Service dogs are valuable companions to many people, and the assistance of a service dog often makes a significant difference in someone’s life. With the help of their emotional support animal, an individual may be able to go about their day with more ease, and specific symptoms related to their disability are lessened with the help of their animal. If you are considering adding a service dog to your existing treatment plan, you may be wondering if Medicare or another healthcare insurance will cover the cost of your service dog.
Our article tells you more about Medicare’s coverage of service dogs and how you can add a service dog to your treatment plan with or without insurance.
What Is Medicare?
Medicare is a type of federal insurance that is specifically given to individuals who are 65 years of age or older or individuals who have certain qualifying disabilities and are younger than 65 years of age. Medicare ensures that individuals can receive healthcare services and treatment for low or no cost, and it can be incredibly beneficial for individuals with disabilities or those who are low-income and need additional assistance affording essential care.
Are Service Dogs Covered by Medicare?
Medicare covers a lot of different treatments and services for individuals with and without disabilities, but service dogs are unfortunately not one of these covered services. While some limited insurance plans may consider a service dog a valuable piece of medical equipment, most healthcare plans, Medicare included, do not see service dogs as a necessary addition to an individual’s treatment plan.
In general, you can expect that your Medicare plan will not cover the cost of a service dog, nor will they partially fund a service dog for your treatment. However, insurance plans do differ, and you should contact your Medicare providers directly to understand what benefits you may be qualified for.
Do Any Insurance Plans Cover Service Dogs?
As we mentioned above, most insurance plans do not consider service dogs necessary for individuals. While some insurance plans can consider a service dog a piece of medical equipment, the majority of plans do not cover the cost of a service dog, nor will they engage in any type of cost-sharing when it comes to adopting a service dog.
This can often be an issue for individuals with disabilities who would greatly benefit from service dogs but may not be able to afford them without outside assistance.
How Can I Afford a Service Dog?
If you believe that you would benefit from a service dog in your treatment plan but your insurance does not cover the cost of a service dog, you may be qualified to receive certain types of grants and financial assistance. Service dog training facilities across the United States often collect donations and work to provide service dogs to individuals in need who may not be able to afford a service dog otherwise.
To see if you qualify for a low-cost or no-cost service dog, you will need to research local and national organizations that provide service dogs to individuals in need. You will generally have to fill out an application to determine your eligibility and complete your service dog’s training with them to ensure that you and your dog are the right fit for each other.
Can I Train My Own Service Dog?
If adopting a fully trained service dog is not the right choice for you, you can train your own service dog. Training your own service dog takes more time than adopting a fully trained one, but there is a greater chance for you to form a stronger bond with your dog as you walk them through learning all of the skills you will need assistance with.
You can train any kind of dog to be your service dog, but you should be sure that the service dog you choose has the right temperament, size, and ability to learn complex tasks and good manners to ensure that they are a suitable service dog.
Receiving the Service Dog Help You Need
When it comes to adding a service dog to your life, you may be wondering if your Medicare insurance will help you with the cost of adopting a service dog. Unfortunately, Medicare does not cover service dogs, nor do the majority of other insurance plans. In these cases, it’s best to research local and national organizations that may be able to provide you with a low-cost or no-cost service dog that helps you manage your disability and go about your daily life with greater ease.
