If your healthcare and medical expenses are already piling up, having to shell out more money for a medical alert system can be a heavy financial burden.

You want to make sure you and your loved ones can get help in an emergency, but breaking the bank will only cause more stress.

Luckily, there are several ways to save on these life-saving devices. And although most medicare plans don’t cover them, there are some that do.

Let’s go over them in detail below, along with some bonus budget-friendly tips and how to find the best medical alert system for your needs.

Which Medicare Plans Cover Medical Alert Systems?

Although senior citizens are at high risk of falling and sustaining serious injuries, Medicare doesn’t recognize medical alert systems as a necessary expense. However, certain parts offer coverage that can help.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what each plan covers:

• Medicare Part A – Hospital expenses like inpatient and ambulance services, limited stays at nursing facilities, home healthcare, and hospice.
• Medicare Part B – Medical expenses like doctor’s visits, outpatient services, and medical supplies like wheelchairs and walkers.
• Medigap – Medigap’s purpose is to fill in the gaps in your Medicare coverage. This plan helps with things like prescription drug costs.
• Medicare Part C/Medicare Advantage – Supplied by private insurance companies, this part assists with prescription drugs, vision, hearing, and dental services. Also, some companies may offer benefits for medical alert systems.

While parts A, B, and Medigap don’t provide any assistance for these devices, you may be in luck if you have Plan C or Medicare Advantage.

Get in touch with your provider to see what benefits you qualify for.

What if Medicare Doesn’t Cover Your Medical Alert System?

If your Medicare plan doesn’t offer the coverage you need, don’t worry. We’ve put together some helpful tips to save you money on your quest to find the best medical alert system.

First, look for one that doesn’t come with any hefty start-up or equipment fees. Many companies will have you spending hundreds just to begin your subscription. 

With a system like the Rescu app, the only “equipment” you need is your cell phone, and the only fee you’re responsible for is your monthly subscription.

Next, check to see if you qualify for Medicaid. If you do, your plan may offer partial or even full coverage for a medical alert system.

If you have your eye on a specific device, reach out to the company that makes it. Depending on your income, whether you’re a member of certain organizations, or if you go through a local hospital, they may give you a deal.

Another great way to save is to write off some or all of the cost on your taxes. Set up a consultation with a tax professional to find out if Uncle Sam can lend you a hand with your medical alert system.

Bonus Budget-Friendly Tips

Finding the best medical alert system isn’t easy. We’ve added these extra tips to ensure you get your money’s worth and enjoy the protection you deserve.

Some big names in the medical alert industry require you to sign lengthy contracts to start your service. For example, Life Alert has a minimum contract of three years.  If Medicare does not cover your Life Alert expenses and you decide this type of medical alert system does not fit your needs, you are stuck paying out-of-pocket for it until the contract expires. That’s why we recommend staying away from long-term contracts.

Try to find a subscription service that you can discontinue if you decide it’s not for you or you can’t use it for whatever reason.

Also, look for medical alert systems that come with money-back guarantees. Some companies offer thirty, sixty, or ninety-day trial runs where you can get to know the product risk-free. This trial run will help you decide if you like the product without worrying about losing any money.

Finally, the best medical alert system is the one that fits your needs perfectly. If you don’t need all the bells and whistles, there’s no need to spend the extra cash on fancy gear you won’t use. 

Find the right balance between reliable service, necessary equipment, and affordable pricing, and you’ll have the mental and financial peace of mind you’re looking for.

The Fastest & Most Affordable Way to Get Help

With Rescu, there are no long-term contracts, start-up costs, or equipment fees. Just your monthly subscription that you can cancel at any time from the app.

This mobile-friendly system gives you the ability to bypass the waiting queues, call rerouting, and lengthy dispatcher calls that come with the 911 service. Send for police, fire, or medical services with just two taps, and responders will rush to your address immediately.

With plans starting at just $7 per month, getting started is kind to your budget, and getting help in an emergency is faster than ever before. Download the Rescu app today.