Does Medicare Cover Life Alert?

Original Medicare does not cover Life Alert® costs or the costs of other similar emergency medical alert systems. Emergency medical alert systems are designed specifically to help seniors living alone to remain independent and feel safe doing so.

Although medical alert systems are not covered by Medicare, seniors with Medicare may have other insurance options that will.

Understanding What Life Alert Is

Life Alert is one of many companies that provides emergency medical alert systems to seniors. These medical alert devices are designed to alert authorities who can dispatch help to seniors in the event that they have a medical emergency or home security issue and can't get up or reach the phone.

Most medical alert systems on the market enable you to wear a push-button device around your wrist or neck. When pressed, the device alerts a 24-hour call center and allows you to talk to a dispatcher without having to get to a telephone.

Financial Assistance

Although Medicare does not cover Life Alert, it is possible that you can obtain an emergency medical alert device (such as Life Alert) through one of the following:

• Some private health insurance plans, such as a Medicare Advantage plan (Medicare Part C) may cover Life Alert
• Medicaid (depending on how the program operates in your state)
• State or local senior citizen assistance programs 

To find out if your state has a program that will assist with the cost of Life Alert or other medical alert devices, contact your local Department of Human Resources, Department of Aging and Adult Services or other state department tasked with elder care.

What Types Of Equipment Will Medicare Cover?

Medicare Part B does cover certain types of durable medical equipment (DME), but unfortunately, it does not cover fall detection or emergency medical alert systems like Life Alert.

Some durable medical equipment and devices that are covered by Medicare Part B include, but are not limited to:

• Canes
• Hospital beds
• Manual wheelchairs
• Walkers
• Commode chairs
• Crutches

If you have a question about whether a piece of equipment or a medical service is covered by Medicare, be sure to ask your physician and consult this guide to what Original Medicare does cover.

Or call 1-800-995-4219 to speak with a licensed insurance agent.