<h1>Canton of Bern</h1>
<h4>Cantonal reimbursement for recipients of supplementary benefits (EL)</h4>
<h2>Emergency call systems for EL recipients in the Canton of Bern</h2>
<p>In the Canton of Bern, recipients of supplementary benefits (EL) may claim the costs of installing, renting and maintaining an emergency call system as illness and disability expenses.</p>
<h3>Who is eligible?</h3>
<p>An emergency call system may be funded if a person is at risk of falling and the system helps to prevent or delay admission to a hospital or care home.</p>
<p>The following requirements must generally be met:</p>
<ul>
<li>Receipt of a helplessness allowance</li>
<li>Increased risk of falling</li>
<li>The emergency call system is required to prevent admission to a hospital or care home</li>
<li>Needs assessment using the assessment instrument of the Spitex Association of the Canton of Bern or RAI-HC</li>
<li>The needs assessment is signed by a doctor</li>
</ul>
<p>The needs assessment must be renewed if a new need arises or the situation changes, but no later than after one year.</p>
<h3>Which costs are covered?</h3>
<p>Documented costs for the following may be reimbursed:</p>
<ul>
<li>installation of the emergency call system</li>
<li>rental of the emergency call device</li>
<li>maintenance of the emergency call system</li>
</ul>
<p>No separate, generally applicable maximum amount is published for emergency call systems. The responsible EL office assesses the necessity, suitability and cost-effectiveness of the expenses on a case-by-case basis.</p>
<p>SmartLife Care rental devices and the Comfort and Professional subscriptions may be submitted for assessment. We recommend obtaining written confirmation of cost coverage from the responsible OASI branch office before placing an order.</p>
<h3>How can I apply for reimbursement?</h3>
<ol>
<li><strong>Needs assessment:</strong> contact the OASI branch office in your municipality of residence and have your needs assessed by a recognised specialist service.</li>
<li><strong>Medical confirmation:</strong> ask your doctor to sign the needs assessment.</li>
<li><strong>Submit the application:</strong> submit the needs assessment together with the quotation or invoices to the OASI branch office in your municipality of residence.</li>
<li><strong>Receive reimbursement:</strong> following assessment, the recognised costs are reimbursed as illness and disability expenses.</li>
</ol>
<p>Invoices must be submitted no later than 15 months after the invoice date.</p>
<h2>Additional support in the City of Bern</h2>
<p>People residing in the City of Bern may, under certain conditions, apply for additional funding guarantees for assistance services.</p>
<p>The following contributions are available for emergency call systems:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Installation:</strong> up to CHF 150.– as a one-off contribution</li>
<li><strong>Monthly rental:</strong> up to CHF 70.– per month</li>
</ul>
<p>These contributions are only available to people residing in the City of Bern and do not automatically apply throughout the canton.</p>
<p>Do you have any questions or need help choosing the right emergency call system? Our team will be happy to assist you.</p>
