Are Medical Alert Systems Worth It?

Understanding Medical Alert System Costs

The average monthly cost for a medical alert system, otherwise known as a personal emergency response system (PERS), is $37. However, total costs, including one-time equipment fees, activation fees, monthly fees, long-term contracts, and even cancellation fees, depend on the brand and type of device. The best medical alert systems outline pricing clearly and don’t typically punish you in their cancellation policy.

One-Time Equipment Fees vs. Monthly Fees

Equipment and activation fees are one-time expenses that cover the cost of installing the base station and emergency button or the initial cost of a wearable device. Some plans offer no-cost equipment as part of a larger contract, but not all. On the other hand, monthly fees cover the 24/7, ongoing landline or cellular connection to the medical alert company’s response center.

• Equipment fees: $0 to $350+, one-time
• Activation fees: $0 to $100+, one-time
• Monthly fees: $25 to $50+ per month

Additional Features Add Monthly Costs

Access to extra features usually adds to the base monthly cost. Automatic fall detection is one of the best examples, increasing monthly payments by an extra $8 to $12 ($10 on average). Even when a fall causes loss of consciousness, this feature attempts to detect the fall and contact emergency services for you. 

Mobile GPS tracking, device insurance, key lockboxes and extra wall buttons can all also have add-on costs between $5 and $20. However, many older adults report that these features are worth it and improve their well-being.

Medical Alert Device Prices By Type of System

There are several key differences between landline-based, in-home systems, and mobile systems that rely on a cellular network, including pricing. To help decide which type of system is more worth it for your situation, we’ve outlined their pricing and capabilities:

Type of system	Average monthly cost	Description
In-home (landline)	$20 to $35	Reliable landline connection for emergency calls at home.
In-home (cellular)	$30 to $40	Stronger connectivity and easy relocation without needing a phone jack.
Mobile (cellular)	$30 to $50	Strong connection anywhere there’s coverage for regular in-home and outdoor use.
Smartwatch	$40 to $60	Worn like a smartwatch with added features like fall detection, GPS services, and health tracking.

When you choose your device, weighing its range and battery life against how often you actually leave the house will help you find the best lifestyle fit. The in-home range offered by landline systems usually extends several hundred feet, allowing you to get help on the third floor of a multi-story home or in your yard if you’re doing outdoor activities there. However, this protection is limited to the property line. 

On the other hand, mobile GPS devices that rely on cellular coverage give you on-the-go protection wherever you can get a signal but usually have higher monthly costs and shorter battery life. Most report that the extra cost and frequent charging are worth it if you’re often out running errands, walking the dog, visiting friends, etc.

Monitored vs. Unmonitored Systems

The devices listed above are all professionally monitored systems, but there are also self-monitored (or unmonitored) devices. Here are the key differences between monitored and unmonitored options:

Professionally Monitored Systems

The most common and regularly used by seniors, these devices connect you to a live agent at a 24/7 monitoring center when you press the help button. That agent will then assess your situation, stay on the line with you and dispatch whatever emergency services you need. This service comes with a monthly monitoring fee (typically $25 to $50+).

Unmonitored Devices

These no-monthly-fee devices skip the call center entirely. Instead, pushing the help button will either trigger a 911 auto-dial or send an alert to someone on a family contact list. While you can save money on monthly costs, there is no agent who can assess your situation or ask clarifying questions. The upfront cost for these devices usually falls anywhere from $99 to over $250.

Which device is right for you? If you have a limited monthly budget, lack severe mobility challenges or live with a caregiver/family member, an unmonitored device could bridge the gap in the rare instance that you fall while everyone is away. However, seniors who live alone with a higher fall risk or chronic medical conditions should always consider a fully monitored device.

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The Pros and Cons of a New Medical Alert Device

If you or a loved one has mobility concerns, medical alert systems provide two-way communication with life-saving call centers. That way, emergency responders can reach you as quickly as possible when medical or mobility issues arise.

However, before you invest, here are some essential factors to consider:

Medical Alert System Pros

• Better safety at home: Up to one in four seniors experience falls annually, but medical alert systems provide immediate access to emergency responders when these falls, fractures, or other medical emergencies occur.
• Improves outcomes for high-risk groups: For every minute that passes without EMS assistance (CPR and defibrillation), the chance of surviving a heart attack decreases by 7 to 10%. For seniors with chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, Parkinson’s and cognitive decline or those in post-surgery recovery, medical alert systems provide a rapid response that can save lives.
• Supports independence: Ease of use makes aging in place easier for seniors, especially when you don’t want to rely on family members or caregivers. The obvious financial benefit is being able to avoid assisted living, but one of the key non-financial benefits is both family and caregiver peace of mind. Many families find that the 24/7 reassurance given to them by caregiver apps, alerts and location tracking is well worth the price.
• Immediate emergency access: Industry benchmarks put the average response time around 15 to 45 seconds, with most 24/7 monitoring centers answering in less than a minute. This reduces the time to treatment compared to other emergency services.
• Portable and flexible: Many devices that rely on cellular service, including basic wristbands and advanced smartwatches, can be used both at home and on the go.
• Customizable features: Options like automatic fall detection, GPS tracking, and compatible cell phone apps let seniors choose systems that fit their lifestyle and budget.

Medical Alert System Cons

• Ongoing expense: Unless the system is unmonitored, you’ll need to pay monthly or annually to continue accessing services, which can add up over time.
• Technology limitations: Wi-Fi or cellular-based systems may experience connectivity, power outage, or battery life issues, and advanced features may require regular updates or troubleshooting. Fall detection accuracy isn’t flawless either, with the potential for missed falls or false alarms triggered by sudden movements.
• User adaptation: Working with unfamiliar technology can be difficult for some seniors, as false alarms and accidental button presses, while not accruing any fees, can cause stress. You can always take advantage of trial periods to build your tech skills.
• Privacy: In order for GPS tracking and always-on connectivity to work, some location data and personal information are regularly shared with the provider. If you’re concerned about data leaks or other privacy issues, it’s worth reviewing each company’s privacy policy and app permissions first.

When the Cons Outweigh the Pros: Well-supported and Healthy Seniors

Despite the many pros listed above, that doesn’t mean every senior needs the 24/7 monitoring provided by medical alert systems. You can likely save on monthly costs if:

• You’re a healthy senior with minimal fall risk and no history of balance issues
• You have a live-in caregiver or family member who’s present most of the time
• The ongoing monthly cost puts too much of a strain on your budget

In these situations, you might want to lean on alternative safety strategies, like a shared calendar, a two-way speaker with emergency calling features, or simple home safety modifications (grab bars, non-slip mats, etc.). If your situation does change in the future, however, either because of a new diagnosis or losing access to a caregiver, you can always revisit cellular and in-home medical alert systems.

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Medical Alert Systems vs. Smartphones, Wearables, and Voice Assistants

If you already own a smartphone, smart speaker (voice assistant), or wearable (Apple Watch, bracelet or pendant), you’re probably wondering what a medical alert system can do that your current device cannot. Here’s how they stack up:

Feature	Smartphone (SOS)	Apple Watch	Voice Assistant	Medical Alert System
Response type	Standard 911 dispatch	Standard 911 dispatch	Standard 911 or personal contact	24/7 monitoring center with a trained operator
Getting help	Press the “emergency call” button on the lock screen	Fall detection or side-button press	Voice command	Fall detection or one-touch help button
Range	Works as long as the device is in reach and has service	Works as long as the device is being worn and has service	Only works near the device’s microphone	Works throughout the home; GPS tracking extends coverage outdoors
Best for	Tech-comfortable seniors with a low fall risk	Active seniors wanting fitness and safety features	Seniors who spend most of their time at home, near the speaker	Seniors with higher fall risk, chronic conditions, or living alone

Overall, these alternatives to medical alert devices are a helpful supplement but less likely to connect you with first responders quickly if you fall or can’t speak when the emergency occurs.

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Professional Tips For Making Your Medical Alert System More “Worth It”

Making a medical alert device “worth it” is mainly about either reducing the cost or improving safety features. Here’s what our experts suggest:

• Find financial assistance: Original Medicare and most private healthcare plans won’t cover the cost of a medical alert system, but Medicare Advantage programs, Medicaid waivers (HCBS waivers), Veterans benefits (VD-HCBS waivers), and some long-term care insurance might. Nonprofits are another option. Visit your local Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) or Lions Clubs for program specifics. 
  
  Since approvals for most of these options require a doctor’s letter of medical necessity (LMN) or proof of fall risk, you should always prep your paperwork beforehand. Even partial coverage for upfront equipment costs or monthly monitoring fees can make “hard to afford” out-of-pocket expenses more manageable for seniors on fixed incomes.
• Choose quality brands: companies like Life Alert may be popular, but that doesn’t mean they’re the most cost-effective option. In fact, while Life Alert requires high upfront spending and lengthy three-year contracts (including cancellation fees), other brands offer more features for less.
  
  For example, Medical Guardian, MobileHelp, Bay Alarm Medical, Medical Care Alert, and Lifeline all provide features that Life Alert doesn’t, including added fall detection and mobile app compatibility, at more affordable starting price points. Additionally, while some of these brands have upfront, one-time equipment costs, none require you to sign a contract.
• Get a warranty or protection plan: Medical alert devices are very reliable, but all electronic equipment has the potential for malfunctions. Luckily, many companies offer accidental damage protection, battery replacement programs, priority replacement shipping, and extended warranties for issues that aren’t normally covered.

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Our Takeaway: Medical Alert Systems are Affordable for Seniors

For an average of just $37 a month, medical alert systems provide 24/7 access to a monitoring center when emergencies occur. Added features like fall detection and GPS tracking can further improve your safety. Plus, if you can prove they’re a medical necessity, Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, and Veterans Benefits can all help cover these devices for seniors wanting to age in place.

Ultimately, the monthly subscription costs pale in comparison to the thousands in emergency room bills you might pay as a result of a single hospitalization from fall-related injuries. Even if you only use the system once, those long-term savings are well worth it.

Is a Medical Alert System Worth It for You? A Quick Decision Guide

Factor	The best solution for your situation
High fall risk	Getting a medical alert device: If you’ve fallen within the past year or regularly feel unsteady, a device with fall detection gives you much faster access to emergency services.
Chronic medical conditions	Getting a medical alert device: If you’re managing heart disease, diabetes, COPD or another serious condition, a device allows you to get help without needing to call 911 yourself.
Living alone	Getting a medical alert device: If you live alone or are frequently home alone, a device allows you to get help even when there’s nobody else around to notice the emergency.
Experience with tech	A cellular or smartwatch option: If you’re comfortable with touchscreens and caregiver apps, these devices offer more features.
Travel regularly	A cellular system: If you have a high level of independence and leave your house often, a cellular system ensures you can access an emergency response center from almost anywhere.
Limited budget	A landline in-home system: Generally offers the cheapest monthly monitoring fees, but the limited in-home range might not be sufficient if you leave the house often.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Value of Medical Alert Systems

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