Original Medicare (Parts A and B) generally doesn’t cover Life Alert or other personal emergency response systems (PERS). However, a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan might cover some of the cost.
Medicare covers services that it considers “medically necessary.” According to Medicare, a medically necessary service is one that a healthcare professional orders to keep you healthy or treat a condition you already have.
Medicare does not consider Life Alert and other PERS medically necessary. In some cases, Medicare Advantage might offer free or discounted medical alert services as a supplemental benefit, though this varies from plan to plan.
In 2025, the average beneficiary will have access to 42 Medicare Advantage plans. Not all plans will offer discounts or coverage for Life Alert and other PERS.
In some cases, a plan might only cover PERS in certain circumstances, so it’s important to confirm coverage with your insurer prior to making a purchase.
Here are some of the most common insurers’ offerings for medical alert services.
UnitedHealthcare
Some UnitedHealthcare plans offer a discount for Lifeline medical alert services through the insurer’s Value-Added Items and Services (VAIS) program.
Use Lifelines’s self-service enrollment portal or call 855-596-7612 to learn more.
Humana
Although certain Humana plans included a similar offering in 2024, this benefit is no longer available. Instead, the insurer has partnered with Lifeline to offer a discount for first-time subscribers.
Call 800-533-8954 ext. 54076 and mention program code MA858 to learn more.
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
PERS benefits vary by state with BCBS, which is made up of 33 independent, locally operated companies.
Blue Shield of California, for example, offers coverage for LifeStation medical alert services in several California counties. Call 855=672-3269 to learn more.
Meanwhile, BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina offers coverage for Connect America medical alert services in coverage areas across the country. To learn more, complete this form or call 877-909-4179.
Aetna
Aetna, which is owned by CVS Health, offers a discount for LifeStation medical alert services.
Call 866-665-5288 to confirm your eligibility.
Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente members can receive a discount for Lively Mobile Plus medical alert services. Call 1-800-205-6548 to learn more.
WellCare
WellCare, which is owned by Centene, also offers a discount for LifeStation medical alert services.
Call 866-255-4549 to learn more.
Cigna
Cigna offered a discount for LifeStation medical alert services in 2024. It’s unclear if the insurer will offer this or other medical alert benefits in 2025.
To learn more, call 800-997-1654 to speak with a customer service representative.
If you’re dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid, PERS may be covered under programs like Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS).
Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), for example, is a type of HCBS program that often includes coverage for PERS.
You may also qualify for a free or discounted medical alert system if you have long-term care insurance, an AARP membership, or are a veteran.
If you’re a veteran, contact the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or your local VA provider to get started with MedEquip Alert or Latitude USA medical alert services.
Your out-of-pocket costs depend on your Medicare Advantage plan, the medical alert service you choose, and the features you select.
Life Alert and other PERS typically have a one-time setup cost and a recurring monthly or annual service fee.
Some plans cover the entire cost, while others require a copayment for the initial setup. In some cases, your plan might only pay for as long as a healthcare professional certifies that you need a medical alert service.
With UnitedHealthcare, for example, you pay nothing out-of-pocket for Lifeline. The equipment and monthly service are included in your benefits package.
Humana advertises free programming, free activation, and up to 40% off the monthly service fee for Lifeline.
BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina offers free Connect America PERS, but it’s unclear if this includes monthly service fees.
Aetna and WellCare both advertise LifeStation for as low as $19.95 per month. However, it’s unclear what’s included at this price and if there are other fees to consider.
Kaiser Permanente offers Lively Mobile Plus for a one-time device fee of $10 and a choice of two service plans starting at $19 per month.
You have many options when it comes to getting help in an emergency. It’s a good idea to shop around for the device or system that best suits your needs, budget, and lifestyle.
Although Original Medicare doesn’t cover Life Alert and other PERS, Medicare Advantage may offer supplemental access to free or discounted medical alert services.
To learn more about what your current or prospective Medicare Advantage plan offers, contact the plan provider or call Medicare at 1-800-633-4227 (TTY: 1-877-486-2048).