Does Medicare Cover Service Animals?

About

Medicare 101

Current Clients

Does Medicare Cover Service Animals?

Man with disability and service dog stock photo

By Daniel Petkevich

Nov 29, 2022

Read this before rescuing an animal

Service animals are more than just a pet. They can be a companion, a therapeutic outlet, and even a lifeline for some people depending on their health situation. Unfortunately, there aren't any insurance plans offering coverage for service animals. So you'll have to look elsewhere if you're looking for help with the cost of taking on a service animal.

Stay Up to Date on Medicare!

What services does Medicare cover?

Medicare covers a variety of services related to health care, including home health services, hospital stays, doctor visits, durable medical equipment (DME) and more. However, it does not cover service animals such as service dogs.

Does Medicare cover service animals?

While Medicare can help with medical expenses related to disabilities or chronic illnesses, the cost of purchasing or training a service dog is not covered by Medicare. Service animals are considered a personal expense. It's the responsibility of the individual or their family to cover costs associated with bringing home and taking care of any service animal.

What about Medicaid or other health insurance?

Unfortunately, Medicaid will not help cover the cost of a service dog either. In fact, there is no private health insurance plan to cover the cost of purchasing, training, or feeding a service dog.

Are there any other financial options available?

Yes! While Medicare may not cover it, individuals with disabilities and chronic illnesses can explore other sources of funding, such as grants, donations, or online crowdfunding campaigns. In some cases, individuals may be able to obtain funding from local organizations, such as pet stores, breeders, and animal shelters. Additionally, certain charitable organizations may offer financial assistance for service animals.

How to get a service dog if you have Medicare?

The most important step to getting a service dog is to first find an accredited organization that specializes in training service animals. This organization should be able to provide individuals with information about the types of services their service dog can provide, as well as any financial options available for those purchasing or training a service animal.

Keep in mind that service animals are an investment and require a significant amount of time and dedication from the individual or their family. As such, individuals should make sure they thoroughly explore all their options prior to making a purchase. Additionally, individuals should consider the long-term financial implications of owning and maintaining a service dog.

Takeaway

In conclusion, Medicare does not cover the cost of purchasing or training a service animal. However, there may be other sources of funding available for individuals with disabilities or chronic illnesses who wish to obtain a service animal. For any Medicare questions you have, talk with an expert at Fair Square Medicare today.

Stay Up to Date on Medicare!

Your Medicare One-Stop-Shop

Your guide to Medicare Parts A & B, Medicare Advantage, and Medigap. 100% free.

Get the Fair Square Bulletin

Medicare savings tips, helpful guides, and more.

888-572-6033

info@fairsquaremedicare.com

About

Medicare 101

Current Clients

Medicare Supplement Plans

Medicare Advantage Plans

Fair Square 2023

•

Notice of Privacy Practices

Virgil Insurance Agency, LLC (DBA Fair Square Medicare) and www.fairsquaremedicare.com are privately owned and operated by Help Button Inc. Medicare supplement insurance plans are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. This is a solicitation of insurance. A licensed agent/producer may contact you. Medicare Supplement insurance is available to those age 65 and older enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B and, in some states, to those under age 65 eligible for Medicare due to disability or End-Stage Renal disease. Virgil Insurance Agency is a licensed and certified representative of Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO SNP, PPO, PPO SNP and PFFS organizations and stand-alone PDP prescription drug plans. Each of the organizations we represent has a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any plan depends on contract renewal. The plans we represent do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Plan availability varies by region and state. For a complete list of available plans please contact 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day/7 days a week or consult www.medicare.gov. © 2022 Help Button Inc

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

MULTIPLAN_FairSquareMedicare_01062022_M

Does Medicare Cover Service Animals?

Read this before rescuing an animal

Stay Up to Date on Medicare!

What services does Medicare cover?

Does Medicare cover service animals?

What about Medicaid or other health insurance?

Are there any other financial options available?

How to get a service dog if you have Medicare?

Takeaway

Stay Up to Date on Medicare!

Recommended Articles

More of our articles

Your Medicare One-Stop-Shop

About

Medicare 101

Current Clients

Medicare Supplement Plans

Medicare Advantage Plans