As we get older, it’s natural to want to maintain our independence. But as our bodies age, there’s a greater chance that we will experience a fall or other medical emergency. If you or a loved one is starting to feel like you need a little extra help around the house, you may be considering a medical alert device. These devices can give you and your family peace of mind, knowing that help is just a button push away. But what kind of device is right for you? And more importantly, how do you know if Medicare will cover the cost? In this blog post, we’ll answer those questions and more, so that you can make an informed decision about your medical alert device.
Bay Alarm
An individual’s medical alert device should be covered by Medicare if it meets certain conditions. The device must be prescribed by a doctor or other health care professional, and it must be considered medically necessary for the individual’s treatment. Medicare will also cover the cost of renting or buying a medical alert device, as well as the cost of any necessary repairs or replacements.
Medical Guardian
1. Medical Guardian
Medical Guardian is one of the most popular medical alert systems on the market, and for good reason. Their devices are top-of-the-line, their customer service is excellent, and they offer a wide range of coverage options to fit any budget. Best of all, their systems are fully covered by Medicare, making them a great option for seniors who want to stay safe without breaking the bank.
Pros and Cons of Each Device
When it comes to choosing a medical alert device, there are a few things to consider. Each type of device has its own set of pros and cons that you’ll need to weigh before making your decision. Here’s a look at some of the most popular medical alert devices on the market and how they stack up:
1. Basic landline medical alert systems: These systems are the most affordable option and can be used with any standard home phone line. However, they won’t work if the power goes out or if you’re away from home.
2. Cellular medical alert systems: These systems use a cellular connection instead of a landline, so they’ll still work even if the power goes out. They’re also more portable than landline systems, so you can take them with you when you travel. However, they’re more expensive than landline systems and usually require a monthly service fee.
3. GPS medical alert systems: These systems use GPS technology to track your location and send help to you in an emergency, even if you’re away from home. They’re perfect for seniors who live alone or travel often, but they’re also the most expensive option.
How to Choose the Right Device for You
There are a few things to consider when choosing a medical alert device. The first is whether you want a landline, cellular, or both. Landline devices only work if you have a home phone line, and cellular devices only work if you have cell service. If you choose a landline device, make sure your home phone line is active and working properly. Cellular devices require a monthly fee for service.
The second thing to consider is the features you want in your device. Some devices just have simple call buttons while others has GPS tracking, fall detection, and more. Consider what features are most important to you and your lifestyle.
Third, think about how you will use the device. Do you want something that can be worn as a pendant or bracelet? Or would you prefer a mobile app that can be used on your smartphone? There are pros and cons to each option. Pendants and bracelets are typically less expensive than mobile apps, but they can’t be used when you’re away from home. Mobile apps provide more flexibility but may be more expensive.
Finally, check with your insurance provider to see if they cover any portion of the cost of the device.
Medical Alert Devices
Medicare covers many, but not all, medical alert devices. Some Medicare Advantage plans may also cover medical alert devices.
Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) covers some, but not all, types of medical alert systems.
There are two main types of medical alert systems: landline-based and mobile.
Original Medicare only covers landline-based systems.
Here are some examples of medical alert devices that Medicare Part A and/or Part B covers:
• Personal emergency response system (PERS), also known as a medical alarm or panic button. This is a small device you wear around your neck or wrist. It has a button you can press to call for help if you need it.
• CellPERS, which is similar to a PERS but uses cellular technology instead of a home phone line. CellPERS typically costs more than PERS units.
• Automatic voice dialers, which automatically call pre-programmed phone numbers when activated
To get coverage for
How they work
Medical alert devices work by providing seniors with a way to summon help in the event of an emergency. Typically, these devices are worn around the neck or wrist and include a button that, when pressed, will send out a signal to a central monitoring station. The monitoring station then dispatches emergency personnel to the seniors’ location.
Medicare covers some medical alert systems as durable medical equipment (DME), which means that Medicare Part B will cover 80 percent of the cost after you meet your yearly deductible. In order to be covered, your system must be ordered by a doctor or other health care provider and be used in your home.
Types of medical alert devices
Medical alert devices come in a variety of forms, each with its own unique set of features and benefits. While some devices are designed for use in the home, others are meant to be worn at all times, even while out and about. Here are some of the most popular types of medical alert devices:
1. Home-based systems: Home-based systems are typically composed of a base station unit and one or more portable pendants or wristbands. The base station unit is usually placed near a phone line or an Internet connection, and it acts as the central hub for the system. Pendants and wristbands are worn by the user and can be activated to summon help in an emergency.
2. Mobile systems: Mobile systems are similar to home-based systems, but they don’t require a landline phone connection. Instead, mobile systems use cellular technology to connect the base station unit to the monitoring center. This type of system is ideal for seniors who travel frequently or who live in rural areas where landlines are not available.
3. GPS tracking devices: GPS tracking devices can be worn on the body or placed in a vehicle, and they use satellite technology to pinpoint the user’s location in an emergency situation. GPS tracking devices are often used by seniors with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia who tend to wander off and become lost.
4. Medical alert bracelets: Medical alert bracelets are usually made of silicone or stainless
What is Medicare?
1. What is Medicare?
Medicare is a health insurance program for people 65 and older, as well as for some younger people with disabilities. It is administered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
There are four parts to Medicare: Part A, Part B, Part C, and Part D.
Part C is also known as Medicare Advantage.
Part D covers prescription drugs.
Does Medicare cover medical alert devices?
Coverage for medical alert devices under Medicare usually falls under Part B, which covers durable medical equipment (DME). In order to be covered, your doctor must prescribe the device and it must be considered medically necessary. You will also likely have to pay a 20% coinsurance for the device.
How to get a medical alert device covered by Medicare
If you’re a Medicare beneficiary, you may be wondering if Medicare will cover the cost of a medical alert device. The short answer is that Medicare does not cover the cost of medical alert devices.
However, there are a few ways that you may be able to get coverage for your device. First, check with your private health insurance provider to see if they offer any coverage for medical alert devices.
If you’re unable to get coverage through your private insurer, you may be able to get help from Medicaid. Medicaid is a federal and state program that provides health insurance for low-income individuals and families. Each state has different income requirements for Medicaid eligibility, so you’ll need to check with your state’s Medicaid office to see if you qualify. If you do qualify for Medicaid coverage, your medical alert device will likely be covered in full by the program.
Finally, there are a number of charities and non-profit organizations that provide financial assistance for seniors who need help paying for their medical care. These organizations may be able to help you cover the cost of your medical alert device. To find an organization that can help you, contact your local Area Agency on Aging or search online for “medical assistance programs” + [your state].
Conclusion
There are a number of medical alert devices available on the market, but not all of them are covered by Medicare. If you’re looking for a medical alert device that will be covered by your insurance, then you’ll want to check out one of these three options. With any of these devices, you can rest assured knowing that you’ll be able to get the help you need in case of an emergency.
