Does Medicare Cover Medical Alert Systems?
Key takeaways:
Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not cover medical alert systems.
Some Medicare Advantage plans may cover the cost of medical alert systems.
There are ways to save on medical alert systems — or make them more affordable — including seasonal discounts, month-to-month leasing, and service bundles.
Table of contents
Medical alert systems can be important for people as they age. This is especially true for seniors who live alone or have medical conditions that may put them at risk for emergencies.
Also known as personal emergency response systems (PERS), medical alert systems are designed to provide quick help at the push of a button, such as if you fall.
However, many seniors, their families, and caregivers may wonder about options and affordability — and whether Medicare covers these devices.
What are medical alert systems?
Medical alert systems or PERS are designed to help you contact emergency services. These systems can be lifesavers, especially for seniors living independently.
The systems typically have several necessary components, such as:
In-home monitoring and communication equipment
Wearables and other mobile monitoring devices
Monitoring service by a call center
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Medical alert systems give you access to immediate help through devices including pendants, bracelets, and keychains. Some of these devices have features including fall detection and GPS tracking. The systems may be connected to landline speakerphones, your cellphone, or a smartwatch.
You can also use your medical alert system for other emergencies such as burglaries and fires.
Are medical alert systems covered by original Medicare?
Original Medicare, which includes Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance), does not cover medical alert systems. This means that original Medicare enrollees will need to find other ways to pay for medical alert systems.
Why won’t original Medicare cover medical alert systems?
Original Medicare does not cover medical alert systems because they are not considered medically necessary and do not qualify as durable medical equipment.
Do Medicare Advantage plans cover medical alert systems?
Medicare Advantage is a private alternative to original Medicare. These plans may offer additional benefits such as coverage for medical alert systems.
PACE
If you are enrolled in the managed care Program for All-Inclusive Care of the Elderly known as PACE, a medical alert system is typically provided or covered.
Types of medical alert systems
Medical alert systems work through various types of communication systems and devices. These include:
Two-way communication systems: In case of emergency, you can press a button on a pendant, bracelet, wristband, or keychain to send an alert to a monitoring service or your preferred contact. This system may or may not require a landline, cellphone, or internet connection.
Speakerphone units: This at-home-only option allows you to push a button and get direct two-way communication with a monitoring center representative who can help in an emergency. These devices typically sit on a counter, table, or dresser and can be mounted on a wall. They typically work inside your home and in the vicinity of your residence.
Medical alert watches: These advanced devices include features like GPS tracking, fall detection, and step counting. They can automatically connect to a monitoring center in an emergency — such as sensing that you have fallen — and determine your location. These typically work with cellphone service and internet connections.
Mobile alerts: Some medical alert systems include your cellphone or smartwatch as part of the system. You will usually have to buy an additional calling and service plan to go along with the phone and emergency monitoring service subscription.
Saving on medical alert systems
In addition to what you pay for equipment and devices — which can be several hundred dollars upfront — medical alert system monitoring can cost $20 to more than $50 per month.
You may be able to get savings on medical alert systems through organizations, memberships, or seasonal discounts.
If you have commercial health insurance, your plan may cover medical alert systems — though most do not. Some long-term care insurance plans, which cover medical and personal needs, may include these systems as a benefit.
Many medical alert system providers offer discounts if you pay in advance, such as quarterly or annually, for monitoring — or sign up for automatic payments. You may also be able to purchase a system on sale, especially around U.S. holidays. And you might be able to find discount codes to waive set-up fees or get a free month of service as a sign-up bonus.
Leasing instead of buying your monitoring equipment may also save you money.
If you have a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA), you can use pre-tax dollars for qualified health care expenses for yourself, your spouse, or eligible dependents. In some states, parents are eligible dependents — which means adult children with elder parents as dependents could use HSA or FSA funds to pay for a medical alert system. Contact your HSA or FSA administrator to make sure a medical alert system is considered a qualified expense.
Free and low-cost options
If you have certain memberships or have served in the military, you may qualify for the following medical alert system discounts:
AARP: AARP offers members discounts on certain personal emergency alert system brands.
Area Agencies on Aging: Use the Eldercare location tool to see if your local Area Agency on Aging or other senior support organizations in your community can offer assistance.
Loan programs: You also may 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, discuss a medical alert system with your primary care provider to see if you qualify for one that’s free or discounted.
The bottom line
Medical alert systems ensure seniors can get immediate help in case of an emergency. Although original Medicare does not cover these systems, some Medicare Advantage and other insurance plans might.
If you have to pay for a medical alert system out of pocket, you may be able to find discounts on equipment, devices, or monitoring. You also may be able to find free or low-cost options through your Area Agency on Aging, AARP, durable medical equipment loan programs, or — if you’re a veteran — your U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs healthcare services.
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References
Gregory, N. (2023). Does Medicare cover medical alert systems? Forbes Health.
Habas, C. (2023). Our guide to getting a free or reduced-price medical alert system. National Council on Aging.
Holm, C. (2023). Does insurance cover medical alert systems in 2024? National Council on Aging.
Minneapolis VA Health Care System. (2022). VA benefits and community resources for aging veterans and caregivers.
Schmidt, C. (2023). How to get a medical alert system for free. U.S. News & World Report.
