Are There Any Free Medical Alert Systems
Some systems provide the equipment free of cost, but you still have to pay a monthly fee whether it’s for the monitoring service or the cellular systems you’re using. There are also non-monitored systems without a monthly fee, which can be connected directly to 911 or to another device used by a family member or guardian. Also, depending on your healthcare plan, you might be able to get one paid for by your health insurance, though it’s uncommon.
Talk To A Senior Assistance Agency
If insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid, fall short in covering the costs associated with getting a medical alert bracelet, you may want to check in with local senior assistance agencies. These are typically locally-focused organizations that specialize in assisting seniors. Most of the assistance agencies receive state funding or are managed directly by the state. Their offerings will also vary depending on location. In some cases, these agencies can help you cover the cost of a medical alert bracelet. Check with Area Agencies on Aging for grants and other programs to help.
Contact A Local Hospital
Some hospitals provide free medical alert bracelets, and its worth calling the hospitals in your area. If a hospital doesnt offer that service, ask if they can refer you to a local foundation or agency that provides medical alert bracelets free or at a discount. If youre a veteran, be sure to check with the local veterans hospital and with any veterans service agencies in the area. Your family doctor may also have some tips on finding a free medical alert bracelet.
Helpful Resources
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Choosing The Best Medical Alert System To Protect Yourself Or Your Loved One
There are many reasons people buy medical alert systems and not all of those reasons are because of age. A medical alert device could be used to monitor an aging loved one, but it could also be used for people of any age who are living with a disability, or perhaps a person who has some other type of medical issue such as diabetes or asthma that could cause them at some point to need immediate medical assistance.
Medical alert systems are also purchased by people who dont have any immediate medical need at all or are at an age where a medical device is needed. They are sometimes purchased for people of any age who are healthy but have some type of medical issue in their family history that could potentially affect them at any given moment such as a family history of heart disease or stroke, etc.
FYI: Did you know that Bluetooth is a common technology used in medical alert devices? Learn more in our guide to the best mobile medical alert devices that use Bluetooth.
Does Insurance Cover Medical Bracelets
insurancemedical ID braceletmedicalcoverbraceletinsurance
. Keeping this in view, does insurance pay for medical alert bracelets?
Private insurance and Medicare Part C may help cover the cost of a medical alert device or assist with defraying the monthly fees for a personal emergency response system. However, whether or not one of these devices is covered will vary by insurance provider.
Beside above, how can I get a free medical bracelet? Contact your local hospital and ask them if they offer free medical ID bracelets. If they don’t, ask if they know of any medical foundations in the area that provide these bracelets for free. Also, your doctor is another excellent resource for providing information on free or low-cost medical ID bracelets.
Just so, who should wear a medical bracelet?
People with certain medical conditions wear medical IDs to alert emergency medical professionals in an emergency. The following are good reasons to wear a medical ID: Food, Drug or Insect allergies. Cardiac problems
How much is a medical bracelet?
Medical Alert & ID Bracelets. $69.99 / ea. If your chronic medical condition requires that you receive special care from medical providers, your physician may recommend that you wear a medical identification bracelet.
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Is Medical Alert Worth It
Standard emergency coverage from Medical Alert offers great value at an affordable price. You can also count on their plans and fees to be straightforward. With Medical Alert, you simply pick one of their three available packages, and thats it! The setup is simple, too. You just plug in the base unit, connect the included phone cord , follow a few simple steps, and youre in business. The only thing that might prevent you from using Medical Alerts services is if AT& T does not provide phone coverage in your area.4
We werent blown away by the in-home range , but we consider the savings especially attractive if you purchase an annual plan. Also keep in mind that Medical Alert offers fall detection for $10 per month. However, weve seen fall detection offered for less. Some brands such as ADT Health Medical Alert provide it for only $5 per month. Weve been doing this a long time, and we can say that fall detection is worth it.
Overall, we appreciate that Medical Alert put thought into their senior-friendly perks like a free key lockbox, mobile app, and free gift card promotion. They also offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so if for any reason you are not satisfied, you can cancel any time.
How Does A Medic Alert Bracelet Work
You provide us with your most vital health information in your Emergency Health Record, which we store in a secure database. MedicAlert retrieves information from details engraved on your medical ID. Using your unique Member ID number, MedicAlerts trained specialists access your MedicAlert Emergency Health Record.
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Top Rated Assisted Living Communities By City
A medical alert bracelet lets medical and emergency personnel know that a person has a medical condition that should be considered in an emergency. The issue could be severe allergies, diabetes, cardiac problems or one of a long list of other conditions. First responders are trained to look for a medical alert bracelet after they check vital signs, such as breathing and pulse. In some emergency situations, having a medical alert bracelet can even mean the difference between life and death.
Medical alert bracelets can easily be ordered online, but to get one at no cost, it might take some sleuthing. Its worth trying to get a medical alert bracelet without paying for it, especially if youre a senior living on a fixed income since the effort to uncover any free benefit helps stretch your limited dollars. Below are five ways you can start trying to find a free medical alert bracelet.
- Affordable Monthly Monitoring with Free Bracelet
- Risk-Free Trial Periods
Do I Need A Medical Alert System
Whether you need a medical alert system depends on your individual circumstances. The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 1 in 4 Americans over the age of 65 experience a fall every year, and falling is the leading cause of injury in people over 65.
If you live alone, you may benefit from a medical alert system.People fall for different reasons, such as physical weakness, medication sideeffects, poor vision, or other health problems or illnesses. Knowing you canget the help you need, when you need it can give you a sense of protection andhelp you maintain your independence.
Nothing on this website should ever be used as a substitute forprofessional medical advice. You should always consult with your medicalprovider regarding diagnosis or treatment for a health condition, includingdecisions about the correct medication for your condition, as well as prior toundertaking any specific exercise or dietary routine.
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How Can I Get A Free Medical Alert Bracelet
Contact your local hospital and ask them if they offer free medical ID bracelets. If they don’t, ask if they know of any medical foundations in the area that provide these bracelets for free. Also, your doctor is another excellent resource for providing information on free or low-cost medical ID bracelets.
How To Get A Medical Alert Bracelet For Free
Older Americans are living longer and more independent lives than previous generations. However, many of them live on a fixed income that comes primarily from Social Security, pension plans, and savings built throughout their life. A fixed income can make necessary medical expenses like medical alert systems costly to pay for out-of-pocket or in full. Despite the sometimes expensive cost, these devices are essential to maintaining older adultsâ health and well-being and can prevent significant medical bills from falls or other health emergencies.
Fortunately, there are often discounts for medical alert programs. While rare, there may even be situations where you can get a medical alert bracelet for free. These opportunities are not necessarily available to everyone and will depend on your situation and insurance coverage. This guide will help you find a free or discounted medical alert bracelet.
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Does Insurance Pay For Life Alert
Does Insurance Pay for Medical Alert Systems? Insurance coverage for medical alert systems varies. The majority of health insurance providers dont cover these devices or services, but some do. Long-term care insurance is more likely to cover medical alert systems, but this varies by provider and plan.
Can I Afford A Medical Alert System
If you are an older adult living on a tight budget, you may be tempted to dismiss medical alert systems as too expensive or not necessary. Lets start with the not necessary. The truth is, medical alert systems can save a life in the case of a heart attack, stroke, hypoglycemic episode, head injury, slip or fall, or other serious medical event. The quicker that emergency personnel respond, the better your chance for a positive outcome.
And if your device has fall detection and you are not able to communicate, an alert will be sent to the monitoring center anyway, and emergency services will be sent. No one knows when an adverse medical event will occur, but if or when it does, wearing a medical alert device will increase your odds of recovery or survival. Medical alert systems provide peace of mind for both you and your family.
FYI: The length of time, or lie time, that someone who has fallen and is unable to get up on their own is significant. Researchers determined that a lie time of 72 hours or more increases mortality by 67 percent.1
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What Other Kinds Of Pers Systems Do Medicare Advantage Plans Cover
Some of the personal emergency response systems that may be covered by Medicare Advantage plans include:
- Bracelets or necklacesThese wearable alert systems have a button that can be pushed during an emergency to alert a human monitor or dispatcher. Some devices can even detect when the user has fallen and will automatically dispatch help.
- SpeakerphonesThese devices allow the user to communicate with the monitoring center so the user can describe the situation in more detail and the dispatcher can provide immediate feedback while help is on the way, all without having to reach out for or hold a traditional phone.
- Cellular medical alert systemsPERS devices with cellular capabilities use a GPS to pinpoint the location of the user and send help. These devices are well-suited for seniors who drive or are otherwise mobile outside of their home.
- Activity tracker systems. These systems track a users daily activity with the goal of improving sleeping habits, diet and exercise through monitoring.
If you want to find a Medicare Advantage plan that covers Life Alert, you can speak with a licensed insurance agent to compare available plans in your area.
Explore Medicare Advantage plan benefits in your area
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About the author
His work has been featured in outlets such as Vox, MSN, and The Washington Post, and he is a frequent contributor to health care and finance blogs.
Medicaid Coverage Of Medical Alert Systems
Some older adults eligible for Medicaid insurance might find they have coverage for medical alert systems. Medicaid is a federal program administered by individual states, and eligibility depends on your income and assets.
There are different programs within Medicaid that serve different populations and offer waivers that are flexible in terms of what is covered, says Schwarz. Folks who require a nursing home level of care may have medical alert devices paid for, she says.
Medicaids Home and Community Based Services program, for instance, offers waivers to older people who wish to receive long-term care services at home rather than in an institution. Some states do cover personal emergency response systems through this program.
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Who Buys Medical Alert Devices
In the past, most medical alert devices were purchased by concerned loved ones who wanted to monitor their aging family members. And that is still true to some extent however, medical alert devices are becoming more and more a part of daily life for many people young and old. Therefore, many seniors and others are proactively researching and comparing the best medical alert devices for themselves. Medical alert devices are now being viewed as a preferred way of life rather than a nearing end of life purchase.
How Do The Monitors Work
The Federal Trade Commission states that PERS have three components:
- a small radio transmitter, such as Life Alerts pendant or wristband
- a console that connects to a persons telephone
- a monitoring center that monitors calls and dispatches help
When someone presses the button in a transmitter, it sends a signal to the console that dials an emergency telephone number. Companies usually program the system to call an emergency response center.
Once the center receives the call, the staff members try to find out what kind of issue a person is experiencing. Then, they look at the individuals medical history and decide whom to notify.
According to Life Alert, the company handles more than 2 million calls each year. For more information, a person can call 800-360-0329.
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Why Get A Medical Alert System
Sometimes a medical alert system can be the difference between living alone and moving into an assisted living facility or in with family.
A monitored system can give you and your loved ones the security and reassurance youre craving especially if youre worried about falls or health events. Life alerts can provide an extra layer of protection. Even If you end up paying out of pocket, the smallish monthly fee may be enough to outweigh the comfort and independence these devices provide.
Contact Your Health Insurance Company
Some insurance providers cover the cost of medical alert systems. Whether you qualify for a free device depends on numerous factors, including the type of coverage you have, your location and your income. Benefits might not be outlined in your subscriber portal or guide, so contact providers directly if you are unsure whether coverage is available.
Medicare typically doesnt offer reimbursement or discounts for medical alert devices, so you may want to contact Medicaid first if you have dual coverage. Weve included information about each of these health insurance programs below so you can decide how to proceed during your quest for medical alert system coverage.
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Is A Medical Alert System Tax Deductible
Aahhh, tax time. Everyones favorite time of year. For some, this includes adding up all the medical expenses incurred during the previous year. The silver lining to medical expenses is a potential tax deduction. However, expenses need to be considerable in order to receive the deduction. You can only use the expenses as a deduction on Schedule A if your total medical and dental expenses exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income.
First, lets go to IRS Publication 502. If you are like us and dont have one lying around your house, it can be easily accessed online. In this publication, the IRS uses the following definition for medical expenses:
Medical expenses are the costs of diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, and for the purpose of affecting any part or function of the body. These expenses include. the costs of equipment, supplies, and diagnostic devices needed for these purposes. Medical care expenses must be primarily to alleviate or prevent a physical or mental disability or illness.
So far it sounds like medical alert systems would fit within this description after all, they do help prevent injury or disability.
The publication goes on to list those things that are medical expenses. It does not explicitly state that medical alert systems are considered a medical expense and therefore tax deductible. However, it does include a few items that could possibly encompass medical alert devices.
Check With Your Service Provider
Your best bet for getting a discounted or free medical alert bracelet will be through your insurance provider. There are many variables at play here, from who your provider is to what your plan covers. Its worth reaching out to your provider and asking them if they will provide partial or full coverage to get a medical alert bracelet or system. In some cases, they will cover at least part of the cost.
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Types Of Medical Alert Systems
In-Home Units. In-home units are limited to the users home and are a good choice for people who dont leave the house at all, or that only walk out into the back or front yard. These can be connected to a landline , or use Wi-Fi or have a cellular connection. Wearable accessories are still part of the kit, but they connect to the home-based hub, so they have a limited range.
Mobile Units. Mobile GPS units can be either wearable accessories connected to a home-based system or completely wireless devices that use GPS or cellular signals like 4G LTE from different providers such as AT& T or Verizon.
These are better options for patients who lead active lives and regularly leave the house, whether it be for doctors appointments, daily grocery shopping or more daring adventures. They provide the same access and services as home-based units everywhere you go provided you have a signal.
