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How To Get a Free Medical Alert System for Seniors
Programs like Medicaid, Veterans Benefits, and some Medicare Advantage plans can help seniors access a free medical alert system, but whether it’s actually free ultimately depends on your insurance provider, state and existing medical conditions.
Updated:
At a glance:
- Medicaid, Medicare Advantage (Part C), Veterans Benefits, and long-term care insurance plans are among the most reliable ways older adults can get a free medical alert device.
- Local and national senior-focused organizations and nonprofits, such as the Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) and AARP, can also help you obtain a free medical alert system; however, access varies by region and eligibility.
- Your ability to access a free medical alert system will largely depend on whether the system is deemed medically necessary by your doctor and insurance provider.
As you and your loved ones age, automatic fall detection and fast emergency responses can become a daily lifeline. Medical alert devices, also known as Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS), play a vital role, but they don’t always fit into your monthly budget.
The fact is that Original Medicare, including both Part A and Part B, doesn’t cover the cost. Private insurance also offers no guarantees.
However, seniors can access free medical alert systems. We’ve researched the most effective ways to get coverage, so you can have peace of mind knowing you’re protected without digging into your savings.
What to Expect: Understanding Medical Alert System Costs
Pricing for medical alert systems varies by system type, the emergency response services offered, and additional safety features. For example, the average monthly monitoring fee for in-home landline-based systems is between $20 and $40, while wearable devices that use a cellular connection are between $30 and $50.
Before we compare systems, it helps to understand that medical alert system costs vary depending on whether they’re considered a monitoring or equipment fee. For example, a new device might have:
- Bundled pricing. Some providers roll the equipment into your monthly rate, allowing you to lease it as long as you’re an active subscriber. You usually can’t keep the device if you cancel service, but you avoid the upfront equipment costs. The monthly rate may also be slightly higher so the company can offset the hardware cost.
- Separate equipment and monitoring fees. Other providers charge a one-time equipment fee when you purchase the device (usually between $100 and $200). The device is yours to keep after you pay the fee, but you’ll also need to commit to monthly monitoring fees to activate services. This model tends to have a lower ongoing monthly cost but a higher cost upfront.
- Activation fees. Regardless of the pricing model, many companies also charge a one-time activation fee to set up your account and connect the device to the monitoring center. This is separate from the equipment fee and typically ranges from $15 to $99, though some providers waive it as a promotion.
However, the monitoring fee isn’t the only recurring cost. Emergency alert systems may include other costs, including automatic fall detection (typically an additional $5 to $10 per month), GPS tracking, caregiver mobile apps, family member monitoring, medication reminders and more. Additionally, while many emergency buttons are water-resistant, accidents can still happen. Users should budget for occasional maintenance and repairs.
Overall, the best medical alert systems clearly outline what you should expect to pay upfront, month to month and year to year. That way, you can better determine how to reduce the cost of medical emergency services.
What Does “Free” Actually Mean When It Comes to Medical Alert Systems?
It’s important to note that even when you find effective financial assistance or a company that advertises “free” medical alert systems, it’s rare for something to have zero costs attached. “Free” in this space usually falls into one of a few categories:
- Free equipment. Providers might offer the device free of charge (the base unit, wearable pendant or watch), but you’ll still need to sign up for ongoing monthly service fees to activate the monitoring portion of services.
- No monthly fee. Some basic or unmonitored devices have low upfront costs and no monthly service fees, since they aren’t connected to a 24/7 monitoring center. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to rely on a family member or local dispatcher.
- Free trial. Some companies offer a free trial period that lets you test the device for a set period of time before you’re billed. You’ll typically need to cancel services before the trial ends to avoid being charged.
- Subsidized or discounted pricing. “Free” can also mean subsidized through a program, such as a Medicare Advantage plan, senior assistance program or nonprofit organization.
Which Health Insurances Provide Free Medical Alert Systems For Seniors?
When it comes to finding a health insurance plan that covers medical alert systems, seniors aging in place have a few different options. Each option, from Medicaid to long-term care insurance, has different eligibility requirements:
Medicaid
Medicaid offers several programs that can help seniors access free medical alert systems, also known as Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS). Eligibility typically depends on your state of residence, income, and existing medical conditions.
First, we recommend exploring Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers, which help seniors cover the cost of in-home care, such as PERS, rather than institutional care. Each state has different criteria for these waivers, so visit your state’s distinct Medicaid website for more information.
Other Medicaid programs, like Money Follows the Person (MFP) and personal care attendant services, can also provide funds. Like HCBS waivers, they can cover the cost of installing and maintaining monitoring systems if they help you stay safe at home. Talk to your Medicaid caseworker or a local Area Agency on Aging to see what you qualify for and how to apply.
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
While Original Medicare (Parts A and B) doesn’t cover medical alert systems, private healthcare plans like Medicare Advantage (Part C) might. Again, coverage varies by state and your individual insurance policy. Most Medicare Advantage plans will want you to get approval from your doctor to qualify.
To determine whether you’re covered, reach out to your Medicare Advantage insurance provider, or start looking for plans yourself on Medicare.gov.
Long-Term Care Insurance
These private insurance plans also sometimes cover the cost of medical alert systems—especially for seniors with medical conditions or disabilities. Long-term care insurance can take the form of individual, employer-sponsored, membership-based, or joint plans, but all provide financial assistance for services that support your at-home, daily living needs.
If you’re considering this option, we recommend reviewing the policy details carefully before investing in a plan. Talk to a long-term care insurance provider about whether medical alert devices are included in your benefits.
How to Get a Free Medical Alert System Through State and Local Programs
As mentioned above, states play a major role in determining your access to free medical alert systems. So, even if you don’t qualify for insurance, here are some state and local programs you might be able to take advantage of:
Regional Resource Offices
Each state has its own Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), regional resource offices that can help seniors cover the cost of medical alert systems. AAAs can help you understand Medicaid waivers, find local grants, or join nonprofit programs that can cover the cost of installation or monthly monitoring fees.
AARP Resources
AARP is a nonprofit organization that can help you pay for a medical alert system by connecting you with partner companies that offer discounts, special pricing, or rebates. Many local AARP chapters can also help you access community-based programs or senior assistance funds. You can become an AARP member by visiting its website and speaking with a representative.
County-Run Device Giveaways
At the county level, sometimes free medical alert device giveaways are funded through the county supervisor’s office and the local Office on Aging. For instance, residents 60 and older living in Orange County, CA, can apply for a limited number of first-come, first-serve units.
Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) Referrals
Many counties route seniors through an Aging and Disability Resource Center, where they can apply for long-term care benefits. In Montgomery County, MD, the ADRC offers its services at no cost and can refer residents to other county programs, nonprofit agencies, or fee-for-service providers. Think of it as an efficient way to “open the door” to your options, rather than a direct way to get a free device.
Other Local Nonprofits and Community Assistance
Beyond AAA, AARP, and ADRCs, your local community may have unique nonprofits, religious organizations, or senior centers that can help you get a free or discounted medical alert device. Some towns and counties even receive federal grants that provide seniors with free PERS units, as long as they need them to age safely at home. Look for local resources by visiting your area’s Department of Aging or talking to a social worker at a nearby senior center.
Accessing Free Monitoring Services Through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers programs that enable senior veterans to obtain free or partially covered medical alert systems. Veterans Directed Home and Community-Based Services (VD-HCBS) waivers, for instance, work similarly to Medicaid waivers by allowing eligible veterans to cover the cost of in-home care services. Mobile or at-home help buttons might be covered, but only if your qualifying medical condition or disability is related to your military service.
To find out more, speak with your local VA healthcare provider. Members of Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and American Legion can also qualify for benefits with specific medical alert companies, like LifeStation.
Medical Guardian
Great variety
Call chain for caregivers
Sleek, stylish wearable devices
ADT Medical Alert
Great plans
Home temperature monitoring
Fixed-rate service
How to Get a Free Or Reduced-Cost Medical Alert System: Step-By-Step
To get the financial assistance you need to make a medical alert system feel “worth it,” you’ll need to take a few different steps depending on who’s paying. Here are some basic guidelines to follow:
Medicaid Recipients
- Contact your caseworker. Call your local Medicaid office to learn which systems your plan or state waiver program covers.
- Apply for a waiver. Most states only cover medical alert systems through HCBS waivers, but your caseworker can walk you through all the paperwork you need to submit. This paperwork can include identity documents, proof of residency, a letter of medical necessity (LMN) and financial information.
- Get prior authorization. Some Medicaid plans require prior authorization before they’ll cover the equipment, meaning your doctor or caseworker will need to provide documents that justify the device before you’re approved.
- Choose an approved provider. Once approved, your caseworker can give you a list of medical alert companies that accept Medicaid waivers in your state.
Medicare Advantage Enrollees
- Call your plan administrator. Not all Medicare Advantage plans cover medical alert systems, so ask first whether it’s included as a supplemental benefit.
- Ask about prior authorization requirements. Some plans require prior authorization or a doctor’s referral before approving the benefit.
- Request an in-network provider list. If covered, you’ll need to go through an approved provider to receive financial support. Your plan administrator can provide this information, or you can use your member ID/policy number to find it online.
- Verify your remaining allowance. Many plans offer a fixed dollar amount toward health-related devices each year, so confirm that you have enough left to cover the new system.
Veterans and VA Beneficiaries
- Contact a nearby VA medical center. Connecting with a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) at a local VA medical center will help you determine whether you qualify for a medical alert system through VA benefits or other VA programs.
- Request a clinical evaluation. To qualify, a VA physician will usually need to assess your health and write an LMN for a medical alert system.
- Submit required documentation. When applying for VA benefits or programs, be ready to provide proof of VA enrollment, your disability rating (if applicable), and any supporting medical records.
- Paperwork review and device fulfillment. Give the VA time to process your paperwork and LMN. If approved, they’ll either ship the medical alert system to you or connect you with an approved program vendor.
Low-Income and Uninsured Individuals
- Contact your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA). This organization can connect you with local nonprofits and other programs that provide free/subsidized medical alert systems.
- Prepare your documents. Like other methods of securing financial assistance, you’ll want to have proof of income, age or disability status to demonstrate eligibility.
- Apply for programs. Submit any documents each program requests, then confirm approval and equipment shipment timelines. Processing at nonprofit organizations can take longer than commercial providers.
No matter how you try to get your new device covered, the process generally follows the same sequence: confirm eligibility, gather documentation, secure authorization if required and select an approved provider. Seeking professional help and keeping copies of the documents you submit can also speed up the process and reduce the chance of delays or denials.
What Is a No-Monthly-Fee Medical Alert Device?
Monthly monitoring fees are the norm for medical alert systems, even if you can get coverage through health insurance or other programs. After all, maintaining a 24/7 call center staffed with trained responders costs money.
Some unmonitored devices have no monthly fee, including caregiver pagers and smartphone apps, but they have very limited capabilities and may not suit seniors living alone. A caregiver pager might cost between $30 and $150 upfront, while apps may or may not have a one-time fee.
Either way, these unmonitored devices or apps don’t transfer real-time calls to a monitoring center using a two-way speaker; instead, they direct you to a limited number of emergency contacts or provide a direct 911 connection.
Alternative Low-Cost Options: From Pagers to Apps
- Caregiver pagers. A simple wireless system that you can wear or keep nearby. When you press a button, the system sends an alert directly to a pager held by a trusted family member or caregiver. Typically, you’ll only pay for the hardware upfront, with no monthly fees or contracts. Most of these devices rely on a home Wi-Fi or radio-frequency connection, so they work only within a limited range.
- Smartphone apps. Several smartphone apps can contact emergency services when triggered. Some apps even include fall detection or location sharing, depending on your phone. The main limitation is that they require you to carry and operate a smartphone, which isn’t realistic for every senior.
Unlike a monitored system, neither caregiver pagers nor smartphone apps connect you to someone at a monitoring center who can talk you through a crisis, contact EMS on your behalf and follow up if no one responds. So, if your caregiver or family contact is unavailable, asleep, or doesn’t see the alert right away, you may have trouble getting the services you need. With that in mind, we don’t recommend these solutions for seniors who live alone, have a history of falls or are diagnosed with serious medical conditions.
The Best Medical Alert Systems You Can Get For Free
Not sure which free medical alert systems you can get using the methods outlined above? Here are some brands that work with insurance, veterans’ benefits or nonprofits to help seniors cover the cost of their new system:
| Device Brand | Additional Safety Features | Methods for Covering Your System |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Guardian | – Wearable buttons – Mobile GPS tracking – Advanced caregiver alerts | AARP member discounts, long-term care insurance |
| ADT Health | – In-home and mobile coverage – Professional installation – Waterproof help button | State or local senior assistance programs, AAA |
| LifeStation | – 24/7 monitoring – GPS tracking – Optional fall detection | VA benefits and Veterans groups (VFW, American Legion) |
| Philips Lifeline | – Automatic fall detection – In-home and mobile options – Caregiver app | Medicaid HCBS waivers, long-term care insurance |
| Bay Alarm Medical | – Landline and cellular options – In-car medical alerts – GPS tracking | Medicare Advantage plans, local AAA assistance |
How to Vet “Free Medical Alert” Offers and Avoid Scams Or Hidden Fees
Many people in need search for “free medical alert systems” online, which shows a need scammers are eager to exploit. Seniors are especially common targets for misleading promotions that will try to lock you into unexpected costs.
Avoid the headaches by looking out for:
Unsolicited Phone Calls
Scam calls are getting more and more convincing, but any incoming call that claims you’ve “won” a free medical alert system or that one has already been “pre-approved” for you is an automatic red flag. When in doubt, never give out your Social Security number, bank information or Medicare number to an unverified caller. Instead, hang up and research the company on their official website, as well as sites like the BBB and ConsumerAffairs.
Read the Fine Print On Any Free Trial
A free trial can be a great way to test a device before committing, but some companies will take your credit card information upfront and start charging you automatically once that period ends. Avoid unwanted fees by marking the trial’s end date on your calendar and researching how to end it.
Ask Directly About Fees
Fees can’t be hidden or surprising if you ask about every possible charge upfront. Before you agree to anything, ask for a written disclosure of any:
- Activation or installation fees
- Equipment rental or replacement fees if a device is lost or damaged
- Shipping and handling charges
- Price increases after an introductory period
Avoid Unnecessary Long-Term Contracts
Some medical alert companies will offer discounted or free equipment if you sign up for a long-term contract (12 to 36 months), but if you’re not confident in their services, look to month-to-month options instead. The upfront cost might be slightly higher, but you’ll gain the flexibility to switch providers when you want if need be.
Understand the Cancellation Policy Before You Sign Up
Ask whether the company charges a cancellation fee, how much notice you need to give if you cancel and whether you’ll need to return equipment. You should also ask whether an automatic renewal clause can prevent you from canceling outside a specific window.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About How to Get a Free Medical Alert System for Seniors
There are many ways to save money on a medical alert system, such as choosing a health insurance plan that offers coverage and reaching out to state and local programs and organizations. Ultimately, how much you save depends on what you qualify for.
Other ways you can save money include:
– Finding discounts
– Choosing an in-home or unmonitored device
– Skipping out on extra safety features you don’t need
– Paying multiple months at a time or annually, instead of monthly
You can get both in-home landline and mobile medical alert devices (smartphones, smartwatches, wristbands, etc.) for free, but the former is easier to cover than the latter because of overall costs. Unmonitored systems offer no monthly monitoring fees, but they lack 24/7 access to an emergency call center.
While there is no “free” life alert system for seniors, brands like LifeStation work with the VA to provide affordable medical alert devices. Similarly, Philips Lifeline works with certain states to provide covered medical alert systems to Medicaid recipients.
Most private insurance and Original Medicare (Parts A and B) don’t cover the cost of medical alert systems, but some insurance might. For example, certain Medicaid waivers, Veterans Administration programs, and long-term care insurance offer coverage.
Sometimes. The VA also offers waivers that help cover the cost of medical alert systems for qualified senior veterans.
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