The Short Answer
Original Medicare does not cover medical alert systems. This is one of the most common questions we receive, and unfortunately the answer has not changed in 2026. Medicare Parts A and B classify personal emergency response systems (PERS) as non-covered convenience items rather than durable medical equipment.
However, there are several alternative paths to coverage or financial assistance that many families overlook. Let us walk through every option.
Medicare Part A and Part B
Medicare Part A covers inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care. Medicare Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and durable medical equipment (DME) like wheelchairs and oxygen equipment.
Medical alert systems do not qualify under either Part A or Part B. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has consistently classified personal emergency response systems as personal comfort items rather than medical equipment. Even if your doctor recommends or prescribes a medical alert system, Original Medicare will not pay for it.
This classification has been challenged by advocates who argue that PERS devices prevent hospitalizations and reduce healthcare costs, but as of 2026 the CMS position has not changed.
Medicare Advantage (Part C) — Your Best Chance
Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Part C, are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. These plans must cover everything Original Medicare covers, but many offer additional supplemental benefits that Original Medicare does not — and this is where medical alert systems sometimes appear.
A growing number of Medicare Advantage plans include personal emergency response systems as a supplemental benefit. This coverage became more common after CMS expanded the definition of supplemental benefits in 2019 to include services that "have a reasonable expectation of improving or maintaining the health or overall function" of enrollees.
Coverage varies significantly by plan, insurer, and geographic region. Some plans provide a free medical alert system as part of enrollment. Others offer an allowance or subsidy toward the monthly cost. And many plans still do not include PERS coverage at all.
To find out if your Medicare Advantage plan covers a medical alert system, call the member services number on the back of the insurance card, ask specifically about "personal emergency response system" or "PERS" coverage, request written documentation of what is covered including any brand restrictions, and confirm whether the benefit covers the device only or also monthly monitoring fees.
If you are shopping for a Medicare Advantage plan during open enrollment, use the Medicare Plan Finder tool at Medicare.gov to compare supplemental benefits across available plans in your area. Look specifically for PERS or medical alert coverage in the supplemental benefits section.
Medicaid Coverage
Medicaid, the joint federal-state program for low-income individuals, offers more coverage for medical alert systems than Medicare does — but availability depends entirely on where you live.
Many states cover PERS through Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers. These waivers are designed to help seniors and people with disabilities remain in their homes rather than moving to institutional care. Because medical alert systems directly support independent living, they align well with the goals of HCBS programs.
States that commonly cover PERS through Medicaid waivers include New York, California, Texas, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Florida, Illinois, and many others. However, coverage rules, eligibility requirements, and approved device lists vary by state.
To check Medicaid PERS coverage in your state, contact your state Medicaid office or Area Agency on Aging, ask about HCBS waiver programs that include personal emergency response systems, and confirm eligibility requirements — some waivers have waiting lists or require a specific level of functional need.
If you or your parent qualifies for both Medicare and Medicaid (known as "dual eligible"), Medicaid PERS coverage may apply even though Medicare does not cover the service.
Veterans Benefits
Veterans may have additional options for medical alert system coverage through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The VA's Home Based Primary Care (HBPC) program and other home health programs sometimes provide or subsidize personal emergency response systems for veterans who meet clinical criteria. Coverage is determined on a case-by-case basis and typically requires a referral from a VA healthcare provider.
Veterans enrolled in VA healthcare should contact their local VA medical center and ask about PERS availability through their primary care team. The VA Aid and Attendance benefit, which provides additional monthly income to veterans and surviving spouses who need assistance with daily living, can also be used to pay for a medical alert system, though the benefit is not restricted to that purpose.
Other Ways to Pay
If Medicare, Medicaid, and VA benefits do not apply to your situation, there are still ways to reduce the cost of a medical alert system.
Tax Deductions
Medical alert systems may qualify as a deductible medical expense on your federal tax return if the system is prescribed or recommended by a physician. Under IRS rules, you can deduct unreimbursed medical expenses that exceed 7.5 percent of your adjusted gross income. The monthly monitoring fee, equipment costs, and installation charges may all be deductible.
Keep a copy of the doctor's recommendation and all receipts. Consult a tax professional to confirm eligibility, as individual circumstances vary.
FSA and HSA Accounts
If you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA), medical alert system costs may be eligible expenses — again, typically with a doctor's recommendation or prescription. Check with your plan administrator for specific rules.
Nonprofit and Community Programs
Several organizations provide free or subsidized medical alert systems to low-income seniors. These include Area Agencies on Aging, which exist in every US county and can connect you with local resources. Some United Way chapters fund PERS programs in their communities. State-specific programs like New York's Expanded In-Home Services for the Elderly Program (EISEP) provide PERS at no cost to eligible seniors. The Lifeline Program, while primarily for phone service, may include PERS in some implementations.
Contact your local Area Agency on Aging by calling the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116. They can identify every assistance program available in your area.
Choosing an Affordable System
If you are paying entirely out of pocket, the most cost-effective quality option is Bay Alarm Medical's SOS Home at $27.95 per month. That works out to less than a dollar a day for 24/7 professional monitoring with the fastest response time in the industry. Annual prepayment plans reduce the cost further.
To put the cost in perspective, the average ambulance ride costs over $1,200. The average hospital stay for a hip fracture exceeds $30,000. At $27.95 per month, a medical alert system is one of the most affordable health investments a senior can make.
The Bottom Line
Original Medicare does not cover medical alert systems, and that is unlikely to change in the near term. But do not let that stop you from getting protection for yourself or a loved one.
Check your Medicare Advantage plan for supplemental PERS benefits. Explore Medicaid HCBS waivers if income qualifies. Ask the VA if you or your parent is a veteran. Look into tax deductions, HSA or FSA eligibility, and local nonprofit programs.
And if none of those apply, know that quality medical alert monitoring starts at under $28 per month — a small price for the peace of mind that comes with knowing help is always one button press away.