Medical Alert System Discounts: Medicare/Medicaid and Group Discounts

A medical alert system is a valuable investment for any senior. Owning one of these systems gives peace of mind knowing help is available in the event of an emergency. Medical alert systems come in several options, from a pendant with a call button to a more comprehensive network of in-home sensors and devices. Each system offers the same urgent response when help is needed and access to first responders when an emergency has taken place.

The cost of a medical alert system may impair a senior’s ability to purchase a system and receive its daily benefit. There are ways to get discounts on medical alert systems, however. Here are a few of them below.

Medicaid and Medicare

Medicaid may provide coverage for “Personal Emergency Response Services.” Qualified services can include medical alert devices or similar monitors and sensors. Home-wide medical alert systems may be referred to as electronic home monitoring, or aging in place technologies under this coverage. Medicaid has four different programs which may provide funding that can be used to pay for a medical alert system.

• Medicaid’s Home Community Based Services (HCBS) waivers are the most common source of funding for medical alert systems. While each state sets its own policies for waivers, they are commonly in the range of $25-$75 per month, which covers typical medical alert systems’ monthly service fees. The waivers also come in the form of a one-time reimbursement in the range of $40-$200 intended for the start-up costs associated with medical alert systems, such as setup fees or equipment costs.
• Medicaid provides “Consumer Directed Services” funding for daily assistive care, but does not specify further requirements of that care. Thus, a consumer can decide which assistive healthcare services the funding is used for, including medical alert systems.
• Money Follows the Person (MFP) is a grant intended for consumers receiving care from nursing homes or assisted living facilities. The grant is designed to provide assistance to patients who want to move back to their homes, or to the home of a relative. Medical alert systems are covered under this grant as they support the goal of aging-in-place without healthcare facilities.
• Medicaid State Plan Personal Care Attendant (PCA) Programs are entitlement programs that pay amounts comparable to the HCBS waivers.

Unfortunately, Medicare does not provide coverage for the cost of a medical alert system. Some private health insurance plans supplemented by Medicare Part C may cover such systems, but it varies by company. For example, Humana has partnered with LifeLine to offer medical alert services to some members.

Health Insurance

Private health insurance plans vary, though some may cover the cost of a medical alert system. Some providers require a qualifying condition and doctor’s recommendation in order to pay the cost.

Most Long-Term Care Insurance policies do cover the cost of medical alert systems since these policies are intended to cover the costs of long-term care and services. Medical alert systems may qualify under the long-term service care or durable medical equipment coverage of these policies.

Other Ways to Save

Medical alert system companies often give discounts to members of specific organizations, such as AARP, AMAC and USAA, after verifying their membership ID. Even if the company doesn’t mention the discount on their website, they may still offer it upon request.

Comparison shopping can also save money on a medical alert system. Instead of selecting the most popular company or the one seen in a television advertisement, take the time to compare offerings from multiple companies. Lesser-known, but lower cost alternatives are available to save money without sacrificing service or quality. Set-up fees, contracts, and equipment fees can be entirely avoided by finding a different company to do business with.

One can also call their local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) office to see if they qualify for financial aid. These organizations provide resources to the elderly and disabled who cannot afford expenses related to their care.

Making the Purchase

When shopping for a medical alert system, be sure to consider the total cost before purchasing. It’s easy to find a system without contracts or equipment fees, so keep in mind that these costs are avoidable. Flexible payment plans and free cancellation are additional things to look for.

Finding an affordable medical alert system doesn’t have to be a challenge. By exploring all possible discount options mentioned above, a medical alert system might be more affordable than you realized.