+Medical Alert Review

Does Medicaid pay for a medical alert in Massachusetts?

By Carol Bennett, Senior EditorUpdated How we evaluate

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The short answer

Yes. Massachusetts' Frail Elder Waiver (MA.0059) lists a medical alert, if your parent qualifies for nursing-home-level care.

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What stands out in Massachusetts

Massachusetts' Frail Elder Waiver (MA.0059) lists a medical alert

Medicaid calls it a PERS.

Programs for older adults
ProgramWho it servesMedical alert?Source
Frail Elder Waiver (MA.0059)Individuals 65+ and individuals with physical disabilities ages 60-64 who meet a nursing facility level of careLists a medical alertRead the sourceChecked October 13, 2026
What it says
“Provides Alzheimer’s/Dementia coaching, home health aide, homemaker, personal care, respite, assisted transportation, assistive technology - electronic comfort animals, assistive technology for telehealth, chore, companion, complex care training and oversight, enhanced technology/cellular personal emergency response system, environmental accessibility adaptation, evidence based education programs, goal engagement program, grocery shopping and delivery, home based wandering response systems, home delivered meals, home delivery of pre-packaged medication, home safety/independent evaluations (formerly occupational therapy), laundry, medication dispensing system, orientation and mobility services, peer support, senior care options, supportive day program, supportive home care aide, transitional assistance, transportation, and virtual communication and monitoring (VCAM) services to individuals with physical disabilities ages 60-64 and individuals ages 65 or older who meet a nursing facility level of care.”

One phone call starts the application

Call MassHealth Customer Service Center: 800-841-2900

Ask for a “personal emergency response system” under the Frail Elder Waiver (MA.0059) program. Start the application online. What else to ask

1 Medicare Advantage plan here lists a medical alert

How CMS marks these

BarnstableNo plans listed
BerkshireNo plans listed
Bristol1 plan
DukesNo plans listed
EssexNo plans listed
FranklinNo plans listed
HampdenNo plans listed
HampshireNo plans listed
Middlesex1 plan
NantucketNo plans listed
Norfolk1 plan
Plymouth1 plan

Medicare lists 556 equipment suppliers here

Home equipment, not alerts; price labels explained

Abington2 suppliers
Acton3 suppliers
Agawam3 suppliers
Allston2 suppliers
Amesbury2 suppliers
Amherst2 suppliers
Andover2 suppliers
Arlington2 suppliers
Ashland1 supplier
Athol1 supplier
Attleboro3 suppliers
Auburn1 supplier

Lift chairs · Medicare and lift chairs · Adjustable beds.

28.0% of older Massachusetts residents live alone

People 65 and over who live alone
28.0%
352,390 people. Census ACS 2020-2024. Census source
Deaths from falls, age 65+, per 100,000
102.2
Age-adjusted, 2024. CDC source

All states

If nothing pays, the monthly bill is yours

Original Medicare does not pay; compare prices.

Paying yourself? Medical Care Alert

From $29.95/mo for the Home plan; without a landline, LTE cellular adds $5/mo (price page, October 1, 2026).

See Medical Care Alert plans

Affiliate link. No one else on this page paid to appear.

Questions families ask

Does Medicaid pay for a medical alert in Massachusetts?

Yes: Massachusetts' Frail Elder Waiver (MA.0059) lists one.

Do Medicare Advantage plans in Massachusetts cover a medical alert?

1 Medicare Advantage plan in Massachusetts lists a medical alert for 2027.

Data checked October 12–13, 2026. How we built this · Report a correction