Medical Alert Devices Provide Independence And Peace Of Mind With Personal Emergency Alert Systems We Compare Top
- Neck pendant or wristband option
- Automatic fall detection available
- No monitoring fee for second user
- Systems Starting at $19.95 + FREE Month + FREE Shipping
- Neck pendant, wristband or all-in-one
- Advanced fall detection
- Range: all over the U.S.
- Additional family members covered for free
- New Year Special! Free Month + Free Shipping + More with Code NEWYOU22
- Option of neck pendant or wristband
- Fall detection add-on available
- Additional family members covered at home
- Special Offer: 50% OFF Fall Detection
Daniel G.Frank G.
Alert Systems & Packages
You can choose from three different Life Alert systems according to your needs. All of their plans offer 24/7 professional monitoring and dont require a landline or Wi-Fi connection. Were going to cover each unit in detail, starting with the at-home systems for seniors who prefer the comfort of home. And then well dig into the combo at-home and mobile plan, which we think is ideal for seniors who enjoy a more active lifestyle and are always on-the-go.
Lively Mobile Plus: Mobile Device With Fall Detection
Sometimes, AARP offers discounts on certain medical products to its members. If you are an AARP member, you may want to look for a home medical alert system that falls into your member benefits. Our top choice that comes with an AARP discount is Lively.
Lively offers several unique services and devices to help older adults feel secure living independently. Formerly GreatCall, Lively has been in business since 2006.
Device Options
Lively sells both traditional medical alert devices and more advanced phones for seniors. If youre looking for a medical alert device, you can choose between Livelys mobile help button and a wearable fall-detection device. Both options can connect you to a help team 24/7. However, the Lively Wearable2 includes additional features, such as a step tracker and daily health tips.
Lively also offers a flip phone and smartphone designed with older adults in mind. The flip phone includes big buttons and a large screen and is compatible with Amazon Alexa. It also has an Urgent Response button on the keypad, making it easy to call for help when you need it.
Meanwhile, the Lively Smart smartphone includes a large screen and a simple menu, allowing you to make calls, browse the web, and send texts with ease. This phone also includes an Urgent Response button at the bottom of the screen, available when you need it.
Things We Like Most About Lively Mobile Plus
No Base Station
Discounts for AARP Members
Certified Urgent Response Agents
Key Features
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Does Medicaid Cover Life Alert Devices And Monitoring
- Does Medicaid cover life alert devices and monitoring? It depends on what type of Medicaid you have. Read on to learn more about emergency monitoring coverage.
Personal alert devices make it easy for older adults to get help in emergency situations. Each device has a call button to connect the user with dispatchers, reducing the amount of time it takes to get help from paramedics after a fall or some type of medical event. Whether you’re interested in Life Alert or another type of device, it’s important to choose something affordable. So, does Medicaid cover Life Alert devices and monitoring? The answer depends on where you live and what type of Medicaid coverage you have.
Defining Durable Medical Equipment And Medically Necessary
Under Medicare Part B, physician-prescribed durable medical equipment meets the criteria for coverage if it meets the following criteria:
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It is durable
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It is used for a medical reason
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The equipment is not usually useful to someone who is not injured or sick
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The equipment is used in the home
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Has a general lifetime expectancy of at least three years
But original Medicare is not the beginning and end of Medicare.
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Medicare Parts A And B Coverage
A medical alert system sounds like it fits into the covered category of durable medical equipment, but Original Medicare disagrees. Medicare Parts A and B do not cover medical alert systems.1
Did You Know: You can save money on a system even if your insurance wont help out. Some companies weve tested, including Bay Alarm Medical, one of our top medical alert providers, give an AARP discount.
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Life Alert Systems For Seniors And Medicare Eligibles
A medical alert system may provide peace of mind to someone who lives alone. For example, your caregiver may not be with you 24 hours a day. If you fall, you might not be able to reach a phone to ask for help. Some medical alert systems have a fall detection feature so the system can call for help if you take a tumble.
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Where Can I Get Help Paying For A Medical Alert System
Medical alert systems can be a necessity for adults with certain chronic conditions. If you think you might benefit from a personal emergency response system but need assistance paying for one, try the following options:
- Check with state or local senior programs. Start with Area Agencies on Aging, which provide advocacy for seniors and can connect you with community resources that may be able to help finance your medical needs.
- If you’re a veteran, check with the local benefits office of the Veteran’s Administration. The VA currently partners with two companies to provide medical alert systems: MedEquip Alert and LifeLife Personal Mobile Alarms. Veterans may also qualify for discounts on other popular systems.
Contact the company directly. Many companies offer financial assistance or discounts to seniors who can demonstrate financial need.
Bay Alarm Medical: Best Reviews
Customer reviews give you essential information about a medical alert systems real-life benefits. When a company has mostly positive reviews, you can expect it to provide an optimal user experience for you, as well.
Bay Alarm Medical is a medical alert system with some of the best customer reviews in the industry. This company has been helping customers feel secure for more than 70 years through its array of industry-leading medical alert devices.
Device Options
Bay Alarm Medical offers several alert devices, including in-home systems, versatile mobile systems, and bundle packages. The classic in-home system provides two-way communication through a mounted speaker and includes 32 hours of backup battery life. Even better, you can easily move the in-home system to different residences, which means you can even take it on vacation.
Meanwhile, the company offers three on-the-go devices: a GPS help button, an in-car alert device, and an SOS smartwatch. The help button gives you access to a medical alert provider wherever you are and includes automatic fall detection. The stylish, sleek smartwatch uses a 4G cellular network to connect you to help, while the in-car device automatically detects crashes and your location.
Things We Like Most About Bay Alarm Medical
Mobile App
Customizable Add-Ons
Sleek, Attractive Design
30-Day Trial
Fast and Responsive Monitoring Center
Positive Customer Reviews
Medical Alert Features:
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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. Some providers do offer discounts to AARP members, but this is not done by arrangement with AARP. Discount offers frequently change so check your medical alert system provider to see if they offer an AARP discount.
Contact Medical Alert System Providers
Numerous medical alert system providers, including MobileHelp and Medical Guardian, offer discounts for new subscribers after they commit to a subscription. Monthly fees arent free for these subscriptions, but you may qualify for a free device. Call a few different medical alert system providers and ask what options they have for budget-minded seniors. You may discover that monthly service costs are less than you anticipated, even after you factor in fees for shipping or activation.
Watch out for companies that require a long-term subscription if youre on a tight budget. Life Alert is a reputable company known for its top-notch customer service and prompt medical attention, but it requires a 3-year commitment. This isnt ideal for seniors who may struggle with the monthly cost of the subscription, so consider a plan with a monthly or quarterly option instead. You may also want to look for a company that offers a free trial or a fee-free cancellation period.
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Would A Medical Loan Charity Lend Me An Emergency Medical Device
Many communities have independent charities that collect gently used durable medical equipment and lend it to members of the community who have a demonstrated need and are unable to purchase their own. However, these loan closets often rely on donations, so theres no guarantee that your area will have a medical alert pendant available when you need it.
Are There Other Options For Medical Or Safety Monitoring
Life Alert is a name many people know. However, there are many other companies that offer similar PERS. Some companies even offer services Life Alert doesnt, like motion detection to monitor you for falls. Other companies might offer free initial installation or other perks.
Additionally, some PERS companies partner with Medicare Advantage providers, allowing members to get their PERS completely covered. The right company for you will depend on your budget and circumstances. Other options include:
- Alert1
- Philips Lifeline
- QMedic
There might also be local options available to you. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you can start your search by seeing if they partner with any PERS company. Most of these companies have a monthly service fee.
Another option is a smartwatch or activity tracker. You can call 911 from a smartwatch or tracker as long as it allows you to make calls.
Some watches and trackers even have built-in 911 buttons or features. Youll generally need to be connected to a phone or wireless network through Bluetooth for the feature to work. This can be a great option if you dont want to wear a safety monitoring device.
While smartwatches or trackers might initially be more expensive, they generally work with the cell or wireless service you already have, so there are no monthly fees.
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When Could Medicare Cover A Medical Alert System
Medicare Advantage plans must include the same level of coverage as Original Medicare Part A and Part B, with the exception of hospice care. In addition to that basic level of coverage, Medicare Advantage usually offers additional benefits, which may include the provision of medical alert systems, or personal emergency response systems, for seniors diagnosed as needing the additional level of care and monitoring a system would provide.
Long-term care insurance may cover the cost of a medical alert system, since these devices are a form of durable medical equipment. Seniors diagnosed as needing an additional level of care or assistance with the activities of daily living, and who can claim devices or improvements to allow them to age in place, may find their insurance company considers a medical alert system an allowable expense.
Who Needs A Medical Alert System
Most seniors will benefit from a medical alert system. From traditional in-home landline alert systems to the most modern mobile + GPS roaming alerts, theres a medical alert system for everyone. A medical alert button helps seniors stay safe whether they spend most of their time at home, or if theyre out and about staying active.
Getting great value for money is important, and so the cost of a medical alert system is a key consideration when purchasing one.
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Things To Consider When Choosing The Top Medical Alert System
The top medical alert systems on our list all differ in the features they offer, their pricing, and the services included in their subscriptions. As you search for the best medical alert system for your needs, you should consider each of the factors that make up these systems and choose an option that checks all your boxes.
Here are a few parameters to consider as you search for the best medical alert device.
Medicaid Consumer Directed Services
In some states, Medicaid distributes funds to enrollees and allows them to determine how the money should be spent. This is known as the Consumer-Directed Services program or Self-Directed Services program. If you qualify for this program, you may be able to use the funds to pay for a Life Alert system and ongoing monitoring. You’ll have the opportunity to draw up a written service plan and get help from people you trust as you work to determine the best way to use your Medicaid funds.
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Most Commonly Asked Questions About Medical Alerts
Medical alert systems bring peace of mind to seniors and people of all ages who live alone and have medical conditions which may require emergency assistance. Not sure which medical alert system is right for you? Find the answers to the most important questions about medical alert systems below to get started.
1. Who is the medical alert monitoring service right for?
Medical alert systems make sense for seniors and people of all ages that live alone or spend long periods of time alone and may require emergency medical assistance. This can include those with medical conditions such as epilepsy, stroke, seizures, heart conditions, or those with a likelihood to suffer from a fall. In the event of an emergency situation, the person can quickly contact operators to have them dispatch police, ambulance, or firefighters or alert designated caregivers and contacts.
2. What kind of services do medical alert systems provide?
In the event of a medical emergency, personal alert systems allow the user to quickly get in touch with someone to send help. The medical alert operator will be prepared with all the important contacts including family, friends, physician, etc. for effective and fast assistance in the event of an emergency. The operators can also dispatch emergency professionals such as the police, paramedics, or firefighters when necessary.
3. What kind of devices do medical alert systems include?
4. What are medical alert bracelets?
How Can You Pay
Alert1 accepts payment from credit cards, debit cards, and checks through automatic withdrawal. We accept Visa, MasterCard, and Discover. Those asking, Does Medicaid cover medical alert systems? should know that most PERS providers do not accept payment directly through any insurance plan.
While we cannot accept Medicaid, we want to make your experience with us as good as possible. Ordering a medical alert system is simple. Call our Sales Representatives at 1-800-693-5433 or order securely online.
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Will Medicare Or Private Insurance Pay For Medical Alert Systems
We often times get the question, will Medicare or Private Insurance pay for Medical Alert Systems? Will they reimburse me for my monthly expenses?
Medicare and Private Health Insurance
For the most part, insurance companies and Medicare will not cover the cost of medical alert or life alert systems. We encourage all of our customers to call their insurance provider to check if they qualify for reimbursement. Occasionally, insurance companies will pay for the medical alert or life alert systems, if the individuals circumstances merit it. Usually, a doctors recommendation is required before an insurance company will issue a reimbursement.
Long-Term Care Insurance
If you currently have Long-Term Care Insurance, you may qualify for reimbursement of your medical alert or life alert system. You will need to call your insurance provider to see if you qualify for a medical alert or life alert system.
What if Private Health Insurance, or Long-Term insurance wont reimburse me.
If you cant afford service and your insurance refuses to cover the expenses, call your local Council on Aging office. You can also visit their website at . They provide resources for older adults and those with disabilities who cannot afford certain health services. Some local Council on Aging may be able to offer you financial assistance.
Medical Alert Discounts
Things to consider when purchasing a Medical Alert or Life Alert System.
How We Chose The Best Medical Alert Systems
Although medical alert systems are very similar to each other, we focused on the following three main characteristics:
Price. We looked for companies with prices lower than the market average, or that offer more for your money, in terms of hardware and service. Offers like free equipment or the ability to pay for it in monthly installments were big pluses in our book.
Equipment. Systems with mobile apps, motion sensors, advanced range and more piqued our interest, provided they were paired with a reputation for good customer service and great pricing.
It also gave us an idea about just how frequently these companies are revisiting their catalog and keeping up with the market. Outdated equipment with a simple button might work just the same as more modern-looking ones, but it might indicate the companys not keeping up with current technology.
Reviews and certifications. In order to get an idea about each companys customer service, we read through hundreds of online reviews, and looked for recognition from certain websites and organizations specialized in senior care and monitoring. We also called the companies to see how transparent they were with information regarding pricing and contracts.
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Do Medicare Supplement Plans Help Cover Life Alert
Medicare Supplement Insurance plans, also called Medigap, do not cover Life Alert or any other medial alert system.
Medicare Supplement plans provide coverage for some Original Medicare out-of-pocket costs like deductibles, coinsurance and copayments. These plans work alongside your Original Medicare benefits to help you pay for services and devices that are covered by Original Medicare.
