Best Medical Alert Systems for Seniors in 2022

If you or your loved one lives an independent lifestyle and want a boost of confidence and assurance that you will be safe during an emergency, a medical alert system can be a life-saving device. From home monitoring systems and wearable help buttons to GPS tracking, a medical alert system can help you or your loved one continue living life to the fullest.  

This article will cover the best medical alert systems for seniors on the market today, what to look for in a medical alert system, free and no monthly fee systems, and medical alert systems covered by Medicare.  

What to Look for in a Medical Alert System  

Medical alert systems have two major parts to consider when looking for the best: their equipment and the on-call, 24/7 monitoring service. First, you'll want to investigate the system's monitoring or customer service side and consider their response time for emergency calls. Some offer as fast as 25 seconds in response time. 

Secondly, you'll need to consider the providers' price, contract type, and equipment quality. Many providers offer a trial period with guaranteed money back if you are unsatisfied, and even free cancellation and no long-term contract. Quality of equipment is essential, and you'll want to check the range for equipment to function and the battery life. Some systems can offer up to 1,300 feet of in-home capacity and free replacements for batteries and defective equipment. 

Many top-rated medical alert systems include: 

• MobileHelp 
• Medical Guardian 
• LifeFone 
• Lifeline 
• Bay Alarm Medical 

Free Medical Alert Systems for Seniors

While getting free medical alert systems for seniors is not common, it's not impossible. Some insurance providers pay for your medical alert system, but you will need to contact them and check that you qualify. And in some instances, your device could be a tax deduction if it’s considered medically necessary equipment and prescribed by a doctor. Other options include getting a device through the VA if you are a veteran and selecting a VA-approved vendor for your device. Additionally, if you qualify for Medicaid, specific programs may provide you with a medical device. 

Medical Alert Systems for Seniors No Monthly Fee  

Medical Alert Systems will connect you with their call center or customer service team of professional attendants who will help you during an emergency and contact the care services you need. However, if you don’t want to work with the call center and prefer a no-monthly fee service, some services will connect you to your personal contacts or your local 911 operator.  

Some of these no monthly fee services are: 

• Future Call 2-Way Talking SOS Pendant Phone 
• LogicMark Freedom Alert Emergency System 
• Assistive Technology Services Personal Assistance Voice Dialer II 
• Life Link Response LLR-110 

Also, if you are interested in additional at-home care benefits, read our next article, “Digital Care Companions”, to learn about assistive robots and how they are helping the elderly. 

Medical Alert Systems Covered by Medicare 

Medicare Parts A and B do not cover the cost of medical alert systems. However, Medicare Part C or Medicare Advantage plans will cover medical alert systems. You will need to pay a monthly premium for these plans. You will receive the same coverage from Medicare Part A and Part B and additional benefits like vision, dental, and over-the-counter medications. These benefits will vary based on your state, so check with your insurance company to see if they pay for medical alert systems, also referred to as personal emergency response systems (PERS). 

Find Senior Care Near You 

If you or your loved one are a senior living alone, find peace of mind and safety through a medical alert system. In an emergency such as a fall or if you cannot get out of the bathtub, these medical alert devices and systems will connect you with the urgent help needed.

Senior care communities offer 24/7 care and compassionate staff to meet your needs. Let Referah's team of experts help you with the process, who work directly with seniors, their families, and (by extension) medical advisors to identify the best forms of support. Talk to one of our experts about finding professional care for your loved one today.