Do You Need A Medical Alert System
If you dont qualify for reimbursement from your insurance company, you might be wondering whether you truly need a medical alert system. Medical alert systems provide around-the-clock monitoring for active seniors, which gives you the freedom to age at home even when caretakers are unavailable. When you need assistance, press the button and request emergency care. Many systems are equipped with automatic fall detection, so you still receive help if you are unconscious or unable to press the call button.
Medical alert systems help prevent the complications that stem from unexpected falls. Every second counts when youre in pain, whether youre suffering a heart attack or struggling to move a dislocated hip. Plus, more modern devices like medical alert smartwatches offer additional benefits beyond emergency monitoring including voice-to-text messaging, step tracking, a sleek and lightweight design, and more. Purchasing one of these medical alert systems can help ensure that you get the help you need if an emergency arises and offer some everyday benefits that can help you stay healthy and connected.
Best Affordable Medical Alert Systems
Now that you know some ways to save on medical alert systems, here are some of the most affordable and well-rated systems for those who are budget-conscious.
- MobileHelpwon Best All-Around System in our best medical alert systems review. The company has starting monthly fees of $20, a free trial period, and offers a fall detection button for an additional $10 per month.
- Bay Alarm Medicalwas selected as Best for the Price. The company has starting monthly fees of $25, a free trial period, and offers a fall detection button for an additional $10 per month.
- Our Reviews Team choseLivelyfor Best Health Services. The company has starting monthly fees of $20, and offers a fall detection button for an additional $25 per month.
You can also compare other companies devices and services, such as Medical Guardian vs. Medical Alert, to see which will best fit your needs.
As you consider whether a fall detection button should be part of your medical alert package, you might also want to check out NCOA Falls Prevention, a helpful resource for learning the facts about falls, and the steps you can take to stay safe.
Medicare Parts A And B Coverage
A medical alert system sounds like it fits into the covered category of durable medical equipment, but Original Medicare disagrees. Medicare Parts A and B do not cover medical alert systems.1
Did You Know: You can save money on a system even if your insurance won’t help out. Some companies weve tested, including Lifeline, one of our top medical alert providers, give an AARP discount.
Also Check: What Are The Four Different Parts Of Medicare
Does Unitedhealthcare Cover Life Alert
- Some Medicare Advantage plans may cover Life Alert or other personal emergency response systems . Find out if UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans in your area offer systems like Life Alert.
Medical alert systems such as Life Alert can be invaluable to seniors, particularly those who wish to retain their independence and age in place rather than moving to a retirement home or assisted living facility. But these devices can get expensive. They usually have an upfront cost as well as a monthly monitoring fee.Fortunately, many Medicare Advantage plans cover some or all of the cost of a medical alert system. Does UnitedHealthcare cover Life Alert? Find out the answer to this and other commonly asked questions in the guide that follows.
Compare UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans near you that may cover Life Alert systems. You can request a free plan quote online, or you can call to get help from a licensed insurance agent.
Cost Of Life Alert Vs Other Medical Alarms
Even if you don’t have coverage for a medical alert system through your Medicare plan, choosing a low-cost provider like Bay Alarm Medical can save you about 65% off the cost of Life Alert.
Life Alert costs $695 for the first year, making it one of the most expensive medical alert systems. Because of these high prices, Medicare plans will rarely partner with this medical alarm provider. Instead, it’s more common for insurance companies to offer coverage for providers like Philips Lifeline or LifeStation, which have mid-range base prices.
If you’re shopping for a system, you can save money by choosing a lower-cost option.
Full-price cost without Medicare coverage
| System |
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| $240 |
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Medicaid And Other Options
Although your coverage options are somewhat limited under Original Medicare, Medicaid is a bit more flexible. Its important to keep in mind that Medicaid coverage varies from state to state. Rather than being a federally central system, it is more like a web of programs that overlap in many ways.
Various Medicaid programs are available to help with the cost of life alert systems. If you are eligible for Medicaid, then youll likely be able to take advantage of one of these to receive life alert systems.
Make sure to investigate Home and Community Based Services , as well as consumer-directed services, and the Money Follows program. Keep in mind that this coverage will vary depending on your situation, but it is worth a try.
For most people who are eligible for Medicaid, most if not all of the cost of a life alert system will be fully covered.
Some companies may also offer discounts for AARP members, or other types of discounts. If you’re dealing directly with the medical alert system companies, make sure to ask about discounts.
How Do You Pick A Medicare Alert System
- Figure out the features that are most important to you. Is calling a family member or friend enough, or would you prefer a monitored system that can send first responders immediately?
- Check the size of the unit and decide if youd prefer to wear it on a lanyard around the neck, wrist, or clipped into a belt or carried in a purse. If wearing, you want the device to be comfortable and unobtrusive.
- Check that the pricing is straightforward. Some companies rent the equipment, others sell it. Plus, there may be one fee for the device itself, and a monthly fee for monitoring. Some companies dont require a device fee.
- Make sure you can cancel at any time and do not have to sign a long-term contract.
- The life alert should be water resistant or waterproof so you can wear it in the shower if needed.
- Ask about battery life. Youre looking for a long battery life that doesnt need charging frequently.
- Youll appreciate a risk-free guarantee if not satisfied.2
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Additional Coverage Options For Medical Alert Systems
If you are a Medicare beneficiary with concerns about coverage for the costs for a medical alert system, you might have other options.
Discount programs like AARP, Veterans Benefits, or even a long-term-care policy may cover the costs of your medical alert system. Each plan sets their own benefits, so if you already have other forms of coverage in addition to Original Medicare, speak with your provider about medical alert system benefits.
Does Medicare Cover Wearable Alert Devices
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Medical alert systems are a key factor in allowing many seniors the opportunity to live an independent lifestyle. At the touch of a button, these wearable devices alert a call center in the event of a health emergency, fall, or illness.
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Often, medical alert systems can cost upwards of $100 and even require a monthly subscription to remain active. Currently, there are no medical alert systems covered by Original Medicare. However, other options, such as a Medicare Advantage plan might pay for some medical alert system costs.
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Traditional Medical Alert Pendants Or Bracelets
Worn on the neck or wrist, these lanyard-carried alert systems can be worn comfortably and allow you to push a button in the event of a fall or health emergency. You can then speak directly to a central monitoring system from the base unit in your home. If youre unresponsive, rescue services are triggered.
How To Save Money On Medical Alert Systems
Despite the fact that many insurance providers do not pay for medical alert systems, there are other ways to pay less for medical alert systems.
One thing we would say, is that regardless of whether your getting a discount or partial subsidy from an insurer or otherwise, it’s almost never worth it if you’re being asked to sign a long term contract. We highly recommend you only use a provider that allows you to cancel at any time, at no extra cost.
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Sales And Holiday Specials
Many companies, such as Bay Alarm Medical, offer discounted rates throughout the year. Once youve decided on the alert system brands you like best, watch those websites for sales and holiday specials.
Our Reviews Team analyzed the cost of medical alert systems and noticed sales around Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Christmas, and other holidays. You can save up to $35 per month with discounted rates and holiday specials.
Why Doesn’t Medicare Cover Medical Alert Devices
Medical alert systems like Life Alert, Medical Guardian and others can be critical to the health of older adults, so why doesnt Medicare cover them? Because they dont fit Medicares definition of durable medical equipment, says Casey Schwarz, an attorney at Medicare Rights, a national nonprofit dedicated to making sure older adults get full access to Medicare benefits.
Federal law defines what Medicare pays for, she says. And since they are not medical devices, theyre not part of the medical benefit. She compares them to items like home wheelchair ramps, which are essential for mobility but arent medically necessary.
When you enroll in Medicare, youre automatically covered by Part A, which includes hospital care, skilled nursing facility costs, hospice, lab tests, surgery and home health care. Part B is optional and costs $164.90 a month in 2023 for most people. Its typically deducted from your monthly Social Security benefit. Part B covers services deemed medically necessary for diagnosing or treating a medical condition and medical equipment like canes, oxygen tanks and blood sugar test strips.
Medicare coverage can change, as witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic when telehealth proved essential in keeping patients connected with their physicians and care team. However, the services covered changednot the devices through which patients received those services, explains Schwarz. Medical alert systems, like iPads , are not covered by Medicare, she says.
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What Do Medical Alert Systems Cost Without Insurance
Personal emergency response systems have a wide range of prices, depending on the specific brand and which features and equipment you choose. One of the most widely known options, Life Alert, has a one-time fee of around $200 to cover setup, maintenance and service and the complete Life Alert system with an extra bathroom speaker comes at an additional monthly fee of $98.85 per month. Without the bathroom speaker, Life Alert costs $79.95 per month. In either case, a three-year contract applies.
However, a number of lower-priced alternatives are available many with no startup costs and a host of features that may include GPS, fall detection, 24/7 monitoring and a waterproof help button. For example, MobileHelps plans range from $19.95 to $54.95 per month, and Bay Alarm Medical offers plans priced from $19.95 to $39.95 monthly, with no startup costs.
When choosing a medical alert system, its wise to carefully compare the features and pricing of each option so you can select the system that most affordably meets your unique health and safety concerns while avoiding any costly features you may not need.
Types Of Medical Alert Systems
There are many different types of medical alert systems, including:
- In-home assistants: Devices like Alexa or Google Home serve as in-home assistants that can dial relatives or friends for help. This can be un-reliable as the device may not be close when a senior needs help.
- Smartphone/mobile devices: These can help seniors dial for help and the in-built GPS tracking system can help locate the patient.
- Smartwatches: Smartwatches can help call 911 or friends and the GPS system can help locate seniors. They also have health monitoring systems that can flag any anomalies in normal body functions.
- 2-way communication systems: Bracelets or pendants like Life Alert® or ADT® worn by patients or seniors can serve as 2-way communication systems and help communicate with a call center. The call center gauges the problem and dispatches help accordingly.
Also Check: Is Unitedhealthcare Part Of Medicare
Medicaid Coverage Of Medical Alert Systems
Medicaid is administered by individual states, so whats covered by Medicaid varies from state to state. Generally speaking, Medicaid plans do not cover personal emergency response systems. But for seniors who need assistance paying for medical alert systems, Medicaid has many options, Dr. Mira said. Assistance is provided through Medicaids Home Community Based Services and Consumer Directed Services programs.
In some states, Medicaids Home Community Based Services program provides waivers for the elderly to receive long-term care services at home rather than in a long-term nursing care facility. These waivers provide modest monthly funding , which covers the monthly fee of typical medical alert systems.
Medicaid also provides Consumer Directed Services, which provide funding for assistive care. Medicaid does not specify that these funds be used for medical alert monitoring but leaves the decision up to the consumer on how best to use the funds.
Does Medicare Pay For Medical Alert Systems
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COVID-19 Update: Medical Alerts are considered essential devices during the COVID crisis, so monitoring and customer service centers are still open and ready to help. To learn more about how these and other essential products can keep older adults safe and connected during this crisis, take a look at our list of 10 essential products. |
Fall-related injuries cost Medicare and Medicaid billions of dollars each year, yet many health insurance providers refuse to cover medical alert systems. Medical alert systems offer 24/7 protection for injury-prone seniors, so subscribers can easily access help if an accident occurs. This provides peace of mind for caretakers, but it also promotes independence for elderly adults.
In addition to these benefits, the right medical alert system may save your loved ones life. Some fall-related injuries, such as concussions or strokes, require immediate attention. Seniors who do not receive prompt medical care may experience slow recovery times or permanent physical or mental damage. Some conditions, such as a heart attack, can even result in death if they are not treated quickly.
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Does Medicaid Cover Life Alert
One of the greatest methods to ensure the elderly and disabled are secure in their homes is to install a life alert system. This wonderful new technology has developed so much that it now provides better and enhanced methods of detecting falls and crucial functions.
Life Alert, on the other hand, is not a cheap installment, and many people question if Medicaid will pay the expense.
If youre wondering the same thing, keep reading because weve got all the unexpected facts that will help you get the most of your Medicaid benefits.
So, without further ado, lets get started with todays topic.
Will Medicare/medicaid Pay For A Medical Alert Device
One of the many questions those on Medicare or Medicaid ask is whether or not the programs will cover the cost of a fall detection device or other types of medical alert devices, like the Lively GreatCall medical alert. These emergency response system devices are usually worn on a lanyard around the neck or on your wrist and allow senior citizens to contact emergency services if they fall simply by the press of a button. If your system features a fall detection option, then the pendant should automatically call for help if it senses a fall. This can be life-saving in the case where you are unable to get up or reach the telephone. Some can even have location tracking which will allow your family and emergency services to know where to find you.
So, will Medicare or Medicaid pay for medical alert monitoring? The answer is not as straightforward as one would think. Learning about the difference between Medicare and Medicaid can be confusing. Below we break down the different options you have to help pay for a medical alert device.
Medicare Parts A and B
Although Medicare Part B is responsible for medical equipment, neither Medicare Parts A and B will pay for medical alert devices.
To find someone to talk to about Medicare, select the dropdown menu and find your state. The site will list the questions you may have along with the contact information to get the answers you need.
Medicare Part C
Medicaid
Dont Give Up
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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 Medicaid program is jointly funded by the state and federal governments. For that reason, 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 when it comes to medical alert devices. Some states may provide benefits for these devices, while other states do not.
The best way to determine whether or not the device will be covered by Medicaid is to contact your state Medicaid office. 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.
