medical alert system.
United Healthcare, for example, currently offers a discount on Lifeline for Advantage members. Make sure to check your Medicare Advantage plan to see if you have coverage or discounts.
Are Life Alert systems covered under Medicaid?
Coverage under state-run Medicaid programs varies by state. Most have a home and community-based services waiver program that covers some types of medical alert systems, especially if having one can keep you or a loved one out of a nursing home.
How much does Life Alert cost per month?
If you decide to buy a Life Alert medical alert device out of pocket, there are several things to consider when figuring out the true cost:
Equipment costs and monthly fees: The Life Alert Master Unit costs $49.95 per month on its own. It can also be bundled with other Life Alert devices such as the Help Button and a Mobile + GPS device for on-the-go fall detection. Each add-on costs roughly $20 per month.
Activation fees: Life Alert may charge up to $200 as a one-time activation fee.
Contract period: Before purchasing a device, make sure to check how long the contract period is.
(Please note that pricing may change.)
What are some Life Alert alternatives?
When you are looking for a medical alert system, there are plenty of options. Some of the best medical alert systems include:
Are there free medical alert systems available?
Some medical alert systems with no monthly fee are available. They usually require you to buy the equipment and may offer no monitoring service.
Systems with trained staff to answer your call for help usually have a cost. Some smartwatches like the Apple Watch offer fall detection and medical alert features at no extra cost.
Whereas monthly fees tend to cover call center fees so a trained agent can help in an emergency, free medical alert systems tend to enable you to call your caregiver or other contacts who can get help for you.
Ways to reduce the cost of a medical alert system
Need a medical alert system for safety and peace of mind, but worried about the cost? There are options out there to make these systems more affordable:
Sales: Many popular brands of medical alert systems offer sales throughout the year, as well as offer discounts if you pay quarterly or annually.
AARP: AARP does not promote any special brand of medical alert system but offers members discounts on certain personal emergency alert system brands.
Area Agency on Aging: Your local Area Agency on Aging or other senior support organizations in your community can offer assistance. Use the Eldercare location tool to find agencies in your area.
Loan programs: You may also be able to find pre-owned monitoring equipment from a durable medical equipment (DME) loan program near you.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): If you are a veteran, you may qualify for a free or discounted system. Discuss a medical alert system with your primary care provider.
Have more questions about what Medicare will and won’t cover? Speak with one of our independent Medicare Advisors, who can help you understand your coverage and how to get the most out of Medicare. Get in touch by calling us at (855) 900-2427 or picking a time to chat.