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ADT Medical Alert
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Medical Guardian
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Lifeline
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MobileHelp
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Medical Alert
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Aloe Care Health
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LifeFone
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Lively Mobile Plus
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Life Alert
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Call Now Toll Free
(800) 920-3410
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Bay Alarm Medical
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New England Emergency Response Systems, Inc.
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In general, your medical alert system choices are fairly straightforward, regardless of what company you choose to work with. Companies frequently split their product lines between mobile options and home-based options, so that will likely be your first major decision to make. If you’re fairly active and like to take long walks or run errands around town, a wearable device may be the better fit for you. However, if you’re more of a homebody, a stationary system may be enough, though you may want to get fall detection if your home has stairs.
When deciding which medical alert company to buy from, start by considering the following:
Companies that offer month-to-month contracts can be better for people who may be on the brink of moving into a senior community and don’t want to get caught in an expensive contract buyout clause.
Once you’ve narrowed down the medical alert companies you’re interested in to just two or three, talk to family and friends to see if they have any experience with those companies. Also, read reviews from real owners to see what their experience was like—especially if they had to contact the company for an emergency or tried to cancel their plan.
In Boston, customers can expect to spend between $19.95 to $24.99 per month on a basic medical alert system. These no-frills systems usually require a landline connection and include a base station, plus one wearable device.
| Company | Starting upfront costs* | Starting monthly fees* | Fall detection | Trial period |
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| Medical Guardian | $0 | $29.95 | Yes | None |
| Bay Alarm Medical | $0 | $19.95 | Yes | 30 days |
| ADT Medical Alert | $0 | $29.99 | Yes | None |
| Medical Alert | $0 | $19.95 | Yes | 30 days |
| Lifeline | $50 | $29.95 | Yes | 30 days |
| MobileHelp | $49.95 | $19.95 | Yes | 30 days |
| Aloe Care Health | $99.99 | $24.99 | Yes | 30 days |
| LifeFone | $0 | $24.95 | Yes | 30 days |
| Lively Mobile Plus | $49.99 | $24.99 | Yes | 30 days |
| Life Alert | $198 | $49.95 | No | None |
| New England Emergency Response Systems, Inc. | None | $30 | Yes | 3 months |
According to the 2010 Census, roughly 88,000 Boston residents were age 60 or older, reflecting an increase of 11% between 2000 and 2010 in the number of Boston seniors and far outpacing growth in the size of the all-age population of Boston. This age group is extra susceptible to falls and other emergencies in the home, which make added features like fall detection an important consideration. On average, fall detection costs an additional $5-$10 per month.
For those with more specific disabilities, or folks who are more mobile, there may be better fit solutions than just the basic packages. Higher-end technologies, like mobile systems or bundled packages, can cost upwards of $75 per month, but may provide more well-rounded safety and support.
Most companies don’t charge a start-up cost because the systems are usually provided as part of a contractual lease. In some cases, these contracts can be ended at any time. In other cases, there may be a length-of-use requirement with a cancellation fee.
Does Medicare or Medicaid pay for medical alert systems?
No. But some Medicare Part C / Medigap plans may, as part of their service plan. This coverage varies by company and contract. Contact your provider for more information.
How much is Life Alert?
Life Alert starts at $49.95 per month for its pendant. There’s also a $198 activation fee required for purchase as well.
How do medical alert systems work?
In general, medical alert systems work through your landline or wireless connection, directly connecting you to a monitoring center by the push of a button. If there’s an emergency, you would push the emergency button on your base station or pendant to talk with someone at the company’s monitoring center. Next, the monitoring center associate would either connect you with emergency help, like the fire department, or call one of your loved ones for help.
Are medical alert devices waterproof?
Most wearable devices are waterproof, but not all. Make sure you find a company that offers this feature if it’s important to you.
Are medical alert devices tax deductible in Massachusetts?
Not specifically. If it’s considered medically necessary for treatment, you can deduct it. So, if your doctor prescribes a medical alert device as part of a caregiving plan, you can deduct it. But this isn’t usually the case for most people. You may be able to deduct some of your monthly fee as part of the IRS option to deduct the cost of medical information storage. Talk to your tax professional to learn more.
ADT Medical Alert |
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ADT is a national name in security, now offering medical alert systems backed by the same industry recognition. Customers can choose from in-home and on-the-go options, including bases, pendants and watches. Many of its on-the-go systems are waterproof, so they can easily be worn in the shower or at the pool for added safety. ADT Health emergency response monitoring centers are US-based, and company owned and operated. Plans include no long-term commitment, free premium protection plan coverage, a forever rate guarantee and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. However, there are no free trials available. |
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Learn More |
Medical Guardian |
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Medical Guardian offers alert systems with emergency support. Its product lineup includes five different types of medical alert systems, including on-the-go and in-home products. For customers who aren’t sure which option they need, Medical Guardian offers a helpful product quiz. Its US-based monitoring center is certified by the highest industry standards and staffed 24/7 by trained emergency professionals. And with Care Circle (a feature of its MyGuardian app and desktop portal), customers can set up Guardian Enhanced Emergency Notifications to send real-time text and email notifications in the event of an emergency. |
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Learn More |
Lifeline |
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Lifeline, formerly Philips Lifeline, is trusted by more than 7.5 million subscribers nationwide and has been in business for over 40 years. It offers two basic options for customers to choose from, which helps simplify the decision process for those who want a standard solution. The on-the-go mobile pendant includes five locating technologies to quickly pinpoint the wearer’s location and can last up to five days on a single battery charge. Its Lifeline Cares app is a hub for sharing information within a care circle of family and friends and is included with a Lifeline subscription. |
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MobileHelp |
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MobileHelp offers seven medical alert systems, from landline systems and neck pendants to plans for two users. It also sells a touchscreen connection hub with features such as reminders, messaging, camera and more. For added security, MobileHelp systems comply with the FDA Current Good Manufacturing Practice. Each plan includes a free lockbox for emergency access to your home. Most plans also include free shipping, free activation and no long-term contracts. However, there is a $49.95 processing fee for each monthly plan. |
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Learn More |
Medical Alert |
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Medical Alert offers basic medical devices, including in-home systems and on-the-go pendants and bracelets. The no-frill systems are simple and easy to use and available at a fairly average price point. For annual customers, a free lockbox is included, which gives emergency personnel immediate access to your home in the event of an emergency. Systems include ranges of up to 800 feet, with a 30-hour back-up battery life. |
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Learn More |
Aloe Care Health |
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Aloe Care Health offers some of the most technologically advanced medical alert systems on the market at an affordable price. The Essentials Plus plan, its most popular option, includes a 4G Hub and a care button plus a mobile wearable companion with free fall detection. The hub also includes additional features like temperature and air quality monitoring and alerts, motion sensors and amplified hearing options. It also offers caregiver team collaboration through its secure application. |
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LifeFone |
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LifeFone doesn’t charge any additional fees and its prices are locked by a lifetime price guarantee. If there’s a second person in the home, you can both be protected at no additional cost. And if your needs change over time, LifeFone doesn’t charge any switching or restocking fees for a new system. Caregiver text or email alerts are available with all of LifeFone’s cellular systems. LifeFone also sells a Vanity Pendant, a more fashionable version of the basic pendant with the same range and service capacity. |
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Lively Mobile Plus |
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Lively Mobile Plus sells one medical alert system, the Lively Mobile Plus button. Customers choose one of three packages—from basic to ultimate—to determine the level of services included on the button. For example, the Ultimate Package includes fall detection, caregiver linking and urgent care. The button is compatible with Alexa devices, Apple Watch and more. Lively Mobile Plus offers a 30-day trial period and money-back guarantee. |
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Life Alert |
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Life Alert is one of the most well-known medical pendant systems on the market. According to its website, Life Alert has saved more than 500,000 lives since 2008. Its systems are more expensive than others on the market, but its reputation may help users feel more comfortable with the cost. Life Alert has some of the fastest response times because it utilizes its own dispatch center. Customers can purchase just the pendant, which is what the company is known for, or also a call button. |
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Learn More (800) 920-3410 |
Bay Alarm Medical |
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Since 1946, Bay Alarm Medical has sold life-saving alert systems. It currently offers in-home and on-the-go alert systems, smart watches and bundle packages. Its most affordable plan works through a landline connection, but it offers multiple LTE cellular options as well. All monitoring is done 24/7 by a US-based monitoring center. Customers who opt for its mobile GPS subscription receive free access to the Caregiver Tracking App, which allows caregivers to check in on a wearer’s location, battery health and location history. |
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Learn More |
New England Emergency Response Systems, Inc. |
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For over 20 years New England Emergency Response Systems has brought peace of mind to families throughout the New England region. The company offers a several products suited for virtually any situation, compatible with landline, VoIP service and cell service. Within 48 hours of purchase, a professional will visit your home for installation. The standard emergency response system consists of a lightweight waterproof button and a base unit with battery back-up. It also offers a line of assistive technology for people with mobility issues or other challenges, including soft-touch buttons. Its own company, VRI, is in charge of monitoring. |
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