Is Life Alert covered by Medicare?

Medical alert systems are not covered by Medicare, but you may be able to find coverage through certain Medicare Advantage plans.

Life Alert or any other comparable medical alert system is not covered by original Medicare. These personal emergency response systems may be covered by some Medicare Advantage plans, and those with Original Medicare may be able to find discounts through Medicare Supplement Insurance or Medigap.

Medical alert systems are devices that help you get emergency assistance by connecting you to a monitoring service or 911 with the touch of a help button or fall detection technology (if available).

Are Medicare Costs For Life Alert Covered?

While Medicare Part B covers many types of durable medical equipment, such as wheelchairs and scooters, it does not cover medical alert systems such as Life Alert. These systems do not meet Medicare's specific definition of medical devices and thus are not covered.

Is Medical Alert Systems Covered By Medicare Advantage?

All Medicare Advantage plans must offer the same fundamental benefits as Original Medicare. Because Medicare Part B does not cover Life Alert, Medicare Advantage is not required to provide it. However, many Medicare Advantage policies provide benefits in addition to Medicare Part B coverage, so you may be able to find a plan that covers Life Alert or a comparable system.

Because Medicare Advantage is private insurance provided by a variety of insurance companies, any benefits provided in addition to Original Medicare (as well as possible deductibles, copays, and coinsurance) will vary depending on the plan you choose.

Do Medigap Policies Cover Medical Alert Systems?

If you purchase a Medigap policy to supplement your Original Medicare coverage, you may be able to find coverage or discounts for Life Alert and other medical alert systems, though this benefit is not available in all Medigap policies.

Because Medigap policies are sold by private insurance companies, the available Medigap plan types, costs, and benefits will differ. If having a personal emergency notification system is important to you, look for a Medigap policy that includes it or offers discounts on it.

What Are The Prices Of Medical Alert Systems Without Insurance?

Personal emergency response systems range in price depending on the brand and the features and equipment selected. Life Alert, one of the most well-known options, charges a one-time fee of around $200 to cover setup, maintenance, and service — and the complete Life Alert system with an extra bathroom speaker costs an extra $98.85 per month. Life Alert costs $79.95 per month without the bathroom speaker. In either case, a three-year contract is in effect.

However, there are a number of lower-cost alternatives available, many of which have no startup costs and a slew of features such as GPS, fall detection, 24/7 monitoring, and a waterproof help button. MobileHelp, for example, has plans ranging from $19.95 to $54.95 per month, while Bay Alarm Medical has plans ranging from $19.95 to $39.95 per month, with no startup fees.

When selecting a medical alert system, compare the features and pricing of each option carefully so you can select the system that most affordably meets your specific health and safety concerns — while avoiding any costly features you may not require.

Is There A Way To Get A Medical Alert System At A Lower Cost?

If your Medicare plan does not cover medical alert systems and you find the cost prohibitive, here are a few options to consider:

AARP- AARP members receive a 15% discount on Lifeline Medical Alert Service.

Organizations that are not-for-profit-Organizations such as USAging may be able to connect you with local programs that offer free personal medical alert systems.

Simple systems that do not require a monthly fee- If you only require a basic alert system, some products connect the wearer to 911 or send a pre-recorded emergency message to up to three contacts with the press of a button.

Discounts for veterans- Some businesses provide discounts to veterans.

Organizations for veterans-Your local veterans organisation or the Department of Veterans Affairs may be able to assist you financially.