Many people assume Medicare pays for a medical alert system, the wearable button or pendant that connects you to a monitoring center when you press it. For most people on Original Medicare, it does not. The cost falls on you, which is why it pays to know what these systems cost, what the extras are, and where help might exist before you sign anything.
This guide starts with what Medicare does and doesn't cover, then walks through how to choose, what published expert testing says, and the free routes to check first. GMG does not test products ourselves. We summarize published testing from outside organizations, link to it, and name who said what.
📋Quick Summary
- Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover medical alert systems.
- Some Medicare Advantage plans may cover all or part of the cost, but not usually in full.
- Monthly service plans in NCOA's 2026 list start around $28 to $39, with automatic fall detection often costing $5 to $10 more per month.
- Month-to-month service is the norm among the brands NCOA recommends; be wary of multi-year contracts.
- Free or low-cost help may exist through your local Area Agency on Aging.
| Original Medicare Parts A and B | Not covered |
|---|---|
| Medicare Advantage | Some plans may cover all or part; check your plan |
| Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services | Varies by state |
Source: Medicare.gov: What's covered?
Who it is for
- NCOA says these systems fit people who live alone or have a higher fall risk, and mobile systems fit people who are often out.
- Caregivers of someone with dementia may value location tracking, since that person could wander.
- NCOA adds that most buyers purchase after a fall or emergency, and buying earlier may help someone stay independent longer.
Who should skip it
- If a plan you already have covers a PERS benefit, use that first.
- If you are rarely alone and the free options through your Area Agency on Aging fit, you may not need to pay.
- This is general information, not a recommendation for your situation.
What Medicare covers, and what it doesn't
Original Medicare, which is Part A and Part B, does not cover medical alert systems, according to NCOA. Some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans may include coverage. Humana puts it this way: it "won't be full coverage, but it can help you afford a system." Because plans differ, the only way to know is to check your plan's Evidence of Coverage or call the number on your member card and ask about a "personal emergency response system," often shortened to PERS.
Medicaid can sometimes help. Humana notes that medical alert systems may be covered under Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services programs, and that coverage differs from state to state. Your state's rules decide, so the next section lists a free place to start.
Start with the free options
Before paying for a system, call your local Area Agency on Aging. The Eldercare Locator, a public service of the Administration for Community Living, connects older adults and families to local services. You can reach it at 1-800-677-1116 or at eldercare.acl.gov. It can point you to community programs that help older adults stay independent at home. We can't promise what your area offers, but it costs nothing to ask.
Also check your Medicare Advantage plan's benefits first, and ask your state's SHIP counselor if you're unsure how to read your plan documents.
How to choose a medical alert system
Start with where you spend your time. NCOA explains that at-home units connect through a landline or cellular network and usually include a backup battery for power outages, but they "cannot follow you if you leave home." Mobile systems use GPS and cell coverage and work away from the house. The right type depends on how often you're out.
Ask about monitoring. NCOA's checklist includes whether the service is monitored 24/7 or only connects to 911, what happens in a power outage, whether the in-home range covers the rooms and yard where you spend time, whether you can cancel an accidental alarm, and whether the contract is month-to-month.
Automatic fall detection usually costs extra, roughly $5 to $10 a month, per NCOA. NCOA also cautions that wrist-worn detectors are "not as accurate" as ones worn on the neck or belt because arm movement can trigger false alarms, and that you should press the help button yourself after a fall if you can rather than relying only on the sensor. AARP's staff ran at least 12 simulated falls per device in its testing, which is a reminder that detection varies by product.
NCOA says "no medical alert system should force you to sign a multi-year contract" and notes the brands it recommends offer month-to-month service, though prepaying can lower the price. If you prepay, confirm the cancellation policy and whether you'd get unused money back. NCOA does not recommend Life Alert, partly because it requires a three-year contract; it lists Life Alert at $69 to $109.85 a month plus a $248 activation fee for some packages.
What published testing found
GMG has not tested these products. Below is what two outside publishers reported, with their labels attributed to them. Both publishers disclose that they may earn affiliate commissions, as GMG may on some links.
NCOA says it tested more than 50 devices across 16 tests in its in-house lab, scored systems on 70 criteria, surveyed more than 300 users and caregivers, and treated an average response time under 60 seconds as passing. AARP's Smart Picks staff worked with testers ages 60 to 65, placed at least three test calls per device (passing if an agent answered within 60 seconds), ran at least 12 simulated falls per device, and checked GPS accuracy at three locations. NCOA's list is dated October 7, 2026. AARP's article was updated October 7, 2026.
Price range as of October 7, 2026: $27.95 to $38.95 a month, starting prices per NCOA
| Service | NCOA label | AARP label | Starting monthly price (publisher, as of Oct 7, 2026) | Fall detection add-on (as reported) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Guardian | Best Overall (NCOA) | Best Overall (AARP) | $31.95 (NCOA) | about $10/month |
| MobileHelp | Best Affordable (NCOA) | Best Value (AARP) | $29.95 (NCOA); AARP lists about $29.95 at home, $41.95 mobile, no activation or equipment fees | about $10/month |
| Bay Alarm Medical | Best Customer Service (NCOA) | Best Design Options (AARP) | $27.95 (NCOA); AARP example: SOS Micro $34.95/month plus one-time $104 equipment fee | about $10/month |
| LifeStation | Best for Insurance Discounts (NCOA) | Best GPS Accuracy (AARP) | $38.95 (NCOA) | NCOA: about $8/month, only with its $8/month protection plan; AARP: $8 to $16/month |
| LifeFone | Longest Battery Life (NCOA) | Best Necklace (AARP) | $29.95 (NCOA) | about $5/month |
| Medical Alert | Easiest Setup (NCOA) | Not listed (AARP) | $27.95 (NCOA, as of Oct 7, 2026) | about $10/month (NCOA) |
| IRIS Ally | not listed in NCOA's ranking | Best Mobile-Only (AARP) | $25/month service, $99.99 new device per AARP | included in service per AARP |
Prices change often and publishers' figures can differ. Check the provider's own current price and fees before you buy. NCOA's page states a range ($26.95 to $38.95) that differs from its own table; we show the per-company table figures. Fall detection prices are as reported by the publishers.
- Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116. A public service of the Administration for Community Living that connects you to local services.
- Your Medicare Advantage plan's PERS benefit: Ask about a "personal emergency response system" benefit, or check your Evidence of Coverage.
- Your state Medicaid HCBS program: Home and Community-Based Services programs may cover a system in some states. Coverage varies by state.
- Your local Area Agency on Aging: It can point you to community programs that help older adults stay independent at home.
- State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP): A free counselor can help you read your plan documents.
Watch for "free" alert system calls
Unsolicited calls offering a "free" medical alert device are a known scam pattern. In December 2021 the FTC announced refunds to consumers tricked by a company that the FTC and the Florida Attorney General had accused of making at least a billion unsolicited robocalls pitching supposedly free medical alert systems; consumers later learned they owed monthly monitoring fees and faced a penalty to cancel.
Never give payment or account details to an unsolicited caller, and report fraud at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Related: Why Are You Getting So Many Medicare Scam Calls in 2026?
Common questions about medical alert systems
- Does Medicare cover medical alert systems?
- NCOA says Original Medicare Parts A and B does not cover medical alert systems. Humana says some Medicare Advantage plans may cover all or part of the cost, so check your plan.
- How much does a medical alert system cost?
- Among the services in NCOA's 2026 list, starting monthly prices run from $27.95 to $38.95, per its comparison table, with fall detection often costing about $5 to $10 more per month. Fees and prices change, so confirm with the provider.
- Do I have to sign a long contract?
- NCOA says no system should force a multi-year contract and that the brands it recommends offer month-to-month service. It does not recommend Life Alert, partly for its three-year contract.
- Is automatic fall detection reliable?
- NCOA says wrist-worn detectors are "not as accurate" as neck- or belt-worn ones and advises pressing the help button yourself after a fall if you can.
- Can Medicaid pay for a medical alert system?
- It may, through Home and Community-Based Services programs in some states; coverage varies by state, per Humana.
- Where can I get free help finding options?
- Call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 to reach your local Area Agency on Aging.
✅What This Means For You
Turning 65: Original Medicare won't pay for this, so build it into your budget now and learn what Advantage plans in your area offer if you're comparing plans this enrollment period.
Already on Medicare: Original Medicare is the same as above. Call your Area Agency on Aging first, then compare month-to-month services.
IRMAA-affected: Higher Medicare premiums don't change this coverage gap, but monthly device fees add to your costs. Compare total yearly cost, including equipment and fall detection.
Medicare Advantage enrollees: Look up your plan's PERS or "personal emergency response" benefit before buying. Plans that include one may use a specific vendor.
Last reviewed . We re-check prices and links every quarter.