Are Medical Alert Systems Tax-Deductible?
Medical alert systems can be tax-deductible when prescribed by your doctor and itemized higher than 7.5% of your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI), but this depends on properly submitting all relevant documents to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Updated: July 2, 2025
At a glance:
- Whether your medical alert system is tax-deductible largely depends on IRS Publication 502, which includes an extensive list of deductible medical expenses.
- You will need to prove your medical alert device is medically necessary with a Schedule A (Form 1040) submitted to IRS, including your doctor’s prescription order and all related medical expense receipts.
- If your medical alert system isn’t tax-deductible, look for coverage through Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medicaid, Veterans Administration (VA) benefits, or Health Savings Account (HSA) plans.
As a U.S. Senior, finding coverage for your medical alert system goes beyond insurance, with tax deductions offering an alternative way to afford expensive but necessary equipment. Learn how you can get your system covered by meeting the rules outlined by the IRS.
Understanding the IRS’s Medical Expense Deductions
The IRS allows itemized deductions for a variety of out-of-pocket medical equipment and disability-related home improvements. Medical costs incurred by certain family members—such as spouses or dependents—can also be deducted.
However, not every medical device seniors use is eligible for this program. You’ll need to submit a Schedule A (Form 1040) to the IRS, and whether they approve the deduction depends on meeting IRS Publication 502 eligibility. Examples of eligible medical expenses include:
- Durable medical equipment (DME), including wheelchairs and in-home hospital beds.
- Other medically necessary equipment (may include medical alert devices)
- Health insurance premiums
- Prescription drugs
- Blood sugar monitoring kits
- Glasses, hearing aids, and some dental expenses
- Communication aids
Are Medical Alert Systems Tax-Deductible Under IRS Publication 502?
For older adults, the answer is both yes and no. You will likely be eligible for a medical alert system tax deduction if:
- A doctor prescribed your medical alert device based on a diagnosable medical condition, disability, or chronic illness.
- You’ve had an in-home medical alert system installed for necessary medical care.
- You’ve paid annual or monthly fees to your medical alert device company to store valuable medical information.
To get your full deduction, you’ll need to submit a Schedule A (Form 1040) with your annual tax return.
How To Properly Submit a Medical Alert System Tax Deduction
While we always recommend working with a tax professional to navigate complex tax laws and get the highest returns on your qualified medical expenses, you can always submit the forms yourself. Here is a simple, step-by-step guide for taxpayers:
- Gather documentation by compiling receipts and invoices related to your medical alert system; equipment purchases, installation fees, and regular monitoring charges. You’ll also want written proof of medical necessity given by your doctor.
- Itemize medical expenses on Schedule A (Form 1040) instead of a standard deduction to report reimbursed medical expenses.
- Calculate total medical expenses for yourself and qualified loved ones, including medical alert system costs.
- Apply the 7.5% AGI threshold to see if you’re eligible. For medical expenses, you can only deduct amounts that exceed 7.5% of your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI). For example, if your AGI is $50,000, you can only deduct expenses that exceed $3,750 (7.5% of $50,000).
- Complete Schedule A and submit your tax return for review by the IRS.
- Keep copies of all documents in case you need to resubmit or face an IRS audit.
What To Do If Your Medical Alert System Isn’t Eligible
If the best medical alert system for you isn’t covered by tax deductions, there are healthcare coverage options that can help. These systems are not usually covered by Original Medicare (Parts A and B), but Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medicaid, VA benefits, and HSA plans might.
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Seniors can get some coverage for medical alert systems through supplemental benefits. However, because Medicare Advantage plans vary greatly from state to state, the amount of coverage will depend on your specific plan and location.
Medicaid
Certain Medicaid programs, including Personal Emergency Response Services (PERS) under Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers, can cover the cost of a medical alert device. For full coverage details, contact your local Medicaid office.
Veterans Administration (VA) Programs
Several VA programs provide assistance for veterans with medical alert devices. The administration is partnered with both MedEquip Alert and Latitude Mobile Alert.
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)
Under an HSA account—a taxed-advantaged savings that allows seniors to access various benefits—medical alert devices may be eligible for reimbursement. Check with your HSA administrator to confirm eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Medical supplies like medical alert systems become tax-deductible when your doctor prescribes them as a medical necessity and if your total medical expenses exceed 7.5% of your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI).
For tax preparation, you’ll need a written prescription or note from your doctor, receipts for equipment and installation, and any monthly or annual fees you pay related to the device. You will then submit this information in a Schedule A (Form 1040) as part of your income tax returns.
Medical alert systems may only cost a few hundred dollars to install, and less than $50 a month, so you may not qualify for reimbursement if you have a high income.
If your medical alert system isn’t tax-deductible, you still have options. Explore healthcare coverage and other assistance programs through Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medicaid, and the Veterans Administration (VA).
You might be able to use your HSA fund to reimburse medically necessary equipment, but you should check with your HSA administrator to confirm eligibility.
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