Falls are one of the leading causes of fatal injuries in older Americans. According to the CDC, more than 36 million falls are reported among seniors every year. 32,000 of seniors die due to severe injuries and delayed help. 

So, if you’re someone aged 65 or above, having Life Alert is important. 

This medical alert system features a wearable device and 24/7 customer service. The minute you press the emergency button on the device, a representative will connect to you and send help. 

Despite this being a life-saving service, Original Medicare doesn’t cover it. You have to bear the full cost.

What are medical alert systems?

Medical alert systems are devices designed to provide immediate assistance in emergencies, especially for seniors or individuals with health concerns living alone. 

These systems typically consist of a wearable button or pendant equipped with a transmitter. When the wearer presses the button, it sends a signal to a base unit connected to a monitoring center or caregiver, signaling the need for help.

Key components of medical alert systems include:

Component	Description
Wearable Device	Often in the form of a pendant, wristband, or clip-on button, it’s designed to be worn by the user at all times.
Base Station	Placed in the home, this device connects wirelessly to the wearable component and acts as a communication hub to contact emergency services or caregivers.
Monitoring Center	A 24/7 monitoring center receives the distress signal when the button is pressed. Trained professionals communicate with the individual and can dispatch emergency services or contact designated caregivers as needed.

These systems offer a sense of security for individuals who might experience a fall, sudden health issue, or other emergencies requiring immediate assistance. They can help seniors remain independent while ensuring prompt help is available when necessary.

Why doesn’t Original Medicare cover medical alert systems?

Medical alert systems for seniors are not covered by Original Medicare because while they help save your life in an emergency, they are not medically necessary. 

Original Medicare (Part A and B) only covers medical services and devices that are mandatory to improve a health condition. You won’t receive coverage for anything else. However, Medicare Advantage (also called Part C) may cover medical alert systems like Life Alert and others. 

Is Life Alert covered by Medicare Advantage?

Medicare Advantage is offered by private insurance companies. You receive Original Medicare Part A and B coverage along with additional benefits. Medical alert systems may be covered by Medicare Advantage as part of this additional benefits package. 

However, note that not all plans will offer this benefit and even if they do, the covered brands and device types may differ from plan to plan. For example, only a few Medicare Advantage plans will include Life Alert because it is one of the most expensive medical alert systems. Typically, most plans offer a free or discounted alternative like LifeStation and Bay Alarm Medical. 

Life Alert cost with Medicare

Life Alert has an initial one-time fee of $95. After this, you have to pay a minimum of $50 per month. This amount increases as you add more Life Alert devices to your plan. 

On average, you pay $695 for the first year and $600 to $840 for the second year. However, if your Medicare Advantage plan covers Life Alert, you can lower the yearly costs to $276. Some plans may offer 100% coverage, which reduces the cost to $0.

In certain circumstances, you can also pay for Life Alert through Medicaid. A program for low-income and disabled individuals that helps pay for Medicare premiums and healthcare services.

Life Alert cost VS other medical alert services 

Life Alert is not the only medical alert service in the US. Multiple other mid-range options offer similar performance. These include:

• Bay Alarm Medical 

Bay Alarm Medical is the most cost-effective option with no setup fees and $28 monthly charges. It features a base station and a wearable button that functions just like Life Alert. But if you want additional features (e.g. auto fall detection), you will have to pay more. 

• LifeStation

LifeStation is another option that does not charge a setup fee. You only have to pay the monthly fees that start at $35. 

Their basic package includes a lightweight wearable pendant that works well within 600ft of the base unit. However, if you want a smartwatch or a stylish necklace, the charges will go up to $47 a month. 

• Lifeline

Formerly known as Philips Lifeline, this medical alert service system is popular for its fast personalized response. The company representative will immediately dispatch a family member, neighbor, or team – whichever option is best for your situation. 

Their landline HomeSafe unit is the cheapest with a $30 monthly fee. The cellular version costs $40 per month while the mobile system costs $50 per month. You will also have to pay a $99.95 setup fee. 

How to get Life Alert through Medicare?

The only way to get Life Alert through Medicare is to enroll in a Part C plan that covers the Life Alert medical system. If it covers any other option, you can’t get Life Alert coverage. So, the first step is to research and find a suitable Medicare Advantage plan. 

You can do this by browsing online or contacting us. HellaHealth’s team of experts will guide you through the process and help choose the best plan in your area.

Then, go through its coverage specifics, eligibility criteria, and pricing details. If you meet the requirements, contact the plan provider and enroll yourself.  

Other discounts and assistance programs

If you only wish to get Life Alert but your Medicare Advantage plan isn’t offering coverage, don’t panic. There are still some ways to lower the cost, including:

• Long-Term Care Insurance

Long-Term Care Insurance (LTCI) is a type of private insurance policy designed to cover the costs associated with aging, chronic illness, disability, or cognitive impairment. It includes patients at home, in assisted living facilities, and nursing homes.

These services are typically not covered by Medicare or Medicaid. So, if you have a LTCI, you can get coverage for Life Alert. Talk to your plan provider for further details. 

• Health Savings Account 

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are tax-advantaged accounts available to individuals enrolled in a high-deductible health plan (HDHP). They allow account holders to save money for qualified medical expenses, including deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. 

You can also save money for some items and services not covered by health insurance. But make sure to check the IRS guidelines. They define which of these medical services are eligible for HSA coverage. 

As of 2023, medical information plans are covered under HSAs. This refers to services that store your data digitally and furnish it upon request. Since medical alert systems do exactly that, Life Alert will be covered. 

• VA Benefits 

VA benefits are provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to eligible veterans, their dependents, and survivors. These benefits aim to support veterans in various aspects of their lives, including healthcare, disability compensation, education, and more.

You can get coverage for Life Alert or access to free medical alert systems after approval.

Summary 

To sum it up, Life Alert is not mandatory to treat any kind of health condition, so Original Medicare (Part A and B) won’t cover the cost. 

You may get some coverage under Medicare Advantage plans, but since Life Alert is the most expensive option in the market, most Medicare Advantage plans offer alternative medical alert systems like Lifeline and Bay Medical Alarm. It’s best to contact your Part C plan provider and confirm whether Life Alert is included in the plan. 

If not, you can try getting coverage through Long-term care insurance, a Health Savings Account, or VA Benefits.