Does Medicare Cover Medical Alert Systems?
About Our Expert:
About Our Expert:
As the Medicare expert for Medigap.com, Lindsay Malzone has ample experience helping seniors understand the ins and outs of their Medicare coverage and navigating the complex world of supplemental insurance. She has written for a variety of web publications based on her Medicare expertise. Ultimately, her passion lies in helping people find the right healthcare for their needs. Learn more about Lindsay here
As the Medicare expert for Medigap.com, Lindsay Malzone has ample experience helping seniors understand the ins and outs of their Medicare coverage and navigating the complex world of supplemental insurance. She has written for a variety of web publications based on her Medicare expertise. Ultimately, her passion lies in helping people find the right healthcare for their needs. Learn more about Lindsay here
According to recent U.S. census data, over 14 million seniors live alone.1 For older adults who want to age in place, having access to a reliable medical alert system is crucial for maintaining safety and independence — especially since falls are a leading cause of injury for people 65 and older.2
Original Medicare doesn’t cover medical alert systems, and only some Medicare Advantage plans may provide coverage or a discount.
In this article, we’ll cover what Medicare and Medicare Advantage can and can’t cover, as well as some low-cost solutions if you need to pay for your medical alert system out of pocket.
Medicare and Medical Alert Systems: Takeaways
- Original Medicare (Parts A and B) will not cover the cost of a medical alert system.
- Medical alert systems are generally not treated as Medicare-covered durable medical equipment (DME), so Original Medicare does not pay for them.
- Medicare Advantage plans are Medicare-approved private plans, and some may offer partial or full coverage or discounts for a medical alert system as an extra benefit.
Pro Tip: Original Medicare likely won’t cover a medical alert system, but there are some that cost as little as $25 per month. To learn more about these affordable systems, read our guide to this year’s best medical alert systems.
Original Medicare Coverage of Medical Alert Systems
In the vast majority of cases, Medicare will not cover medical alert systems.
Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) covers inpatient care in hospitals, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care and home health care. None of that is applicable to medical alert systems.
Medicare Part B (medical insurance) covers services from doctors, services from other health-care providers, preventive services, home health care and durable medical equipment.
Medicare-covered DME can include oxygen equipment, wheelchairs, walkers and CPAP machines, among other items. Medical alert systems are generally considered safety/monitoring devices rather than Medicare-covered DME, so Original Medicare doesn’t pay for them.3
Medicare Advantage Coverage of Medical Alert Systems
Original Medicare generally does not cover medical alert systems, but some Medicare Advantage plans may cover part of the cost, the full cost, or a discount through an extra benefit.
Medicare Advantage plans are offered by Medicare-approved private companies and are another way to receive Part A and Part B benefits. They must cover medically necessary services Original Medicare covers, but plan rules, networks, and costs can differ. Some plans also offer extra benefits, such as:4
- Dental coverage
- Partial hearing aid coverage
- Over-the-counter medication discounts
- Medical alert system discounts or coverage
Because Medicare Advantage benefits vary by carrier, plan, and service area, beneficiaries should review the plan’s Evidence of Coverage or Summary of Benefits, or call the plan directly. Ask whether the benefit requires a specific medical alert provider, whether it is reimbursement or direct coverage, and whether fall detection or mobile service is included.5
Medical Alert System Costs
Most medical alert systems cost between $25 and $50 per month, but some providers, such as Life Alert, cost upward of $80 per month.
With most medical alert companies, you don’t have to purchase your equipment. Rather, you pay a one-time activation fee (anywhere from $20 to $100) and then a monthly fee to lease the equipment.
The monthly monitoring or service fee is usually the main recurring charge, and fall detection is often an add-on that costs about $10 per month.
With most companies, you can cancel your service, return your equipment and stop paying the monthly charge at any time.
Our Top-Rated Medical Alert Systems at a Glance
| Rating out of 5 | Average response time | Starting price per month | Monthly fall detection cost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bay Alarm Medical | 4.8 | 16 seconds | $27.95 | $10 |
| Medical Alert | 4.7 | 28 seconds | $29.95 | $10 |
| Medical Guardian | 4.7 | 8 seconds | $27.95 | $10 |
| ADT | 4.6 | 14 seconds | $26.99 | $11 |
| MobileHelp | 4.5 | 26 seconds | $25.95 | $10 |
| Lively Mobile2 | 4.1 | 13 seconds | $24.99 | $9.99 |
| Lifeline | 4.0 | 12 seconds | $29.95 | $15 |
Frequently Asked Questions
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Does Medicare cover medical alert systems?
Original Medicare will not cover a medical alert system because these devices are generally not considered Medicare-covered DME. A doctor’s recommendation alone usually will not change that.
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Does Medicare Advantage cover medical alert systems?
Since Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurers, some plans may include medical alert system coverage or discounts as an extra benefit. To find out whether your plan includes this benefit, check your Evidence of Coverage or Summary of Benefits, or call the plan and ask about vendor, reimbursement, and feature limits.
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How much does a medical alert system cost?
Medical alert systems typically cost $25 to $50 a month, but the costs can vary depending on whether you own or lease the devices and service add-ons such as fall detection.
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Does insurance cover medical alert systems?
Original Medicare and many health insurance policies do not cover medical alert systems, but some Medicare Advantage plans or other programs may offer coverage, discounts, or reimbursement. Always confirm the benefit in writing before buying a system.
