How will advancements in wearable health tech (like smartwatches) integrate with Medicare?

Question

Sherah Beasley · Accepted Answer

Advancements in wearable health technology are poised to significantly enhance patient care and facilitate faster diagnoses. By continuously monitoring vital metrics such as heart rate, blood pressure, glucose levels, oxygen saturation, and sleep patterns, these devices provide valuable data that can be shared with healthcare providers. This allows for more efficient coordination of care and timely follow-up.

Answered by Sherah Beasley on April 21, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX

Answered by Sherah Beasley Medicare Insurance Agent

Joseph Bachmeier · Answer

That is a great question. There a few Medigap carriers who will give you a discount on your premium. I just visited a new client today and she has an Apple Watch and will get a monthly discount. This carrier I just sold gives you a discount if you have an Apple Watch or a Fitbit.

Answered by Joseph Bachmeier on March 26, 2025

Agent Licensed in PA, AZ, DE & 5 other states

Answered by Joseph Bachmeier Medicare Insurance Agent

Jennifer McDonnell · Answer

Medicare Part B covers 'Durable Medical Goods' so likely those devices that help a person maintain better health might be covered in the future by Medicare and/or by Medigap or Medicare Advantage.

Because technology is rapidly changing, I would think there will be some reservations about covering the latest technology until it has proven it's value.

Randall Taylor · Answer

Many companies offer discounts if have wearable health tech like an Apple Watch or Fitbit. If you allow the insurance company receive data from the device, the insurance company will give you a nice discount off your premium.

Answered by Randall Taylor on April 7, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX, MI & WI

Answered by Randall Taylor Medicare Insurance Agent

Bill Filer · Answer

We're talking about the future state of healthcare, not just in the Medicare space. 

Wearables could potentially be a big cost savings for Medicare in the future. Constant monitoring and early detection could create less trips to the ER. Post-surgical patients and patients discharged from the hospital, could see less frequent trips to a provider for follow ups.

Almost like Progressive Insurance's in-car monitor, called Snapshot, having a similar medical wearable, and agreeing to share the data, could potentially allow insurers to monitor vital statistics, track exercise times, sleep patterns, etc. resulting in potential savings for the more active among us.

I don't think we're there yet in terms of the technology. With all the providers and insurers out there, finding technology that will integrate all the different wearable brands and various IT systems is a tall task. We're probably not too far away, however. 

Then, there's the myriad of privacy and PII (Personal Identifiable Information) concerns to be wrestled with.

Greg Milliser · Answer

Many of the Medicare Advantage plans are integrating wearable health tech into their plans. There are several examples of plans offering members a wearable health item at no cost to the member as part of their preventive services. If you are looking to take advantage of wearable health tech, a Medicare Advantage plan could be a good avenue for you.

Answered by Greg Milliser on April 30, 2025

Broker Licensed in MO, AR, IN, KS, OH & OK

Answered by Greg Milliser Medicare Insurance Agent

Alyssa Burgos · Answer

Yes, a few plans give you wellness bucks to buy a smart watch. Not all plans have this, but some do.

Matt Rolph · Answer

Wearable health tech, like smartwatches, could tie into Medicare by supporting things like remote monitoring and chronic care management. If the devices are medically necessary and approved, they might help track health in real-time and qualify for coverage under certain Medicare programs.

Answered by Matt Rolph on April 21, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA, AZ, FL & IN

Answered by Matt Rolph Medicare Insurance Agent

Dana Dane · Answer

We are insurance agents. We cannot and should not predict the future of Medicare's benefits. Some Medicare Advantage plans cover personal emergency response devices and may include a wristwatch that also monitors heart rate. Please contact your agent to see what is available in your area.

Answered by Dana Dane on April 29, 2025

Agent Licensed in OR, AZ, CA & 6 other states

Answered by Dana Dane Medicare Insurance Agent

Mel Stevens · Answer

Currently there isn't much integration with Medicare and items like Smart watches. Smart watches already have the capability of tracking exercise routines, blood pressure monitoring and pulse rate activity. What I see in the future is Medicare companies integrating with Smart Watches and Smart Phones to assist with monitoring health activity and providing incentives for meeting goals and completing tasks.

Answered by Mel Stevens on April 2, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ

Answered by Mel Stevens Medicare Insurance Agent

Duane Boebel · Answer

I have seen this technology get better and better each year now for over 10 years. It is just another tool that Medicare beneficiaries can use to help them monitor their health readings to improve and get healthier.

Answered by Duane Boebel on May 27, 2025

Broker Licensed in AL, AZ, FL & 12 other states

Answered by Duane Boebel Medicare Insurance Agent

How will advancements in wearable health tech (like smartwatches) integrate with Medicare?

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