Does Anthem Cover Life Alert?

Whether an Anthem Medicare plan covers Life Alert (or a similar medical alert product) depends on the type of insurance plan you have.

• Medicare Supplement plans (Medigap) purchased through Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Anthem or one of their affiliated companies don't include personal emergency response systems as a covered benefit.
  
  
• Anthem Medicare Part D plans don't include Life Alert because they only cover retail prescription drugs.

Some Anthem Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) plans, however, may help cover a personal emergency response system similar to Life Alert.

Does Medicare Cover Life Alert?

Original Medicare (Medicare Parts A and B) doesn't cover Life Alert or similar products and services.

• Medicare Part A covers in-patient services, so it doesn't cover systems designed for home use.
• Medicare Part B may cover durable medical equipment (DME). However, DME must be medically necessary and treat or monitor an existing health condition to qualify for coverage, which excludes personal emergency response systems like Life Alert.

You might be eligible for personal emergency response system coverage if you have a Medicare Advantage plan from a private insurer and if the plan includes this type of benefit.

Medicare Advantage plans replace Original Medicare and can include benefits Original Medicare doesn't cover, such as products designed to enhance safety and well-being. The additional benefits a Medicare Advantage plan might offer – such as hearing, dental, prescription drugs or vision – can vary, and plans that cover Life Alert or similar response systems might not be available in all areas. 

How Much Does Life Alert Cost Without Insurance?

If your insurance policy doesn't cover Life Alert, you will have to pay out-of-pocket costs. Life Alert charges a $197 activation fee, which activates your membership and includes the cost of installing and programming your system. You'll also need to pay a monthly fee for monitoring services.

Why Consider a Personal Emergency Response System?

Many older adults prefer to live at home instead of entering a residential setting if they develop a health condition that increases their risk of an emergency. However, worrying about falls or medical events can be a barrier to maintaining an independent lifestyle in later life.

A personal emergency response system like Life Alert can help you stay safe and feel more confident by allowing you to call for help in an emergency by pressing a button on a bracelet or pendant.

Helpadvisor.com is owned and operated by Tranzact, the parent company of TZ Insurance Solutions LLC, which is the owner/operator of MedicareAdvantage.com and other websites mentioned on HelpAdvisor and which has a financial relationship with some of the carriers listed on HelpAdvisor.