Does Medicare Cover the Cost of Medical Alert Systems?
No, Medicare does not cover medical alert systems, but programs like Medicaid and Medicare Advantage might.
Updated: June 13, 2025
At a glance:
- Medicare does not cover the cost of a medical alert system, but you can cover the cost through other programs and insurance.
- Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicaid, and many insurance companies will cover the cost of a medical alert system.
- The average out-of-pocket cost for medical alert systems is $37 per month, ranging between $25 and $50 depending on features like fall-detection, GPS tracking, and more.
Approximately 68.5 million people received traditional Medicare coverage in 2025, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Data. Medicaid and CHIP services enrollment surpassed 78.4 million as of January 2025, the Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services reports, yet not everyone on Medicare and Medicaid is covered for the cost of medical alert systems.
Although Medicare does not cover the cost of a medical alert system, other programs do cover these life-saving systems. If you’re an older adult looking to save money and improve safety, there are ways you can cover the cost of a new medical alert system without breaking the bank.
We’ve researched Medicare Advantage plans, discounts from medical alert system sellers and manufacturers, long-term care insurance, and the Medicaid program to help you find the best ways to pay for a medical alert system.
Are Any Medical Alert Systems covered by Medicare?
There are no major medical alert systems covered by the Original Medicare (Parts A and B). However, some systems are covered by Medicare Advantage Plans, which are plans offered by private insurance companies. These companies regularly combine Parts A, B, and even Part D (prescription drug coverage) into a single plan that more effectively covers various types of medical alert systems.
What Is Medicare Advantage?
Medicare Advantage (Part C) is a private health insurance plan available when you sign up for Medicare Parts A and B. Eligibility requires you to buy a Medicare Advantage policy, which has deductibles and copays, but offers dental, vision, and hearing coverage that Medicare does not cover. Depending on the insurance policy, Medicare Advantage may also help cover the cost of a medical alert system.
Medicare Advantage coverage varies by state. Medicare Advantage enrollment is increasing in many states, but remains low in Alaska, Vermont, and Wyoming, according to a study from the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF). A Medicare Advantage insurance provider can tell you if you are eligible for medical alert system refunds or price cuts.
Premiums for Medicare Advantage plans have remained steady over the years, according to the KFF. Medicare Advantage premiums for 2024 were:
| Plan Type | Average Monthly Premium (2024) | Annual Equivalent (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Local PPO | $16/month | $192/year |
| Regional PPO | $55/month | $660/year |
| HMO | $12/month | $144/year |
| All Plans | $14/month | $168/year |
Source: Kaiser Family Foundation
What Medical Alert Devices Are Covered By Medicare Advantage?
Most devices aren’t fully covered by Medicare Advantage Plans, as policies vary from one provider to the next. Some providers offer partial coverage, while others don’t. Always ask about the Medicare plan before signing up so you can be aware of additional benefits like medical alert system coverage.
What is Medicaid?
Medicaid is another healthcare program that combines state and federal resources to help people with limited incomes afford care. Eligibility requirements vary from state to state, but if you qualify, you’re far more likely to get a medical alert system covered.
Does Medicaid Include Medical Alert System Reimbursement?
Medicaid is one of the most reliable ways to get coverage for medical alert systems, also known as PERS (Personal Emergency Response Systems), as referred to by some plans. Here are ways you can achieve partial or full coverage through Medicaid programs:
- Home and community-based services (HCBS) enable individuals on Medicaid to receive in-home or community-based services instead of institutional care. HCBS programs represented 53 percent of all Medicaid long-term spending in 2014, the Center for Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Services notes. In some states, HCBS programs offer waivers for personal emergency response services, including medical alert systems.
- Consumer-directed services provide funds for certain health-related expenses. Like HCBS programs, consumer-directed services programs in some states allow Medicare beneficiaries to use health-related funds on medical alert systems.
- Money Follows the Person (MFP) is a Medicaid program designed to promote the use of HCBS and limit the dependence on institutionally-based services. MFP pays for medical alert systems – as well as other medical services and systems – to help Medicaid beneficiaries in nursing homes or assisted living residences return home.
- Medicaid state plan personal care attendant programs provide Medicaid recipients with personal care and related services. Program guidelines vary by state, and in some states, Medicaid beneficiaries may be eligible for reimbursement for a medical alert system.
Will Long-Term Care Insurance Cover the Cost of a Medical Alert System?
Long-term care insurance sometimes provides money back for a medical alert system. Sold nationwide to seniors with medical conditions or disabilities, a variety of long-term care policies are available.
- Individual long-term care plans are purchased via an insurance agent or broker. You should only buy an individual policy from a licensed agent or broker who is certified to sell long-term care insurance in your state.
- Employer-sponsored plans are available to employees at reduced rates. Employer-sponsored plans do not usually include underwriting, so you can qualify for a policy without having to meet any medical requirements. Plus, employer-sponsored plan benefits typically extend to an employee’s family.
- Plans provided by organizations, such as professional or service organizations, can also help with long-term care coverage for things like a medical alert system. For example, the National Association for the Self-Employed is a trade organization that offers long-term care plans to self-employed individuals across the United States. Insurance plans provided by organizations tend to be similar to those available from employers.
- Joint policies cover more than one person. A joint long-term care policy is available to a husband and wife, two partners, or two related adults, and the total policy benefit applies to all insured parties.
How to Choose a High-Quality and Affordable Medical Alert System
There is no reason to settle for a subpar medical alert system. Medical alert systems provide peace of mind for family and loved ones by offering 24/7 access to an emergency call center. While most are wearable, many in-home systems can also be installed. They can also be landline-based or cellular, and may or may not have fall-detection.
Fortunately, from smartwatches to in-home help buttons, there are high-quality monitoring services available. When choosing a medical alert system, you just need to know what to look for.
- Shop around for a medical alert system to find one to match your expectations.
- Analyze all system costs by evaluating the equipment, shipping and activation fees, security deposits, and any other system costs. Also, read a medical alert system contract carefully to find out if there are any cancellation fees or special clauses.
- Determine coverage by taking note of your current insurance, whether Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, or private insurance. Ask if the device you want is covered by both the provider and your insurance.
- Check out customer reviews. Search online for customer reviews, and ask a medical alert system provider for client referrals and testimonials.
- Ask about payment options to find out if flexible payment deals are available.
Our Takeaway:
When you want regular access to fast emergency services, investing in a medical alert device is well worth it. To determine if your Medicare or Medicaid plan covers the cost of a medical alert system, reach out to your local Department of Human Resources, Department of Aging Services, or any other state department responsible for assisting the elderly. By doing so, you can find out if you are eligible for any medical alert system tax deductions, cost reimbursements, or discounts.
Don’t have a Medicare plan yet? Visit medicare.gov to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No, Medicare typically does not cover the cost of medical alert devices.
No, Medicare does not make exceptions for seniors. However, disabled and low-income seniors may be more likely to qualify for Medicare Advantage and Medicaid plans that cover medical alert systems.
Some Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) plans cover medical alert systems as a supplemental benefit, but coverage varies by state, provider, and plan. Some companies that often cover systems include UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Aetna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield affiliates.
To find medical alerts covered by Medicare:
· Check the plan’s Evidence of Coverage (EOC) document.
· Search for “personal emergency response system” or “PERS” in the benefits section.
· Contact the provider directly to confirm coverage.
No, Medicare does not cover Life Alert. To have your life alert cost covered by Medicare, you’ll have to look into Medicare Advantage Plans, but this also isn’t a guarantee.
Maybe. Most Medicare Advantage plans don’t cover Life Alert, but actual coverage depends on the state, provider, and specific plan.
No, Medicare does not generally cover Lifeline medical alert systems. Some Lifeline Medicare Advantage Plans might.
No, medical alert watches are not usually covered by Original Medicare, as under this plan, they are not considered medically necessary durable medical equipment (DME). Some Medicare Advantage plans may cover smartwatches, but that depends on the provider and watch brand.
The out-of-pocket cost for a medical alert device is $37 per month, depending on the type and must-have features.
Choosing the best medical alert system is about knowing what you need, and knowing what’s covered. Research which devices are the most reliable, then compare the features and prices, including activation costs and monthly fees. Consulting reviews and recommendations is also helpful.
Trusted brands offer durability, reliability, and a history of quick response times. Some of our top picks include Medical Guardian, Personal Living Alert, Lively, ADT, Medical Care Alert, and Lifeline.
Help us improve our cost data! Email your medical alert quote to [email protected]. Rest assured, your personal details will remain completely confidential.