Will Medicare Pay for a Service Dog?

• Written by: Lisa Jo Rudy, M.Div.

Service dogs can make life significantly easier for many older and disabled people, but the costs involved with buying, training, and caring for a service dog can be very high. In fact, according to the Freedom Service Dogs of America, the cost of a Service Dog is approximately $25,000.  That includes the cost of purchasing, training, and caring for your dog over time, and costs can get even higher if your dog has significant health issues. That cost is beyond the means of many people, so it makes sense to look for funding options. If you’re an older adult or disabled individual, Medicare and Medicaid may seem like good places to start. 

In this article:

• Will Medicare pay for a service dog?
• Does Medicare cover service dogs under original Medicare?
• Does Medicaid cover service dogs?
• Other options for funding your service dog

Will Medicare Pay for a Service Dog?

Medicare is available to some younger disabled individuals and to all Americans over the age of 65. Medicare Parts A, B, and D are considered “original” Medicare, while Medicare Part C, also called “Medicare Advantage,” is a newer, more flexible healthcare option. No original Medicare options cover all costs related to service dogs, and even Medicare Part C providers are unlikely to help.

Does Medicare Cover Service Dogs Under Original Medicare?

There are multiple “parts” to original Medicare, though you are only required to sign up for Part A, which is free and covers only hospital stays and other very specific medical costs. Most people also purchase Part B, which includes doctor fees, and Part D, which pays some costs for pharmaceuticals. 

There are plenty of advantages to original Medicare, as it covers 80% of medical costs and can be used all across the country at countless medical institutions. It’s especially cost-effective when it’s paired with supplemental “gap” insurance that covers the last 20% of fees.

Unfortunately, however, original Medicare covers none of the costs associated with service dogs. If this is your primary concern, you might want to explore the Medicare Advantage program (Medicare Part C) instead, though few, if any, such programs are likely to provide funding.

Does Medicare Advantage Cover Service Dogs?

Medicare Advantage plans are run by private insurance companies under the oversight of the federal Medicare program. As a result, many Medicare Advantage programs are available. Some are national, some are local, and all offer a wide range of “extras” ranging from dental care to gym memberships. It’s important to note that, while Medicare Part C can be less expensive than original Medicare, it may also limit your healthcare options because it operates like an HMO.

Few Medicare Advantage programs offer any kind of funding for service dogs. Anthem Medicare, which did provide minimal support for food, vests, and other necessities, has largely ended its service dog funding option. To determine whether Anthem still supports service dogs in your area, you will need to call Anthem directly at 855-949-3319. 

Ask about options available in your state, and carefully evaluate the costs and limitations of the available options to be sure that you’re actually saving money. For example, as of 2020, Anthem did offer $500 in support of service dog costs in the state of New York, but they mentioned only leashes or vests.

Does Medicaid Cover Service Dogs?

Bottom line, Medicaid does not pay for costs associated with service dogs. But there’s more to the story, because Medicaid can provide valuable services that may help you access disabled housing and specific services that will make it much easier to own and care for your service dog. 

For example, if you want access to a service dog, you can simplify the process by obtaining a  Social Security Disability award letter or determination by a state Medicaid agency. With your letter in hand, you can also defray extra costs associated with renting a home with a pet because the Federal Fair Housing Act prohibits landlords from charging extra for a certified service animal.

Medicaid Coverage Varies by State

It’s important to know that Medicaid coverage does vary significantly by state. Some states offer a range of supplemental programs for assistive devices and personal care. Though it is unlikely that these supports will include expenses related to a service dog, it’s always a good idea to check with your state’s Medicaid program and ask directly.

• California: Assistance Dog Special Allowance (ADSA) Program
  • What it offers: A $50 monthly stipend to help with food, grooming, and veterinary care for a guide, signal, or service dog.
  • Eligibility: California residents who are blind, deaf/hard of hearing, or disabled; use a trained service dog; and receive benefits like SSI/SSP, IHSS, CAPI, or SSDI. You will need to apply to the Assistance Dog Special Allowance (ADSA) program to qualify for this special allowance.
  • Note: This is a supplemental payment, not full coverage for acquisition or training. It is one of the most straightforward ongoing supports available.
• Georgia: Medically Needy Program (ABD Medically Needy)
  • What it offers: Service animal costs (securing and maintaining a guide dog or other trained assistance animal) can be counted as a deductible medical expense when determining eligibility and cost-sharing.
  • Eligibility: Georgia residents with Medicaid coverage for aged, blind, or disabled individuals whose income and/or resources exceed income and resource limits for all other ABD Medicaid COAs.  
  • Note: This provides indirect relief by reducing countable income/resources for medically needy Medicaid categories. Not direct reimbursement for purchase or training.
• Tennessee: Family Support Program (State-Funded, Often Linked to Medicaid Context)
  • What it offers: A flexible state grant (capped around $6,000/year per individual) for disability-related needs like respite care, equipment, supplies, home modifications, and other health-related costs. Service-animal costs may potentially qualify but aren’t a listed benefit.
  • Eligibility: Tennessee residents with a severe disability living independently in the community. Those already on a Medicaid HCBS waiver (ECF, CHOICES, Katie Beckett, supported living) are not eligible.
  • Note: A supplemental state program, not core Medicaid, with funds awarded by Local Councils. Any service-animal support would be case-by-case, so check with your local Family Support agency.

Other Options for Funding Your Service Dog

While it’s unlikely that either Medicare or Medicaid will directly support the costs of buying or caring for a service dog, there are many other funding sources available. 

• There are multiple granting agencies that support the purchase and care of a support dog. To qualify, you may need a letter certifying that you have a disability, and you may be able to access that letter through Medicaid or, in some cases, Medicare.
• People with specific disabilities, such as autism, blindness, and epilepsy, can apply for low-cost or free access to service dogs. The same is true for veterans who are living with conditions such as PTSD.
• Older adults can often benefit from owning a service dog, and may be eligible for one of many available grant opportunities.

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