DIY Security Systems
Medical alert systems are one good way of keeping your loved ones monitored in the comforts of their own home. This innovation allows you to call for help if you are alone. They are essential for family members to keep the elderly or the ones with the life-threatening disease be monitored with a single push of a button. However, does Medicare cover medical alert systems?
Even though these devices provide relief and immediate help for family members in precarious situations, it has been debated whether medical alert systems are covered by Medicare. In this article, I will discuss what are medical alert systems and Medicare, and are medical alert systems covered.
What Are Medical Alert Systems?
Medical alert systems are devices that help you when you need immediate assistance. They come in various forms, either a pendant, a phone, or a bracelet. These alert systems have buttons designed to connect your phone through a dispatcher provided by the company. This dispatcher can talk to you through a speaker or microphone, which will immediately prompt assistance if you can’t move or do any physical movements.
Medical alert systems can be confusing, and you want to know about, does Medicare covers medical alert systems. They are often called emergency response systems. These gadgets are specially made for different kinds of people that will specifically cater to their needs. Most alert systems can detect a fall, if a certain scenario wherein you got knocked out and couldn’t get your pendant, the company can still be notified and may send immediate help to your home.
Why Do We Need to Have Medical Alert Systems?
To fully understand if ‘Does Medicare cover medical alert systems?” you should know first the things you will get once you have it. According to an Institution called the National Institute of Aging, statistics showed that more two-out three senior-aged 65 or older fall each year.
There are multiple reasons why it is either health problems, poor eyesight, weakness of the muscle due to old age, prescription medication or maintenance, or alcohol drinking, which are just a few reasons why older people fall.
However, these medical alert systems won’t prevent older people from falling, but it may get you that much-needed help in an instant right at your doorstep. Also, most medical alert systems are intended for senior people. Especially for a couple living with their parents, if they are at work, and have a medical alert system, it helps them to have a peace of mind at work knowing that their parents are safe and well.
What is Medicare?
Medicare is a health care program for people age 65 and older, people with disabilities and for people having End-Stage renal Disease (specifically for people undergoing dialysis, and permanent kidney failure).
Does Medicare Cover Medical Alert Systems?
Does Medicare cover medical alert systems? Under Medicare’s covered devices and services, medical alert systems aren’t on the list. This is mainly because medical alert systems are not always considered by the organization to be “Medically Necessary.” One notion they think that medical alert systems shouldn’t be listed is that they do not directly improve a human’s health, much like the glucose monitor that treats diabetes. However, they may be other areas where medical alert systems can be covered.
Medicare Part B
Some people thought that medical alert systems belonged to this type of Medicare coverage. However, Medicare part B only covers long-lasting medical equipment like wheelchairs, walkers, and crutches. So, medical alert systems do not qualify in that department. They aren’t considered to be durable medical equipment.
Medicare Part C
It is known as the Medicare Advantage plan; this type of plan is usually offered by other private companies. Some of these plans have other benefits and may cover medical alert systems. This type of Medicare part has some additional features and benefits to it. Always check your plan if it covers medical alert systems.
Medigap
It is more commonly known as Medicare Supplement Insurance. This help balances some of the extra cost from the original Medicare plan. However, Medigap is still part of the Medicare Plan and might not feature Medical alert systems too.
If you happen to enroll yourself on a Medicare plan, one good thing about it is that it may cover all or parts of your overall payments. However, you will only have the Original Medicare Plan, so you may likely pay some of the cost when it exceeds what is just covered. This answers your question about, “Does Medicare Cover Medical Alert Systems?”
Does Medicare Cover Medical Alert Systems?
Medical Alert System does not only provide tons of benefits for your elderly. They, too, give peace of mind when you are at work. Here are some of the good things about having a medical alert system.
Pros of Having a Medical Alert system
- Minimized anxiety associated with the fear of dropping inside the house when alone
- Improved comfort knowing that the system is easy to access
- Much-needed security and protection knowing that with a single press of a button, immediate help will arrive
- Improved self-assurance in performing normal activities
- Overall improved quality of life
Cons of Having a Medical Alert System
- The system might be too complex, especially for the elderly. Most older adults aren’t well-versed with today’s technology and may cause additional anxiety.
- An ambulance may take time to arrive and may not be as accurate as one would think. It may take some time before immediate help to arrive.
- Having medical alert systems means additional expenses, from devices to monthly fees. You or some of your family members may need to pay some of the expenses, if not all expenses that aren’t covered.
Conclusion
Medical alert systems are proven to be of help when that time arrives. When you value your family members’ lives, a medical alert system can provide the best of their ability to offer immediate assistance. They help secure a loved one’s health. For me, you shouldn’t think twice about having medical alert systems for your loved ones.
Hopefully, this article answers your question, “Does Medicare cover medical alert system?” It’s better if you know more about these things before getting them. Remember, it’s still the preparation and protection that matters. They may be quite expensive, but you will realize later that they are a good investment. Here’s how to learn more about Medical Alert Systems.