How To Get Medical Alert Devices Under Medicare

Many seniors are making the choice to stay independent and “age in place” in the comfort of their own homes, rather than move into a retirement facility. Yet, many still seek out the security of a senior living facility, knowing that 24/7 medical care is available onsite.

Today, thanks to the advancements in technology, seniors can enjoy the comfort of their own homes and still have the necessary medical protection. With a medical alert system, both seniors and their families can have the assurance that any accidents, falls or illnesses will be quickly taken care of - even if the senior is unconscious and unable to reach the phone. Upon activation, a professional monitoring person will be contacted and the appropriate help will be sent.

A must-have feature of many medical alert systems is the “fall detection” feature, which is an incredibly important safety tool. Worn by the elderly, it can detect a fall and automatically call for help - a life-saving measure as 25% of seniors suffer a fall every year. However, the cost of medical alert systems and their associated monitoring services may be too expensive for many seniors, who then look to Medicare to cover the costs.

Seniors on Medicare can get access to many kinds of medical and health devices and supplies, such as those covered under Medicare Part B, as long as these items are considered durable medical equipment (DME). Unfortunately, Medicare does not classify medical alert devices as DME, so does not provide coverage for them. Fortunately, Medicare Part C – often referred to as Medicare Advantage – may be able to offer coverage for these systems.

Medicare Advantage Plans

If you're looking for an alternative to traditional Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans are a great option! These plans are offered by a variety of insurance companies and government-regulated, and can be tailored to fit your particular needs and location. To take advantage of these plans, you'll need to enroll and make sure you're paying your premiums on time.

Shopping for a Medicare Advantage plan? Some insurance companies offer an attractive add-on benefit: coverage for medical alert systems and fall detection devices. This is not a requirement of the government's Medicare regulations, so coverage can vary widely between companies. Check to see if your plan includes this valuable coverage perk!

Are you looking for a medical alert system for yourself or a loved one? There are various plans available that offer a range of benefits for seniors. Some of these plans provide a medical alert system for free, while others offer a discounted rate. For those with a qualifying health condition, coverage may be available at an even lower price. Remember, any amount you pay towards the alert system does not count towards your Medicare plan's deductible or out-of-pocket maximum, since the benefits for the device are through a discount program and not medical coverage.

Discover the top Medicare Advantage plans that make getting a medical alert system simple and affordable!

AARP/UnitedHealthcare

The AARP/UnitedHealthcare partnership offers the best coverage on the market for Medicare Advantage plans, providing a free alert system for most policyholders without any restrictions. UnitedHealthcare is the most popular provider, issuing 27% of all Medicare Advantage policies in the US, except those in Alaska and Louisiana. With an AARP-UnitedHealthcare plan, you don't even have to be an AARP member in order to enjoy the coverage. Sign up today and get the best coverage available!

Blue Cross Blue Shield

With their Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance card, policyholders can receive healthcare coverage almost anywhere in the U.S., thanks to the BCBSA alliance of separate health insurance companies. Plus, many of the Medicare Advantage plans provided by BCBS offer an additional perk - a free medical alert system!

Humana

This nationwide company is offering an amazing benefit to those with a diagnosed and documented heart condition; a free medical alert system! Even if you don't qualify for the free option, many of their Medicare advantage plans will provide you with a discount for such a system.

Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser, one of the most esteemed providers of Medicare Advantage plans, offers a discounted medical alert system starting from $19 a month. If you're on the West Coast, you won't want to miss out on this incredible opportunity!

Aetna

Aetna is making it easier for Medicare Part A and B enrollees to access quality care at an affordable price. With their Medicare Advantage and Supplement policies, you get more than just discounted medical alerts starting at just $20 a month - they also cover the gaps in original Medicare. Plus, they have three different plan types to choose from: PPO, HMO and HMO-POS. Best of all, Aetna offers some of the most competitively-priced Medicare Advantage coverage on the market, and they're available in 46 states and Washington, D.C.