Life Alert: Insurance Coverage And Your Options

Medical alert systems are devices that can be vital in helping people, especially seniors, stay at home and maintain their independence. They can be lifesaving devices for many seniors, especially those at a high risk of falling or managing a chronic illness. However, they often come with a high price tag, and it's important to know whether insurance covers them. So, does insurance cover life alert?

Does Medicare Advantage cover Life Alert?

Medical alert systems are generally not covered by insurance, but there are some options that might be available, such as Medicare Advantage. Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not cover Life Alert or other medical alert systems. However, some Medicare Advantage plans (Medicare Part C) may cover them as an added benefit.

Medicare Advantage plans are required to provide at least the same benefits as Original Medicare, but many offer additional coverage. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, it may cover the cost of an emergency response system or personal emergency response system (PERS). However, it's important to note that Medicare coverage varies on a case-by-case basis, so you should contact your Medicare Advantage plan directly to confirm whether your specific plan covers these costs.

Medicare Advantage plans tend to cover various health concerns and may include partial coverage for medical alert systems. This coverage won't be full, but it can help make these systems more affordable for older adults.

If your Medicare Advantage plan does not cover the cost of a medical alert system, there are other options to explore. Some agencies run by state or local entities may provide discounts, and you can also look into veteran discounts, AARP memberships, or flexible spending accounts to help offset the cost.

Does Medicaid cover Life Alert?

Medical alert systems are generally not covered by insurance, and Medicaid is no exception. However, individuals with Medicaid may be eligible for coverage of a medical alert system, depending on their state.

Medicaid is jointly funded by federal and state governments, so coverage varies depending on the state in which you live. If your state does not provide coverage for a medical alert system, you can fill out a waiver request specific to your state.

Medicaid's Home Community Based Services (HCBS) waivers are the most common source of funding for medical alert systems. While waiver amounts vary by state, they typically cover the monthly service fees of medical alert systems and can also come in the form of a one-time reimbursement for start-up costs such as setup fees or equipment costs.

Additionally, Medicaid provides "Consumer Directed Services" funding for daily assistive care, which can be used for medical alert systems at the consumer's discretion. The Money Follows the Person (MFP) grant, intended for patients transitioning from nursing homes or assisted living facilities to living at home, also covers medical alert systems. Finally, Medicaid State Plan Personal Care Attendant (PCA) Programs are entitlement programs that pay amounts comparable to the HCBS waivers.

To find out if your insurance covers medical alert systems, visit the "covered benefits" portion of your insurance company's website or call them directly.

Does private insurance cover Life Alert?

Medical alert systems are life-saving devices for older adults, especially those at a high risk of falling or managing a chronic illness. They can be costly, with monthly fees ranging from $20 to $45, and additional upfront or service fees.

While most insurance plans do not cover the cost of medical alert systems, some private insurance plans may cover them. To determine whether your plan covers medical alert systems, you can:

• Visit the plan's website to review the covered services.
• Call the number on your insurance card to speak to a representative.
• Contact your insurance provider to see if you are covered for the cost of a medical alert system.

Long-term care insurance is more likely to cover medical alert systems, but this varies by provider and plan. If you have long-term care insurance, you can ask your insurance provider specific questions, such as:

• Is a device and the monthly monitoring fee covered, or just the device?
• Do I need any documentation from my doctor to receive coverage?
• What's the lifetime reimbursement for a medical alert system?

Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C), which are Medicare-approved private insurance plans, may also cover medical alert systems. These plans usually cover items not included in Original Medicare (Parts A and B).

Additionally, Medicaid may provide coverage for medical alert systems, but this varies by state. Contact your state insurance provider to find out if you are eligible for full or partial coverage.

Are there other ways to get help paying for Life Alert?

There are several ways to get help paying for Life Alert or other medical alert systems. Firstly, it is worth checking with your insurance provider to see if you are covered for the cost of a medical alert system. While most insurance plans do not cover the cost, there may be some options that cover some of the costs, such as Medicare Advantage and private insurance. Contact your insurance provider or visit their website to review covered services and confirm your coverage.

If you are a military veteran or the spouse of a veteran, you may be able to get coverage through your Veteran’s Affairs (VA) benefits. The VA has partnered with private companies to offer free medical alert systems to veterans. Contact your VA primary care provider or local VA hospital for more information.

Additionally, members of certain organizations, such as AARP, may be eligible for discounts on medical alert systems. AARP members can save on specific brands and packages, so be sure to check with the organization for details.

You can also contact your local Area Agency on Aging or senior center, which are designated by the state to assist older adults in finding resources to age in place. These agencies can help you find additional resources and programs to help cover the cost of a medical alert system.

Finally, you can look for company discounts and additional savings by contacting medical alert companies directly. Some companies offer special rates for military members, veterans, AARP members, or other designations. You can also ask about plans with no monthly fees, which can help reduce the overall cost.

What are some alternatives to Life Alert?

Alternatives to Life Alert

While Life Alert is a well-known medical alert company, there are several other options available that may better suit your needs. Here are some alternatives to consider:

• Medical Guardian: Medical Guardian is often recommended as one of the best alternatives to Life Alert. It offers lower prices, more devices to choose from, optional fall detection, transparent online information, and a caregiver app. They also offer a 30-day trial period, so you can test out their services before committing.
• MobileHelp: MobileHelp provides a wide range of packages, including unique smart tablet base stations and one of the longest at-home system ranges on the market. They also offer optional features like medication reminders and telehealth services, making them a good choice for those looking for a holistic care plan.
• Bay Alarm Medical: Bay Alarm Medical offers a variety of medical alert systems, including smartwatches and on-the-go devices. They have low monthly fees and packages that bundle multiple devices for a single price. Bay Alarm Medical also offers a 30-day trial period, so you can test out their products before committing.
• ADT: ADT is known for its Premium Protection Plan, which covers the cost of device replacement in a wide range of cases, including normal wear and tear. They offer three distinct options to choose from, and their devices are simple to set up and use.
• LifeFone: LifeFone offers a range of devices and plans to suit different needs. They have flexible plan options and no activation, long-term contracts, or cancellation fees. Their devices are water-resistant and offer two-way communication.
• UnaliWear Kanega Watch: This is a unique smartwatch that offers personalized fall detection based on users' real-life falls. It has a long battery life of up to 10 days and includes medication reminders. However, it has a high equipment fee and monthly cost.
• GetSafe: GetSafe is a voice-activated medical alert system that doesn't require wearing a device. It uses voice commands or standard wall buttons to connect to the monitoring center. It's a good option for those who don't want to wear a device or may forget to put it on.
• Aloe Care Health: Aloe Care Health is an excellent choice for caregivers who want to closely monitor their loved ones. It includes features like motion sensors, air quality and temperature monitoring, and two-way calling. However, it has high equipment fees and a limited range from the base station.

Frequently asked questions