Does Medicare Cover Medical Alert Systems?

A medical alert system, also called a personal emergency response system (PERS), lets you call for help with the press of a button, and many now detect falls automatically. Families often assume Medicare pays for these because they feel medical. In practice they are treated as a convenience and safety service rather than covered medical equipment, so most people pay out of pocket. The good news is that there are several routes that can reduce or offset the cost.

Why Original Medicare Does Not Cover Them

Part B covers durable medical equipment that a doctor orders for use in the home, such as walkers, oxygen equipment, and hospital beds. A medical alert service is mainly a monitoring subscription: you are paying for a call center to respond, not for a piece of medical equipment. Because the service is not part of the covered benefit categories, Medicare does not reimburse it, even when a doctor recommends one.

Medigap plans are built to fill the gaps in what Original Medicare already covers, such as deductibles and coinsurance. Since Medicare does not cover PERS, no Medigap plan letter (A through N) pays for one either. Choosing Plan G or Plan N will not change that.

Ways Someone May Get Help Paying

1. Medicare Advantage (Part C) Supplemental Benefits

Private Medicare Advantage plans can add benefits beyond Original Medicare, and a small number include a personal emergency response system. This is not universal. Whether a plan offers it depends on the plan, the county, and the plan year, and the benefit may require you to use the plan's contracted provider. During the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7), it is worth asking any Advantage plan you are considering whether a PERS benefit is included. Our guide to Medicare Advantage vs Medigap explains the tradeoffs of choosing an Advantage plan.

2. Medicaid and Home and Community-Based Services

Many state Medicaid programs, including home and community-based services waivers, can cover a personal emergency response system for people who meet financial and functional requirements. Eligibility and the exact benefit vary widely by state. Your state Medicaid agency or local Area Agency on Aging can tell you what is available where you live.

3. Area Agencies on Aging and Local Programs

Area Agencies on Aging, funded in part under the Older Americans Act, sometimes offer subsidized or free emergency response devices, or refer you to local charities and volunteer programs that do. The national Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116) can connect you with your local agency.

4. Veterans Benefits

The Department of Veterans Affairs may provide or help pay for a personal emergency response system for eligible veterans through certain home and community-based programs. Ask your VA social worker or care team whether you qualify.

5. Long-Term Care Insurance

Some long-term care insurance policies reimburse or include emergency response systems. Check your policy's benefit schedule or call the insurer.

6. Tax Deductions and Health Accounts

If you itemize deductions, the cost of a medical alert system may count as a medical expense when it is primarily for medical care, but only the portion of total medical expenses above 7.5% of your adjusted gross income is deductible. Whether you can use a Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account can depend on your plan administrator's rules. Ask a tax professional before relying on either.

What a Medical Alert System Typically Costs

Ranges are typical published prices and change over time. Some providers charge extra for equipment, activation, or shipping. See our medical alert system comparison for current details on individual providers.

How to Check Whether You Have Coverage

1. Read your plan documents. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, search the Evidence of Coverage for "personal emergency response" or "PERS."
2. Call the plan. Ask what the benefit covers, whether there is a dollar limit, and which vendors you can use.
3. Ask your local Area Agency on Aging. They know about county and state programs.
4. Check Medicaid eligibility. If you have limited income, your state Medicaid office can explain what home and community-based services are available.
5. Compare private-pay options. If none of the above apply, use our guide to choosing a medical alert system to compare features and total cost.