Why Doesn’t Health Insurance Cover Medical Alert Systems?

Shopping for a medical alert system can be difficult. It’s hard to know which services you’ll need, when to make the purchase, and how to finance monthly costs. The lack of insurance support further complicates the process.

Unfortunately, most insurance providers do not consider medical alert systems to be a “medical necessity.” These insurance providers do not provide reasoning for the exclusion. For the most part, Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance companies will not cover these alert system fees. However, in some states, Medicaid may cover some or all of the cost. We encourage you to contact your insurance provider to understand your payment options.

Of course, those who use medical alert systems consider them to be necessary. These systems are extremely effective at reaching help in the case of an emergency. While calling 911 can provide access to emergency care, it is not the catch-all solution that an alert system provides. If you experience a fall, forget to take medication, or simply need the help of a family member, 911 emergency dispatchers won’t be much help. Only an alert system can provide the nuanced support that seniors need.

While insurance providers may not consider medical alert devices to be a necessary purchase, there are several reasons why they are essential to safe senior living.

• Fall detection – Falls comprise the bulk of at-home senior accidents. In some cases, a bad fall will render a person unable to receive help unless they are in reach of a phone. Alert1 medical alert devices can be equipped with fall detection, which will contact an emergency dispatcher without you needing to call for help.

• Not every emergency is medical – While most emergencies in senior homes will be medically related, some are not. If this is the case, calling an emergency service via 911 may not deliver the help you need. Only a designated alert system can provide the nuanced assistance needed in a senior household.
  

• Medication reminders – Alert1 provides an add-on product to remind seniors to take their medications. If you or your loved one often forgets this necessary task, they may experience a medical emergency. In most cases, an alert system will be a lot more accessible than a caregiver who is equipped to provide medication.
  

While we are not currently able to accept any insurance as payment, we encourage those who use our devices to contact their health insurance providers and research their Medicare options. In some cases, specific plans will issue a reimbursement for a medical alert device. Alert1 accepts payments from credit cards, debit cards, and checks through automatic withdrawal. If you have any questions about payment options, give us a call.

While most health insurance providers won’t cover the cost of a medical alert system, we work hard to ensure you get the care you need for the lowest possible fee. Our prices are well below Life Alert costs, and we’ve been ranked as the best medical alert system for the value. Getting assistance for an alert system can seem difficult, but we can work with you to find a service that suits your needs and budget.