Many seniors rely on Life Alert or some other medical alert device for peace of mind, especially when living alone in their homes.
With most seniors on Medicare for their health care coverage, many wonder whether Medicare will cover Life Alert or any other medical alert device. Coverage varies between different Medicare plans, and we will give you all the details you need to know about those differences.
Whether or not a device is covered might depend on whether you have Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan. Keep reading to learn all the details!
Does Medicare Cover Life Alert?
No, Original Medicare does not cover Life Alert. Medicare does not cover any medical alert systems. Original Medicare coverage consists of Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B.
- Part A coverage includes your Medicare hospital insurance. It covers hospital stays, inpatient care, and care in skilled nursing facilities. Part A does not cover medical alert systems.
- Medicare Part B is more like traditional health insurance coverage. It covers doctor office visits, outpatient care, and preventive care, such as wellness visits and some vaccines. Medicare Part B also covers durable medical equipment.
Many people might think that a medical alert device would be considered durable medical equipment. While it is a type of medical equipment, Medicare Part B does not cover it. This is because a medical alert device does not provide a medically necessary service.
For example, consider a wheelchair or glucose monitor. Those types of devices are medically necessary for the people who need them. However, medical alert devices are optional. Even though they can be great tools for fall detection and provide peace of mind to loved ones, they are not medically necessary. Therefore, Medicare will not cover them.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Medical alert devices like Life Alert are not covered under Original Medicare.
- If you need medical alert coverage, you must explore Medicare Advantage or private insurance plans. You may also find deals through special senior programs.
- The Life Alert bracelet or necklace is usually free. However, there is typically a monthly fee for monitoring the devices.
Other Coverage Options For Medical Alert Devices
So, if Original Medicare doesn’t cover medical alert devices, what other options do you have for coverage? Thankfully, there are some other options out there. Here are some other types of insurance you might have and how they handle coverage for these devices.
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Medicaid Coverage Of Life Alert
Medicaid is designed to help low-income families by providing health care coverage at little or no cost. The state and federal governments jointly fund the Medicaid program, so Medicaid coverage details vary from state to state.
For example, some states provide Medicaid coverage for dental services for adults, while others do not. The same is true for medical alert devices. Some states may offer benefits for these devices, while others do not.
- Contact your state Medicaid office to determine whether or not Medicaid will cover the device.
You can also contact the insurance company listed on your Medicaid ID card. You will find the name of the insurance provider that administers your plan on your card, and they can provide additional details about your coverage, such as whether or not they will cover Life Alert or other monitoring devices.
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Suppose you don’t have a Medical Advantage or private insurance plan that covers medical alert devices. In that case, you can explore independent low-cost options like One Call Alert or Bay Alarm Medical.
How Much Does A Medical Alert Device Cost?
Many people wonder, ”How much is Life Alert?” Many medical device alert companies do not charge a fee for the Life Alert bracelet or necklace itself. However, they charge a monthly fee for monitoring services.
- This fee ranges anywhere from $20 to $60 per month, depending on the type of service you need.
- Many devices also require payment of a one-time activation fee at the time of enrollment, which often ranges from $50 to $100.
- In addition, you must typically pay an additional fee for automatic fall detection each month.
Many caregivers and family members want their loved ones to have this capability, so the cost of a medical alert system could reach close to $100 per month for all these services.
Without the monitoring services mentioned above, the device would not be the lifeline or medical guardian you need. When you press the help button, you need someone on the other end to answer your call. The monitoring service provides the ability to contact someone during a medical emergency.
Upon pressing the help button, you will be connected with an agent in a call center managed by the medical alert company. Finally, some devices also require a landline telephone in your home for connectivity. This can add another $20 to $40 per month in expenses.
Low-Cost Medical Alert Options
If your insurance plan does not cover medical alert devices, you might wonder what low-cost options are available for older adults.
- One Call Alert and Bay Alarm Medical are two of the lowest-cost options on the market today.
These services can be had for as low as $20 per month, and a price lock guarantee is available for an additional $5 per month. This guarantee means that the price will not increase as long as you keep the service.
These providers offer basic services and premium services, including automatic fall detection. Finally, if you are not receiving home care but are on the go, these providers can include equipment allowing your device to work regardless of where you travel. This equipment has an additional fee, but it can be an excellent option for older adults who frequently travel.
The Bottom Line
So, is the Life Alert cost covered by Medicare? No, Original Medicare does not cover medical alert devices, although some Medicare Advantage plans provide this benefit.
In addition, many private programs are available that can assist you with the cost of a medical alert device. These devices can range anywhere from $20 to $60 per month, with advanced features costing even more.
If you have a loved one who lives alone, you should consider all your options for getting financial help to pay for Life Alert or another similar device.
Frequently Asked Questions
AARP does not cover the cost of Life Alert. However, AARP members can often receive discounts on Life Alert and other medical alert devices.
You could contact the device company to determine what discounts might be available with your AARP membership.
In addition, there are community-based services and other programs available that can help cover these costs for people who need a medical alert system.
The biggest benefit of Life Alert is the fact that it acts as a lifeline to help in the event of a medical emergency. Simply press the help button, and you will be connected to a representative in a call center who can help you get medical assistance.
Some services also include automatic fall detection. If you fall while wearing the device, the service will automatically contact you to determine whether you need help. If you do not respond, the service can dispatch medical personnel to your home to help you.
Some medical insurance plans pay for Life Alert, while others do not. Whether or not these devices are covered depends on the specific coverage details of your plan.
You should refer to your plan’s documentation to determine whether or not it will pay for Life Alert. If you cannot get the details you need from the plan documentation, then you can always call your insurance company and ask.
A representative can walk you through your coverage details and inform you whether or not Life Alert would be covered.
You can find a Social Security Administration office near you by using our SSA office locator and searching for your closest location.
