Good for the elderly
Medicare won’t pay for medical alert systems , but Medicare Advantage or Medicaid may help pay for some or all of the costs. Contacting a device company directly to ask about discounts can provide cost-savings.
Medicaid or Medicare Free Medical Alert System Medical alert systems or personal emergency response systems (PERS) are NOT covered by Medicaid or Medicare. However, with a Medicaid Waiver or certain Medicare Advantage plans you may be able to obtain a free medical alert device system.
Here are the best medical alert systems according to our editors. Medical Guardian . MobileHelp . Medical Alert . Bay Alarm Medical . GetSafe. Lifestation . LifeFone .
Which medical alert system does AARP recommend ? AARP does not endorse any specific alert system . It does recommend the use of an alert system in general but does not offer a discount on any alert system . Discount offers frequently change so check your medical alert system provider to see if they offer an AARP discount.
Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) provides assistance for seniors across the nation. Reach out to your local Area Agency on Aging for help receiving a free medical alert system . The agency can connect you with other agencies or inform you about grants and scholarships for seniors.
You’ll pay $49.95 a month for the base unit and a pendant, with a one-time activation fee of $95 . Adding on one additional device—either the help button or the GPS unit—raises the price to $69.90 per month, with an activation fee of $198.
Walmart sells both monitored and unmonitored medical alert systems . While monitored systems cost more because a monthly service fee is added on to cover the cost of 24/7 monitoring. Unmonitored units sold at Walmart don’t go through a call center, so there’s no monthly service fee.
Bay Alarm Medical’s landline system is the most affordable medical alert system we came across. At $19.95 per month, the Basic Protection plan comes with a base station and a wearable alert button .
Your home does not need a wifi connection to get Life Alert coverage in your home. As long as you have a landline you can get the Life Alert In-Home medical alert system. Can I Wear Life Alert in the Shower or bathtub? Yes, Life Alert’s emergency pendants are fully waterproof and can be worn in the shower.
Here’s a look at the many options available. Bay Alarm Medical – Best Overall Fall Detection System (Editor’s Choice) Medical Guardian – Best Fall Detection Equipment. GreatCall – Best Value. LifeStation – Most Experienced.
Verizon’s medical alert system has been discontinued, but there are better options. Made by Verizon , the SureResponse medical alert device offered older adults a way to protect themselves both inside and outside their homes.
Costco offers two medical alert systems by Medical Guardian: Freedom Guardian and Active Guardian.
Although AARP membership doesn’t include coverage for personal help buttons and other emergency call systems, AARP members can find special deals on medical alert systems through some providers.
Generally, we recommend Medical Alert over Life Alert for their low costs and no contracts. Medical Alert’s pricing is less expensive whether you choose the monthly, semi-annual or annual plan. Medical Alert also includes two buttons with each plan so that a spouse or significant other is covered for no additional fee.
Can I use Life Alert in the shower ? Yes, Life Alert’s wearable pendant, shower button, and GPS device are all waterproof. They also have two-way communication, allowing you to call for help from anywhere.