Does Medicare Cover Service Animals?
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.
Speak with a Medicare Advocate
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.
Recommended Articles
Does Medicare Cover Iovera Treatment?
Jan 11, 2023
Plan G vs. Plan N
Jan 28, 2022
Does Medicare Cover Incontinence Supplies?
Dec 22, 2022
Why You Should Keep Your Medigap Plan
Sep 21, 2023
14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Seattle
Mar 10, 2023
13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Indianapolis
Mar 9, 2023
Do I Need Medicare If My Spouse Has Insurance?
Dec 19, 2022
Does Medicare Cover Driving Evaluations?
Dec 1, 2022
How Much Does Open Heart Surgery Cost with Medicare?
Jan 27, 2023
Finding the Best Vision Plans for Seniors
Jan 6, 2023
How Much Does Rexulti Cost with Medicare?
Jan 24, 2023
Everything About Your Medicare Card + Medicare Number
May 12, 2022
What is the 8-Minute Rule on Medicare?
Dec 21, 2022
Does Medicare Cover COVID Tests?
Dec 21, 2022
Explaining the Different Enrollment Periods for Medicare
Feb 3, 2023
What to Do When Your Doctor Doesn't Take Medicare
Feb 24, 2023
Does Medicare Cover Xiafaxan?
Jan 19, 2023
Does Medicare Cover Tymlos?
Dec 5, 2022
More of our articles
13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Columbus
14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Nashville
14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Washington, D.C.
15 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Denver
20 Questions to Ask Your Medicare Agent
2024 Cost of Living Adjustment
2024 Fair Square NPS Report
Can Doctors Choose Not to Accept Medicare?
Can I Change Medicare Advantage Plans Any Time? | Medicare Plans
Can I Choose Marketplace Coverage Instead of Medicare?
Can I Use Medicare Part D at Any Pharmacy?
Can Medicare Advantage Plans be Used Out of State?
Comparing All Medigap Plans | Chart Updated for 2025
Costco Pharmacy Partners with Fair Square
Denied Coverage? What to Do When Your Carrier Says No
Do All Hospitals Accept Medicare Advantage Plans?
Do You Need Books on Medicare?
Does Medicare Cover Boniva?
Does Medicare Cover Cartiva Implants?
Does Medicare Cover Chiropractic Visits?
Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids?
Does Medicare Cover Hepatitis C Treatment?
Does Medicare Cover Hoarding Cleanup?
Does Medicare Cover Home Heart Monitors?
Does Medicare cover Hyoscyamine?
Does Medicare Cover Ketamine Infusion for Depression?
Does Medicare Cover Medical Marijuana?
Does Medicare Cover Oxybutynin?
Does Medicare Cover Penile Implant Surgery?
Does Medicare Cover Piqray?
Does Medicare Cover RSV Vaccines?
Does Medicare Cover Service Animals?
Does Medicare Cover Shock Wave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis?
Does Medicare Cover SI Joint Fusion?
Does Medicare Pay for Allergy Shots?
Does Medicare Pay for Varicose Vein Treatment?
Does Medicare Require a Referral for Audiology Exams?
Does Your Plan Include A Free Gym Membership?
Fair Square Client Newsletter: AEP Edition
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Medicare
How Are Medicare Star Ratings Determined?
How Do I Sign up for Medicare? A Simple How-To Guide For You
How Do Medicare Agents Get Paid?
How Do Medigap Premiums Vary?
How Does Medicare Cover Colonoscopies?
How Does the End of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Affect Your Medicare?
How Medicare Costs Can Pile Up
How Much Does Medicare Part B Cost in 2025?
How Much Does Trelegy Cost with Medicare?
How to Become a Medicare Agent
How to Deduct Medicare Expenses from Your Taxes
How Your Employer Insurance and Medicare Work Together
Is Balloon Sinuplasty Covered by Medicare?
Is Displacement Affecting Your Medicare Coverage?
Is Emsella Covered by Medicare?
Is HIFU Covered by Medicare?
Is Vitrectomy Surgery Covered by Medicare?
Last Day to Change Your Medicare Part D Plan
Medicare 101
Medicare Advantage Plans for Disabled People Under 65
Medicare Consulting Services
Medicare Deductibles Resetting in 2025
Medicare Explained
Medicare Guaranteed Issue Rights by State
Medicare Savings Programs in Kansas
Medicare Supplement Plans for Low-Income Seniors
Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage
The Easiest Call You'll Ever Make
What Does Medicare Cover for Stroke Patients?
What Is Medical Underwriting for Medigap?
What Is the Medicare Birthday Rule in Nevada?
Why Is Medicare So Confusing?
Get the Fair Square Bulletin
Medicare savings tips, helpful guides, and more.
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. © 2026 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
Fair Square Medicare
