Medical alert systems connect people with a monitoring center through the press of a button. The devices can help prevent dangerous situations, such as falls or heart attacks.However, these devices can be expensive. One-time fees for equipment and installation, plus recurring monthly monitoring charges add up.Fortunately, there are ways to reduce the cost of medical alert systems. Several companies offer sales and holiday specials, and many of them offer AARP discounts.Medicare Part CMedicare does not cover medical alert systems (also known as personal emergency response devices) because they are not considered durable medical equipment. The program instead covers items like wheelchairs and oxygen equipment. Some seniors may be able to get help with the cost of these devices by using Medicare Advantage plans or long-term care insurance.The types of medical alert systems available vary, but all work by connecting to a telephone line or a wireless network and allowing seniors to press a button that signals the system provider that they are in need of assistance. When the button is pressed, an operator will speak with the senior over the phone or dispatch emergency responders to their location. Most medical alert systems also come with sensors that can detect if the user has fallen, allowing first responders to be dispatched automatically.Those who are unable to afford the initial investment of a medical alert device and monthly monitoring fees may be able to save on these costs by using their Flexible Spending Account or Health Savings Account. The devices may also qualify for reimbursement through certain Medicare Advantage and long-term care insurance plans, as well as through discounts offered by some manufacturers to seniors.Seniors should consider what features are most important to them and their families when choosing a medical alert system. For example, some medical alert devices have GPS technology, which can allow loved ones to track the wearer’s whereabouts in case of an emergency.Medicare Supplement InsuranceMany older adults wonder whether medical alert systems (also known as personal emergency response systems) are covered by Medicare. Unfortunately, they are not. Livelife alarm The federal insurance program does not consider these devices to be durable medical equipment or supplies under current guidelines. In other words, they do not serve a medical purpose beyond providing a means of communication with first responders in case of a fall or other health crisis.Some seniors may be able to obtain coverage for medical alert devices through private insurance or other sources. One option is Medicare Advantage, which offers private coverage to Medicare Parts A and B enrollees. These plans can vary in their benefits, so seniors should check out the plan's website to find a list of covered services.If a senior cannot afford the monthly premium for a private Medicare Advantage plan, they may be able to get some help from their state's Medicaid program. For example, some states have programs for home and community based services that can reimburse seniors for the cost of medical life alert systems.Another possible source of payment for a medical alert system is long-term care insurance, which can help pay for in-home or residential care. This type of private insurance also covers a range of other costs, including personal emergency response systems.Long-Term Care InsuranceIf you have the financial resources to purchase one, a medical alert device can provide peace of mind that your loved ones will be protected should an emergency occur. Many manufacturers of medical alert systems offer discounts to seniors and members of certain organizations such as AARP or USAA, so it may be worth checking with them to see if there are any promotions available. In addition, health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts often reimburse medical expenses, including those related to the cost of a medical alert system.Seniors with Original Medicare (Medicare Parts A and B) might be confused about whether a medical alert system is covered. This type of insurance typically only covers durable medical equipment, which includes items such as wheelchairs, blood sugar monitors and walkers. Medical alert devices do not fall into this category, as they serve no medical purpose.However, some seniors have had success getting their medical alert systems covered through Medicare Advantage, or Medicare Part C. These private Medicare plans are offered by private insurance companies, and the specific benefits vary. For example, Humana’s Medicare Advantage plan provides coverage for up to $225 per month for a medical alert system, while Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) offers a range of options, from $0 for the most basic plans to as high as $300 for some.Medicare Part AMedical alert systems can provide seniors with peace of mind in the event of an emergency. They can connect seniors to a monitoring center or an emergency responder at the push of a button and offer help in preventing falls, strokes, or other traumatic events that often occur when people live alone.Medicare Part A, the national insurance program that covers hospitalization, doesn’t cover medical alert systems, but some seniors may have other options for funding these life-saving devices. For example, some seniors apply for Medicare Advantage plans (also known as Medicare Advantage Plans or MA-PD) that provide private coverage to existing Medicare Part A and B members. These plans typically offer a variety of additional benefits, including medical alert systems, but coverage can vary by plan and provider.In addition, some seniors who have Medicaid and Medicare can find help paying for medical alert systems through a number of waiver programs administered by their state. These include Personal Care Attendant programs, Home and Community-Based Services programs, and Money Follows the Person programs. These waivers generally require that the senior meet certain requirements, such as a minimum income level, to qualify.While Medicare Part A and Part B do cover durable medical equipment (DME) such as wheelchairs, blood sugar monitors, and canes, they don’t cover medical alert systems. This is because Medicare doesn’t consider these items to be essential and not serving a medically necessary purpose.