Does TRICARE for life cover medical alert systems?

Asked by: Karley Kulas  |  Last update: January 14, 2026
Score: 4.4/5 (58 votes)

Over age 65, seniors are no longer able to enroll in TRICARE programs designed for active military members. Unfortunately, Medicare Parts A and B don't cover medical alert systems. While TRICARE For Life TFL covers what it calls Durable Medical Equipment, medical alert systems don't fall under this umbrella.

Does TRICARE for Life pay for Life Alert?

No.

What services are not covered by TRICARE for Life?

TRICARE doesn't cover services and supplies:
  • From a scientific or medical study, grant, or research program.
  • Provided for free.
  • That would be free if you or your sponsor weren't eligible for TRICARE.
  • Such as inpatient stays directed or agreed to by a court or other government agency, unless medically necessary.

Does TRICARE for Life cover medical emergencies overseas?

No matter where you live or travel, TRICARE For Life has you covered. Check out the TRICARE For Life Handbook and the TRICARE For Life Cost Matrix to learn more.

Will Medicare pay for Life Alert devices?

Unfortunately, Medicare does not cover medical alert systems. However, there are other ways to get help paying for them.

How Medicare Works with TRICARE for Life

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How do seniors get free Life Alert systems?

Local Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) often offer programs or can direct you to resources that provide free or discounted LifeStation medical alert systems. These agencies are dedicated to helping seniors live independently and can connect you with valuable community resources.

How much is the Lifeline medical Alert per month?

Lifeline offers simple systems for at-home and on-the-go use starting at $29.95 per month. As the first company to offer medical alert systems in America, Lifeline has over 50 years of experience protecting older adults and providing peace of mind to their families.

What does TRICARE for Life actually cover?

TFL typically covers your Medicare cost-sharing (deductibles, coinsurances, and copayments). TFL may pay when services are not covered by Medicare or when you have used up your Medicare benefits. TFL coverage and cost-sharing rules may apply.

Does TRICARE for Life pay for ambulance service?

Yes but there are some limitations. To learn more, go to the Ambulance Services page.

Is TRICARE for Life good overseas?

Medicare doesn't provide coverage in any other overseas locations. When using TRICARE For Life in all other overseas locations, whether you live overseas or are traveling overseas, TRICARE is the primary payer and you're responsible for paying TRICARE's annual deductible and cost shares.

Do spouses of retired military get TRICARE for life?

Surviving spouses remain eligible for TRICARE unless they remarry. Children remain eligible until they age out or lose eligibility for TRICARE for other reasons.

What are some disadvantages of TRICARE?

TRICARE plans have specific payment restrictions for certain diagnostic services, utilization limits on visits or consultation and procedures that TRICARE deems not proven effective.

Can you ever lose TRICARE for life?

If You're Eligible for Medicare Part A

You must have Medicare Part B to keep your TRICARE coverage, even if you live overseas. You will lose your TRICARE coverage if you don't have Part B, if you drop Part B, or you fail to pay your Part B premiums.

Is there a free medical alert for veterans?

The MedEquip™ Alert button is available at no additional charge to Veterans! Whether you are in good health or are experiencing health issues, MedEquip Alert™ personal emergency and medical alert device is right for you.

Does TRICARE for Life have a death benefit?

TRICARE will keep covering family members when a sponsor dies. Spouses can keep their coverage until they remarry. Family member health plan options and costs will vary based on: The sponsor's military status when they die.

Does TRICARE for Life pay for emergency room visits?

TRICARE covers emergency care to include professional and institutional charges and services and supplies that are ordered or administered in an emergency room The hospital department that provides emergency services to patients who need immediate medical attention..

Does TRICARE for Life cover massages?

TRICARE doesn't cover massages. Disclaimer: This list of covered services is not all inclusive. TRICARE covers services that are medically necessary.

Can TRICARE for Life use military hospitals?

With TFL, you'll only be able to go to military hospitals and MTFs if space is available. The upside is, you'll be able to go to any Medicare provider, giving you a greater choice of doctors than even TRICARE Select.

Who pays for ambulance if patient dies?

The service will bill the patient and that bill becomes the responsibility of the estate. The service doesn't turn around and bill the patient's family. If there is no estate the bill is forfeited as uncollectable. The family has no responsibility to pay the bill they may feel as though they do but they don't.

Does TRICARE for Life pay for blood tests?

Yes when medically necessary. and ordered by a doctor.

Does TRICARE for Life pay for medical equipment?

TRICARE will cover durable medical equipment when prescribed by a doctor.

Is TRICARE for Life free for retired military?

TRICARE for Life (TFL) is TRICARE's Medicare-wraparound coverage available worldwide to TRICARE beneficiaries who are also entitled to Medicare. Essentially, TFL acts as a supplement to Medicare Part A and B, there are no special enrollment procedures or TRICARE premium payments.

How to get a free medical alert system?

Medicaid or Medicare Free Medical Alert System

However, with a Medicaid Waiver or certain Medicare Advantage plans you may be able to obtain a free medical alert device system. Medicaid Waiver Check with your case worker, or local Area Agency on Aging to obtain a Medicaid Waiver for medical alert systems.

Who pays for Life Alert?

The states administer Medicaid, so your home state determines exactly what is covered. Under Medicaid, medical alert systems are known as PERS (personal emergency response services), and they may be covered under programs such as Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS).

What does lifeline pay for?

Lifeline is an FCC program that helps make communications services more affordable for low-income consumers. Lifeline provides subscribers a discount on qualifying monthly telephone service, broadband Internet service, or bundled voice-broadband packages purchased from participating wireline or wireless providers.