What Traditional Medicare Covers (or Doesn't) for Medical Alert Devices

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Let’s start with the basics. Traditional Medicare—also known as Original Medicare—includes Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance), but unfortunately it does not typically cover medical alert systems.

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Why? Because Original Medicare only covers services and equipment deemed “medically necessary” and “reasonable” for the diagnosis or treatment of illness or injury. Medical alert devices, while incredibly helpful, are considered personal safety equipment—not essential medical equipment—by Medicare standards.

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This means that even though medical alert systems can contribute to preventing hospital visits or emergencies, Medicare doesn’t view them as directly tied to a specific medical treatment or diagnosis. For the majority of seniors enrolled in Original Medicare, this means you are responsible for 100% of the cost of purchasing and maintaining a medical alert system.

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Here’s a breakdown to help clarify:

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• Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance): Covers hospital stays and certain post-hospital services but not personal emergency devices.
• Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance): Covers outpatient services and durable medical equipment (DME), but medical alert devices are not included in DME definitions.
• Supplemental Medigap Plans: These help cover copays and deductibles from Original Medicare but do not expand the list of equipment covered.

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While this might be disappointing, don’t give up. There are alternative paths to getting coverage that can offset the costs or even provide access to medical alert devices at a reduced rate—or for free.

Exploring Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Alternative Coverage Options

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If you’re enrolled in or considering a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C), there’s good news: some Medicare Advantage plans do cover medical alert devices as an added benefit.

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Medicare Advantage plans are offered through private insurers and are required to provide at least the same benefits as Original Medicare, but many also offer additional services such as:

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• Gym memberships
• Transportation to medical appointments
• Dental, vision, and hearing services
• Over-the-counter allowances
• And in some cases, medical alert systems

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In 2024, several major insurers—including Humana, UnitedHealthcare, and Aetna—have begun offering Medicare Advantage plans that include coverage for personal emergency response systems as part of their supplemental benefits. These plans may either:

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• Provide the device and monitoring service at no extra cost
• Offer reimbursement or discounts for monthly fees
• Include the service as part of an overall “wellness package”

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However, coverage details vary widely based on the plan and location. Some plans may provide only basic in-home devices, while others might include advanced models with GPS and fall detection. Always check your plan’s Evidence of Coverage (EOC) or speak with a plan representative to confirm what’s included.

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In addition to Medicare Advantage, consider the following alternatives:

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Veterans’ Benefits: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) may provide medical alert systems to eligible veterans as part of their healthcare services. The VA offers its own system (e.g., MedEquip Alert) or can cover third-party devices under certain circumstances.

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Medicaid: In some states, Medicaid waivers aimed at keeping seniors out of nursing homes can cover the cost of medical alert systems as part of home-based care. These programs vary by state and often require meeting income and health eligibility criteria.

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Private Insurance: Though less common, some private long-term care insurance policies may reimburse or cover the cost of a medical alert system.

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State and Local Programs: You can also check with your local Area Agency on Aging, which may offer low-cost or subsidized options for safety devices for seniors.