Does Medicare cover smart watches or fitness trackers?

Answered by 10 licensed agents

Medicare itself doesn't cover any of these but some medicare advantage companies do. I would check with a local agent to find the companies that do.

Answered by Jonathan Potter on May 4, 2026

Broker Licensed in UT, AZ, CA & 14 other states

Answered by Jonathan Potter Medicare Insurance Agent
Original Medicare does not cover smart watches. However, some Medicare Advantage plans will cover fitness trackers. I would check with your plans benefits or a local broker to find out if you plan has this option.

Answered by Kelsey Hentzen on May 4, 2026

Broker Licensed in KS & MO

Answered by Kelsey Hentzen Medicare Insurance Agent
No.

Medicare Part A Hospital and Medicare Part B Medical do not cover smart watches or fitness trackers.

The reason for this is that Medicare covers what is medically necessary.

Now, there have been programs that have helped Medicare beneficiaries acquire wearable devices such as a Fitbit, Garmin or incentives that can help one acquire some sort of smart watch. If you have heard through the grapevine that a neighbor, friend or family member received benefits to acquire a smart watch or fitness tracker, it is possible. Likely, it would be through some value added benefit that potentially could be offered through Part C Medicare Advantage plans. Part C or Medicare Advantage plans do have the opportunity to provide added benefits that are not covered by Medicare.

Please understand that each plan may have specific benefits, guidelines, and can vary from plan to plan what benefit might be available to obtain smart watches of fitness trackers. Typically, there would be some sort of incentive to help encourage healthy behaviors.

Finally, please keep in mind benefits can change from year to year. If you do have a plan that provides fitness benefits, please review your annual notice of changes that you should receive in September that outlines these benefits. Given the volatility with Medicare Advantage or Part C Plans, insurance carriers are continuing to evaluate which benefits should remain and which benefits need to be altered or eliminated completely.

Answered by Steven Whetstine on June 3, 2026

Agent Licensed in AZ, AL, AR & 29 other states

Answered by Steven Whetstine Medicare Insurance Agent
generally no.

Original Medicare (Parts A & B) does not cover smartwatches or fitness trackers, even if they monitor things like heart rate or activity — they’re considered “wellness” devices, not medically necessary equipment.

Where it gets interesting is Medicare Advantage — some plans may:

Offer fitness trackers or smartwatches as a perk

Or give an OTC allowance/credit you can use to buy one

👉 Bottom line: Medicare itself doesn’t cover them, but certain Advantage plans may help offset the cost depending on the extras they include.

Answered by Brian Cronin on May 4, 2026

Broker Licensed in NH & ME

Answered by Brian Cronin Medicare Insurance Agent
no , only if the Advantage plan offers that benefits. but it would be listed in there summary of benefits as a reimbursement

Answered by Geney Ruesga on May 4, 2026

Broker Licensed in MS, AL, AZ & 7 other states

Answered by Geney Ruesga Medicare Insurance Agent
No, Medicare typically does not cover smart watches or fitness trackers. Durable Medical Equipment (DME).

Answered by Bill Brann on May 3, 2026

Agent Licensed in TX

Answered by Bill Brann Medicare Insurance Agent
Original Medicare (Part A & Part B) does not typically cover smart watches or fitness trackers because they are considered wellness devices rather than medically necessary medical equipment.

However, some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans may include benefits such as:

✔️ Wellness allowances

✔️ Fitness reimbursements

✔️ OTC/wellness credits

✔️ Rewards programs

These benefits can sometimes be used toward smart watches or fitness trackers.

Working with a broker who specializes in Medicare plans can help you compare options and find plans that include valuable extra benefits like these.

If you have questions about your Medicare options, I’m always happy to help!

Answered by Lee Hampton on May 19, 2026

Broker Licensed in AZ, CA, ID & NV, TX, UT & WA

Answered by Lee Hampton Medicare Insurance Agent
Medicare does not cover smart watches or fitness trackers. However, some Medicare Advantage plans may include the benefit as a value ad or provide discounts. Check with your carrier for more information.

Answered by Lori McDermott on May 6, 2026

Broker Licensed in NY & FL

Answered by Lori McDermott Medicare Insurance Agent
They are not covered under Part A or B of Medicare because they are not considered durable medical equipment DME but some Medicare Advantage plans offer Wellness bucks that you can use towards the cost of one of those

Answered by Frances Mitchell on May 6, 2026

Agent Licensed in Fl & CT

Answered by Frances Mitchell Medicare Insurance Agent
Medicare Part A & B does not cover these as they are not medically necessary devices. However, some Medicare Advantage plans offer discounts for some of these items.

Answered by Greg Poole on May 5, 2026

Agent Licensed in FL

Answered by Greg Poole Medicare Insurance Agent

Tags: Coverage

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