Medical Alert Services: Medicare Covered Alert Systems with Fall Detection
Are you a senior who is interested in installing a medical alert system in your home? Do you want to ensure fast emergency help when you have an accident in your home? You can read yourself through our guide about medical alert services and find affordable options that could save your life.
MEDICAL ALARM SYSTEMS IN THE US
Medical emergencies can happen at any time. In some cases, you may be alone, and by the time someone finds you, it may be too late for you. There are family members who are vulnerable to medical emergencies. The elderly, for instance, are prone to falls and can be in danger of losing their lives if they get medical emergencies when alone.
Medical alert systems are used to provide emergency monitoring. They help ensure the safety and well-being of those members of your family who are vulnerable. All medical alert systems are designed to call emergency medical personnel once they signal a medical emergency that requires urgent attention. Additionally, they alert the individual’s family members and caregivers.
Once the medical alert system is triggered, a signal is sent to an alarm monitoring system, after which the situation is assessed and medical personnel is dispatched, or family members contacted where need be. These systems are useful because they ensure the person having a medical emergency receives medical assistance fast, thus increasing their chances of survival.
How medical alert systems work
Most medical alert systems have integrated a nationwide wireless voice, data, and GPS technology which allows for;
- Real-time monitoring
- Location tracking
- Expedited personal emergency assistance across the country.
The working of the medical alert system is simple. The system user will press the pendant or portable emergency fall button when they are in a situation where they need help. The user’s information, including their location, will then be sent to Emergency Operators.
The US-based Emergency Operator goes on to establish a 2-way communication to assess the situation.
The operator then contacts a neighbor, a family member, or the emergency services depending on the user’s specific need.
Medical alert services providers
LifeFone One of the oldest providers of emergency monitoring devices is LifeFone. Their thirty years’ experience makes them among the most trusted providers. The company offers both at-home and on-the-go services, and their customers have reported high satisfaction.
The prices of their plans start at 24.95 to 39.95 dollars. A user will incur no extra cost for equipment or activation of the plans. They also offer a mobile pendant with 5-day battery life. No contract is required to have a plan with LifeFone.
MobileHelp
Mobihelp is one medical alert systems company that provides good products that will meet your monitoring needs. Their monitoring center is managed by Rapid Response which sets high excellence standards.
The prices at MobileHelp range between 19.95 to 44.95 dollars per month. They offer both in-home and on-the-go services in which you need no equipment fee in both cases. Their at-home base station has a 24-hour battery life while their mobile battery lasts up to 3 days.
Medical Care Alert
Medical Care Alert is great for those looking for a good response time. Response time is very critical in case of emergencies. Medical Care Alert provides quick action and 24/7 assistance from EMTs and EMD certified operators. They offer three types of medical alert systems, namely; Home System, which gives a coverage of up to 1000 feet from the base unit. Home and Yard System, which has a higher coverage. Home and Away System, which provides both in-home and on-the-go protection. Their plan prices range between 27.35 to 39.95 dollars. A user does not incur any extra cost on equipment or for activation.
Bay Alarm Medical
Bay Alarm Medical is among the top medical alert systems due to its high-quality service at reasonable prices and innovative features that most of its competitors lack. The company offers both in-home and on-the-go services, which can be used via landline or cell signal. Their emergency monitoring center is certified and has the best quality ratings.
The prices of their plans range between 19.95 to 39.95 dollars per month. Their at-home service requires no equipment fee. The on-the-go service requires a one-time 79 dollars charge for the GPS Help button and a one-time 179 dollar fee for the SOS Smartwatch.
Their pendants have 5-year battery life without the need to recharge. On the other hand, the in-home station offers a 32-hour backup battery if there is a power outage.
LifeStation
The medical alert systems at LifeStation combine the quality of service and strategic partnerships, thus offering special features for caregivers unavailable with other companies. LifeStation has partnered with Uber Health who will coordinate transportation of users to and from medical appointments. The plans at LifeStation start at 21.95 to 37.95 dollars per month. Like most companies on this list, they offer in-home and on-the-go services. They have no charges for the equipment they provide. Their mobile system has five days battery life.
Medical alert services covered by Medicare
Medical alert systems, while helpful, can be expensive depending on the brand you choose, the payment plan, and the design. While it may be nice to have Medicare cover medical alert systems, it does not. The Original Medicare covers durable medical equipment, including hospital beds, walkers, canes, and blood sugar meters.
Medicare Advantage, which is a private insurance, provides the same benefits as Original Medicare with some extra benefits. However, whether it covers medical alert systems or not is dependent on the plan and the provider of the cover.
Low-cost options for medical alert systems
For those considering low-cost options or medical alert systems, the following companies have good plans.
Medical Guardian
Medical Guardian lineup offers multiple medical alert systems. Their monthly prices start at 29.95 dollars per month. Of all options in Medical Guardian, the Classic Guardian is the most affordable option. It comes with a landline base unit which has a 1,4oo-foot range together with a 32-hour backup battery. The option also has a water-resistant pendant that the user can easily wear as a bracelet or a necklace.
MobileHelp
MobileHelp, as another low-cost option, has plans for individuals and couples. Their least expensive option, the MobileHelp Classic, starts at 19.95 dollars per month. It runs on a cellular connection and includes a pendant that has one help button. The pendant also has a monitoring base. Another advantage of this option is that equipment is included in the plan as long as you are actively subscribed.
Bay Alarm Medical
Bay Alarm Medical also provides a low-cost option. Their prices begin at 21.95 dollars per month for those looking for basic at-home monitoring. The system in this option uses a landline to provide you with clear 2-way communication. You also have the choice between a wearable pendant or a wristband for the plan.
Lively
Aging is not equivalent to beng tied at home. For the seniors on the go, Lively offers a medical alert system option which includes GPS technology. Their basic plan starts at 19.99 dollars per month. It connects you to a call center that can tell your location. The plan also comes with a one-time equipment fee of 49.99 dollars. However, Lively offers seasonal discounts now and then throughout the years.
Taking care of yourself is important. With a medical alert system, you can always be assured of a quick response in the case of a medical emergency. There are so many medical alert services available and you can select whichever favors your financial status.