Getting a medical alert device for an elderly loved one is a great option to put one’s mind at ease while facilitating an independent lifestyle for a senior. Medical alert systems provide around the clock monitoring, and make it easy and simple to call for help immediately in case of an emergency or any need. Moreover, many medical alarms are easily affordable – and some may even be covered by Medicare insurance!
Medical Alarms Covered by Medicare
Medicare.com [1] reports that Medicare Part B covers medical equipment. But Part B does not have concessions or coverage for medical alarms, even if many people consider them medical equipment. However, a supplemental Medication health plan or a Medicare Advantage plan may cover the price of one medical alarm. Here are examples of the top medical alarm devices available in the market:
1. Lifeline: A Respected Name in the Medical Field
Lifeline is under the company Philips and provides customers with a wristband or pendant medical alert system which has a button, speaker, and receiver. Communication is sent through AT&T, and the buttons on the device are water-resistant.
The GoSafe device from Philips can be used both at home and on the go. These products use Wi-Fi and are great for seniors that travel frequently. In case of an emergency, Philips alerts medical personal about the senior’s location with an audio beacon. The GoSafe medical alert device is priced at $149 for equipment and $54.95 per month, meanwhile the in-home version of the medical alert starts at $29.95 and equipment is $50. [2] 2. LifeStation: Great Value for Money
LifeStation has been praised as an easy, affordable and reliable medical alarm device system. The LifeStation package includes a waterproof pendant call button or wristband and a base station that uses the user’s landline. It is also possible to purchase the LifeStation Plus and use it with cellular connections, or the LifeStation Mobile which uses GPS. Call buttons come with fall buttons and automatic notifications, 1,000 feet of range for in-home options, and up to five days of service for mobile bundles. If one has a medical need for a LifeStation’s alarm [3], it might get coverage under Medicare for the $29.95 per month charge.
3. MobileHelp: The Highest Quality Medical Alarm
MobileHelp has high-quality monitoring devices that use a mobile connection. The Classic MobileHelp in-home alarm system provides customers with a wristband, pendant button, and a base station. The Solo model has GPS monitoring, whereas the Smart option ties in a Samsung smartwatch with MobileHelp’s medical monitoring services. The Duo option brings together the Solo and Classic alarm system at $41.95 per month which is an affordable option.
4. Bay Alarm Medical: The Most Affordable Option
Bay Alarm Medical is another company with affordable monitoring devices with various options starting at $19.95 per month. [4] These include In-Home monitoring, a Mobile GPS Help Button with tracking, and an In-Car monitoring system with crash and medical alert. Automatic fall detection comes at an additional fee and involves sending a signal to emergency workers when a high-impact fall is detected. The In-Home system has 1,000 feet of range and waterproof call buttons ideal for seniors or people with disabilities who stay mostly at home. The base of this medical alert system can use VoIP, landlines, and cable internet. There’s also an option to reset and cancel accidental calls within 15 seconds.