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Medical alert systems are a must for seniors who live alone. However, they can be expensive with equipment, shipping and activation fees.
Luckily, there are ways to reduce the cost. AARP has long-running partnerships with Philips Lifeline and Lively, two popular medical alert system companies. The discounts they offer are worth checking out.
AARP Discounts on Medical Alert Systems
If you’re a senior and an AARP member, you can save money on medical alert systems through discounts offered by the organization. AARP has partnerships with two major providers that offer affordable medical alert devices, but it’s not hard to find other companies that also provide discounts to seniors.
AARP members can get one month free of service, plus a free device and lockbox when they sign up for an annual plan with Lifeline or Philips Lifeline. gps alarm for elderly These plans cost $55 to $75 per year, respectively. Depending on your needs, you might be better off choosing a provider that offers month-to-month contracts instead of an annual contract.
fall detector Bay Alarm Medical, MobileHelp, and Medical Guardian are other popular medical alert system providers that offer AARP discounts. These systems usually include a free home device and one mobile unit, with the option to add fall detection and other upgrades. InvisaWear also offers pendants and bracelets that double as emergency help buttons for AARP members.
Some AARP members may also have coverage for medical alert systems through Medicare Advantage Plans. These private insurance plans typically cover costs that aren’t covered by Original Medicare. However, it’s important to note that a Medicare Advantage plan will still require you to pay a monthly subscription fee for device monitoring. Fortunately, there are other resources that can help offset the cost of a medical alert system, such as Medicaid (through home and community based services or Money Follows the Individual programs), veteran benefits, and local Area Agency on Aging groups.
AARP Endorses Medical Guardian
AARP does not endorse any particular medical alert system provider, leaving the choice of device to each individual senior. However, the organization does provide resources that can help reduce the cost of devices. Many seniors are also eligible for discounts on medical alert systems through their insurance providers, and veterans can work with the VA to get a free medical alert system.
One of the largest medical alert system providers, Medical Guardian offers a full suite of devices, including mobile medical alert systems with GPS tracking and fall detection, as well as at-home landline and cellular systems. Their customer service is known for being tailored to older adults and the company's medical alert buttons are designed to be as easy to use as possible. Their at-home systems are also distinguished by their long connection range, which can reach up to three and a half football fields from the base station.
AARP members are eligible for a 15% discount on Lifeline medical alert systems, which can help reduce the upfront costs of a device. Moreover, the organization provides a wide variety of other benefits for its members, including discounts on restaurants, hotels, and prescriptions. These benefits are more than worth the annual membership fee, and it's important for seniors to keep an eye on the list of discounts offered by AARP as it changes regularly.
AARP Endorses Lively
AARP has partnered with two medical alert systems that offer AARP members discounts on monthly fees. However, AARP does not endorse any particular system or brand and members can save money with alternative systems that aren’t partnered with the organization.
The top-rated Lively system, formerly known as GreatCall, is a popular option among seniors and their families. It combines the portability of a cell phone with the safety features of a medical alert system. Lively offers several bundles including a wearable button with at-home monitoring and on-the-go service, or one that includes a mobile device and fall detection.
It also provides a number of accessories like a lanyard and pendant for users who prefer to not wear a button around their necks or wrists. The system also comes with free shipping and activation for new customers. AARP members can get a $60 discount per year on the annual subscription fee for the Preferred or Ultimate packages.
AARP is dedicated to keeping its members informed on the latest scams, and they often publish articles on how to spot misleading deals. They also devote a lot of attention to helping their members stay safe, which is why they’ve partnered with companies that offer discounted rates on medical alert systems for seniors. These discounts can add up to big savings over time.
AARP Endorses Medical Alert
With nearly 38 million members, the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) is one of the most influential membership organizations in the US. As an organization, AARP advocates for the rights of seniors, and many of these include access to medical alert systems. While AARP does not endorse specific systems, the organization often offers discounts on them. These discounts can help make these systems much more affordable, which makes them a more viable option for many seniors.
These small devices pair a cellular or landline phone connection with a user-activated “help button” that can quickly connect the senior to a 24/7 emergency call response center, where help will be dispatched immediately if necessary. These devices can save lives in emergencies such as falls, which are a common cause of injury among seniors.
Many medical alert systems also offer a smartphone app that can be used to monitor the system, get help notifications and even set care schedules. Some of these apps can also detect motion and send an alert if the user hasn’t moved in a certain amount of time.
When shopping for a new medical alert system, it’s important to look at all fees associated with the device and any add-on services that might require monthly or one-time payments. In addition to the initial cost of the equipment, most systems also charge a monthly fee for monitoring, which can sometimes be included in the price of the device.
