Are Medical Alert Systems Covered Under Medicare?
You may be in luck. While Medicare itself does not cover the cost of medical alert systems, some private Medicare Advantage plans will cover part of the cost. Moreover, some Medical plans, depending on the state, will also cover the cost of medical alert systems (called personal emergency response systems or PERS by medicaid), may be covered under Home and Community Based Services (HCBS).
It's unfortunate original medicare does not provide coverage of medical alert systems, because in our view, which is consistent with the advice of many leaders in the healthcare industry including the CDC, we believe medical alert devices are critical to providing seniors with access to emergency services, especially for those living alone.
As the Mayo Clinic states, “when you experience a fall, medical issue or other emergency, every second counts. If you are alone, delayed medical care can jeopardize your recovery and your independence. A Personal Emergency Response System provides simple, fast access to help 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.”
Does Medicare Cover The Cost of Medical Alert Systems?
Medicare comes in four different parts. Part A covers hospital and hospice care, Part B covers healthcare, Part C are Medicare Advantage Plans and Part D covers prescription drugs.
Medicare's Part A and Part B do not pay for medical alert systems in the vast majority of cases. While Medicare Part B covers medical equipment and preventative services, Medicare does not consider medical alert systems a "medical necessity".
That said, there are some Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C), Healthcare Reimbursement Accounts (HSA's), Long Term Care Insurance providers and private health insurers that do cover all or part of the cost of medical alert systems. You'll have to speak to your provider to determine if you're eligible, under what conditions and how much of the cost they will cover. With close to 50% of medicare recipients now opting for a Medicare Advantage plan, coverage is expanding for those with the supplemental benefit.
How Much Do Medical Alert Systems Cost Without Medicare Coverage?
Regardless of whether your insurance covers the cost of a medical alert system, we believe the monthly cost, is well worth the investment. To put it in perspective, most medical alert systems are cheaper than a cup of Starbucks (even a cup of Dunkin Donuts) coffee a day.
Here's a list of the range of prices you can expect to pay for different types of systems:
- At-Home Landline: $20 - $40 / month
- At-Home Cellular: $20-$40 / month
- Mobile with GPS: $25-$50 / month (plus hardware cost in some cases)
- Adding Automatic Fall Detection: $5-$15
- Smartwatch: $44.95 / month (plus cost of the watch)
How To Save Money on Medical Alert Systems
Despite the fact that many insurance providers do not pay for medical alert systems, there are other ways to pay less for medical alert systems.
- Comparison shop: Use comparisons charts to find the best medical alert system to meet your needs. You'll want to compare performance levels, pricing, reviews and rankings.
- Special offers: Many medical alert companies offer specials from time to time. We'll include a list below of limited time offers currently being run. We highly recommend you give the companies a call. First they'll match you up with the equipment and plan that best suits your needs. Second, they typically give better deals over the phone than on their websites or through advertisements.
- LifeFone (lowest cost option)
LifeFone offers excellent pricing packages starting at $19.95 a month for the At-Home Landline (call and ask for our exclusive promo code 5OFFLL) with free equipment, making it the best deal in the industry. They also have many unique caregiver tools and offer what we consider to be the best customer service in the industry with consumer friendly terms. They offer free cancellation and a 30 day money back guarantee, which we consider essential. Stay away from anyone who tries to lock you into a long term contract or doesn't let you try before you buy.
Special: FREE month of service, FREE equipment, FREE activation (no hidden fees), 30 day money back guarantee, FREE cancellation, FREE overnight shipping, FREE lockbox.
Call 844-263-7216 for a free quote or visit their website.
- MobileHelp
MobileHelp offers solid packages starting at $24.95 per month. Although not the lowest monthly price, it's still very reasonable. But it doesn't sacrifice quality, its equipment is FDA and ULC certified. That said, MobileHelp no longer offer 30 day money back trials, and they also charge a $50 restocking fee if you cancel, which we find disappointing. We're big proponents of being able to try before you buy, especially when you buy sight unseen.
'Tis The Season Special: FREE month, FREE Equipment, 50% off fall detection, FREE Lockbox, FREE Expedited Shipping and FREE Activation. Ask for Promo Code SAFE4FREE
Call 800-920-1745 for a free quote or visit their website.
- Medical Guardian
Medical Guardian is one of the larger medical alert companies in the industry. They have an excellent reputation for providing the latest products in the industry to their customers. They also have reasonable pricing. Not the lowest, but not the highest either. But in return no one's cutting corners. That said, we're not a fan of their 3 month minimums, $50 restocking fee on returns or their 10 day trial period (where the $50 restocking fee still applies).
January Savings Sale: 75% Off MGMini equipment, Free lock box, Free activation, Free shipping on annual plan. Use promo code JANUARY26.
Call 800-889-4116 for a free quote or visit their website.
- Bay Alarm Medical
Bay Alarm Medical has been around for over 30 years. If you're looking for a reasonably priced at-home landline system, you'll find it here at only $24.95 a month, with all the hardware you need, free cancellation and even a 30 day free trial period. They also offer reasonably priced mobile systems.
New Year Sale: 1 Free month, up to 40% off and free shipping on select plans.
Call 855-692-0104 for a free quote or visit their website.
- LifeFone (lowest cost option)
One thing we would say, is that regardless of whether you're getting a discount or partial subsidy from an insurer or otherwise, it's almost never worth it if you're being asked to sign a long term contract. We highly recommend you only use a provider that allows you to cancel at any time, at no extra cost. Even better if they offer a 30 day money back guarantee, which will allow you to try before you buy and see if a medical alert system delivers on its promise for you.
