Original Medicare does not cover medical alert systems, but a Medicare Advantage or long-term care plan may. Alert system companies may also sometimes offer discounts.

Medical alert systems allow you to get help if you’re alone and have an emergency or injury. Typically, a button on the device sends a signal to the alert company to let them know you need assistance.

Medicare does not deem these devices medically necessary, so it does not usually cover the costs of purchasing or maintaining an alert system.

Medical alert systems are not listed under Medicare’s covered services or devices.

This is likely because medical alert systems do not directly improve a person’s health, like how a blood glucose monitor helps you monitor and treat diabetes.

Here’s a review of coverage under different Medicare parts:

  • Medicare Part B covers durable medical equipment, like walkers, wheelchairs, or crutches. Medical alert systems do not qualify as durable medical equipment, so this part would not cover costs.
  • Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans are administered by private insurance companies, and therefore the plans may offer added benefits and services that Original Medicare doesn’t cover. Some plans may include coverage of medical alert systems. You can check with your plan provider directly for more details.
  • Medigap, or Medicare supplement insurance, helps offset some of the out-of-pocket costs associated with Original Medicare, such as deductibles and copayments. However, because Original Medicare doesn’t cover medical alert systems, Medigap doesn’t either.

Medical alert systems can have several fees, including purchase costs, initiation fees, and monthly fees.

Some ways you can get financial help with a medical alert system include:

  • Checking if Medicaid will cover costs: If you qualify for Medicaid in your state, some programs may help cover some or all of the costs for a medical alert system.
  • Contacting the company for potential discounts: Some medical alert companies offer discounts based on income or membership in various organizations or even through a local hospital.
  • Checking for tax deductions: Sometimes, you can deduct all or a portion of the expenses related to medical alert systems. Check with a tax preparation professional to see whether this applies to your situation.
More cost-saving tips

Here are some other ways you can save on a medical alert plan or system:

  • Avoid long-term contracts: If a situation comes up where you won’t be using the system for a while, such as a long hospital stay, it would be helpful to be able to cancel the plan without penalty. Long-term plans may continue billing you throughout the contract period or charge costly early cancellation fees.
  • Look for return plans: Several medical alert plans offer a 30-day trial program. This can help ensure you can use the device and that it works well for you before committing to a long-term option.
  • Call the company directly: Many companies allow customer service representatives to offer discounts or other rebates for additional cost savings.

In most cases, medical alert systems are not covered by health insurance. You can find out if your plan covers them by checking your documents, visiting the company website, or calling the company to request further information.

Long-term care insurance

Long-term care plans may fully or partially cover medical alert systems.

These types of plans are designed to cover ongoing care for older adults or individuals with disabilities. Although the details vary by plan, insurance for long-term care typically covers costs associated with in-home care, residential or nursing home care, and medical alert systems.

Since long-term care insurance is specifically for medical and personal needs, it’s more likely to cover medical alert systems. However, because there may be different coverage levels, it’s important to compare policies and read the fine print to determine coverage, including out-of-pocket costs.

If you already have long-term care insurance, it might be helpful to ask them the following questions:

  • Do you cover the monthly monitoring fee or just the device?
  • Do I need to provide documentation from my doctor to be eligible for coverage?
  • Is there a lifetime reimbursement value for a medical alert system?

Medical alert systems may provide peace of mind to you and your family. According to a 2017 study, research indicates that they may provide some benefits.

Pros of having a medical alert system

  • reduced anxiety related to the fear of falling
  • improved confidence in performing everyday activities
  • comfort knowing that the system is easy to use
  • enhanced security, knowing help would be there if needed

However, there are some downsides to consider.

Cons of having a medical alert system

  • may not actually affect the time it takes for help to arrive, time spent in the hospital, or recovery time after a fall
  • some might be complicated or difficult to use, causing extra stress and anxiety
  • initial costs and monthly fees can be a significant added expense

Medical alert systems typically have three components:

  1. a help push button
  2. a communication system that is often in the home
  3. an emergency response center

Some systems may also offer additional features, including fall detection.

Here is an overview of some of the popular types of systems available today:

In-home assistants

These may include Amazon’s Alexa or Google Home, where you can give a voice command to call a family member.

For example, if you fall and you have Google Nest Aware, the device’s camera and sound detection can connect you with your nearest 911 call center. However, depending on where in your home you fall, the device may not be able to detect your voice.

Nest Aware subscriptions start at $8 per month. Single cameras and displays are listed at $100.

However, many of these or similar devices may not be able to call 911.

Mobile or smartphone systems

Smartphones are portable ways to contact help in an emergency. The GPS function might also help others locate you. However, for this to serve as an emergency contact system, you need to have your mobile phone with you at all times.

The Jitterbug Smart4 is a special, simplified smartphone with a large screen, minimalistic menu, and voice typing.

There’s also an Urgent Response button that connects you to an agent, or you can choose to speak with a doctor or nurse. The phone itself costs $119, plus monthly plans that cost between $19.99 and $49.99.

Smartwatches

A “smart” watch has a wireless communication system that allows you to make calls through your cellphone or wireless system. Some smartwatches let you call emergency services directly from your watch. They may also offer GPS tracking and heart rate monitoring.

For example, the MGMove smartwatch from Medical Guardian shares real-time location data with your chosen contacts or call center when you press the SOS button. You can also message and chat with your loved ones from the watch. It costs $199.95, with monitoring and subscription plans starting from around $45 each month.

Two-way communication systems

Two-way communication systems include a bracelet or necklace with a button you can press to communicate with a call center. The call center will assess what kind of help you need and send help to your home. Some of these systems can be used only in the home because they don’t have GPS tracking.

However, others, like Helpbutton, have both in-home and on-the-go capabilities, thanks to built-in location tracking. The monthly plans for this monitoring device start at $35.

How do I choose the right system for me?

The amount and types of medical alert systems available can be overwhelming. You can start by considering your needs, finances, and any conditions you may have. Other things to consider include:

  • Do you need GPS technology? If so, you need a device that operates on a cellular network. If you don’t leave your home often, you probably won’t need GPS technology.
  • Are you tech-savvy? A push-button medical alert system may be easier and more useful in an emergency than some more complicated devices.
  • Do you want a monitored system? A monitored system requires a monthly fee, but it offers the ability to speak with a live operator if you have a medical concern.
  • How much can you afford to spend? If you’re keeping to a strict budget, a medical alert bracelet might be more affordable than more costly devices and systems.

Though medical alert systems can provide assistance, they are not covered under Medicare or any other insurance plans.

However, Medicare Advantage and some long-term care insurance may cover these devices. They’re designed to cover ongoing care for older adults.

Contacting a device company directly to ask about discounts can provide cost savings as well.

Think about your needs and those of your loved ones to assess whether a medical alert device is right for you and which one might work best for your situation.