The basic premise to a medical alert system is to provide emergency monitoring in order to ensure safety and well-being. The systems are designed to monitor those who need it and call for emergency assistance if necessary. It could be due to a fall, lack of response when someone reaches out or any number of things that can happen when an older person lives alone.

There are two basic types of medical alert systems – monitored and unmonitored. A monitored medical alert system usually consists of a wearable device with a button that can be pressed in the case of an emergency. When the button is pressed and held, someone monitoring the signal speaks to you through a base system to determine what the emergency may be. You can respond, letting them know if you have fallen, if you need professional medical assistance or if they simply need to reach out to the friends and family you have in your contact list. An unmonitored system also has a wearable device with a button that you press in an emergency. However, those systems simply send a signal to a friend, family member, neighbor or other emergency contact you have provided, letting them know there is a problem.

Although it would seem as if a monitored system is the better option, there are actually pros and cons to both types. A monitored system that has operators in foreign countries may not be a good option as someone whose native language is not English may not understand your emergency. The same is true if you or your loved one speaks another language. You will want a call center with operators who are multilingual. You also want to be sure the call center is monitored 24/7 and that there is a quick response time. However, an unmonitored system may not have an operator at all and may simply send a recorded message to your contacts. If someone does not answer the phone, it could be some time before they realize there is a problem. You also cannot use an unmonitored system when you travel as the alerts are based on your home location.

There are differences between medical alert systems and security systems. Most security systems do not offer wearable devices that can be used if there is an emergency. Security systems normally have a control panel or keypad that you use to secure your home. Most do have panic buttons that you can push if there is an emergency, but you must be able to get to the control panel to do so. Many medical alert devices have automatic fall detection which means if you fall, an alert is automatically sent to the monitoring location. The purpose of a security system is to protect your property, belongings and keep you safe while a medical alert system is designed to protect you or your loved one specifically.

Not all medical alert systems come with medical alert bracelets. Some systems have a pendant or a device that you can clip to your clothing that perform the same way a medical alert bracelet. Keep in mind, there are also medical alert bracelets that do not have notification properties. There are those who simply document a medical condition you may have so that emergency personnel are aware should you have an emergency away from home or even at home, but are unable to speak. The majority of medical alert systems do have some sort of electronic device that you can wear or carry that allows you to call for help no matter where you are.

The costs of medical alert systems are not covered by Original Medicare as they do not fit the definition of “durable medical care.” However, it is possible that if you have Medicare Part C, also known as a Medicare Advantage Plan, the cost of a medical alert system may be covered. Each Medicare Advantage Plan is different so you will need to look into your plan to see what is covered.

Prices for medical alert systems vary greatly with the average costs ranging from $19.95 to $49.95 per month. In some cases, there may be no activation fee or charge for the equipment, although some lower priced monthly plans may require you to pay for the devices or the base unit. Usually, the most basic service, usually a home landline service, is the most reasonable while mobile services, which allow you to use the system no matter where you are, tend to have the highest costs.

You can purchase medical alert systems near you at many different locations. Pharmacies and department stores, including Walgreens, Walmart and other companies sell medical alert systems. You can also find options at warehouse stores such as Costco, BJs or Sam’s Club. Many companies also have an online presence and will send a representative to your home to help choose the correct system for your needs.

A search for the best medical alert systems found the top five to be as follows as determined by watchdog sites like US News & World Report, Consumer Reports, Forbes and more:

• Medical Alert – one of the largest providers of medical alert systems. It offers one of the best values, around-the-clock protection and reliable service at a low cost. There is a free lockbox provided with an annual subscription and you have international coverage. There are also no long term contracts or cancellation fees.
• MobileHelp – was ranked highly for their on-demand telehealth services and its low prices. Dispatch services are provided by Rapid Response, one of the nation’s leading monitoring companies. They also have operators who speak multiple languages. Their response to calls is also very quick, getting you or your loved one help as fast as possible.
• Bay Alarm Medical – offers a wide range of medical alert systems, including those designed just for the home, those designed for on-the-go and bundle packages that combine both. You can also get a smartwatch device which eliminates the need for a smartphone, but provides the same mobile options.
• LifeFone – endorsed by the National Council on Aging and WebMD. This company offers a 30-day free trial and dispatchers respond to calls in less than one minute. You can also get free basic protection for a spouse.
• Medical Guardian – offers a wide variety of features and devices. Some go beyond standard monitoring, including a caregiver portal, activity tracking and location services. They also offer voice-to-text options. Their devices are also lightweight and waterproof.

One of the easiest ways to save money on medical alert systems is to check your Medicare or other insurance policy to see if they cover the cost. Even if they do cover the cost, however, there may still be some out of pocket expenses. In addition, you may need to have a specific medical issue to qualify for coverage, such as being a fall risk. If you are a veteran, you may qualify for coverage as long as you purchase the system from an approved provider. If you don’t qualify for coverage from insurance or the VA, consider talking to local senior assistance agencies who may have grants or other funding to help cover the cost of medical alert systems.

If you are unable to get assistance to cover the entire cost of your medical alert system, you can find significant savings by signing up for BestSeniorDiscounts.com. There is never a fee to register, and you can begin finding discounts immediately. Their experts have searched and found some of the biggest savings available on many different brands of medical alert systems, both monitored and unmonitored. Sign up today and begin saving on all types of items designed specifically for older adults. Simply fill out the easy online form and you can begin saving money that you can then use for other fun things, like travel or new cars. If your insurance company does not cover the cost of medical alert systems or the out-of-pocket costs are simply too high, visit BestSeniorDiscounts.com today to see how they can help save you money not only on medical alert systems, but other items you use regularly as well.