Medical alert systems are lifesavers. They provide emergency contact so that a caregiver or family member can be alerted quickly. However, if you’re wondering whether Medicare (U.S. senior insurance) pays for medical alert systems, the answer is “No.” Original Medicare—Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance)—does not cover medical alert systems. However, Medicare Advantage, also known as Part C, may cover some of the costs, but this varies by carrier and plan.

Medicare Advantage (Part C) Plans:

Medicare Advantage plans (such as HMO or PPO), also known as Part C or MA plans, are offered by different private companies approved by Medicare. Each private plan has different coverage options and requirements. Contact various agents to find a plan that meets your specific needs.

Why Medicare Doesn’t Cover Medical Alert Systems

Medicare covers medical alert systems that are medically necessary. It does not cover medical alert systems because they are not considered medically necessary under program guidelines. Medical alert systems are often used for safety purposes and convenience and do not have a role in treating a specific medical condition.

While Medicare Part B covers wheelchairs and scooters (power-operated vehicles) as durable medical equipment (DME) for home use that doctor prescribes.

Best & Affordable Medical Alert Systems

Choose the best medical alert system for your needs. Compare features, prices, and coverage to find your perfect match.

System	Starting Price	Key Features	Pros	Cons
Medical Guardian	$29.95/mo	Best for Couples	Affordable spouse coverage, Wide equipment options, 5-Diamond certified monitoring, Caregiver app	Equipment & add-ons can be pricey, No trial period
Bay Alarm Medical	$24.95/mo	Price Lock Guarantee	Lowest price for basic plan, Free spouse coverage, Discounts for ASA, AMAC, USAA members, 170 languages	Requires landline for basic plan, No price drop for semiannual payments
GetSafe	$29.95/mo	Best Overall Value	Flat rate, No landline, Voice-activated button, Lots of equipment	High initial cost, No bilingual services
MobileHelp	$19.95/mo	Most Affordable In-Home Cellular	Lowest monthly fee, 30-day trial, Caregiver app	Processing fee for monthly plan, Price lock extra
Lively	$24.99/mo	Most Affordable Fall Detection	Low monthly fee, GPS tracking, Caregiver app	Equipment paid upfront, Limited cellular coverage

At last

The conclusion is that Medicare Part A and Part B do not cover medical alert systems. However, Part C may cover it depending on the plan. We’ve also mentioned some additional budget-friendly options if you can’t afford an expensive alert system. These options offer many key features, which you can check and compare above in the table.