Medical Alert Systems FAQ

A medical alert system is often described as a safety net, a peace of mind for family members and independence seeking seniors). In technical terms, the system incorporates three important aspects: a wearable help button, the base station and a monitoring team.

As such, a medical alert system is more than just the equipment itself; it’s a complete installment consisting of the hardware and the 24/7 professional medical and security monitoring service) provided by a medical alert company to ensure the elderly user is being looked after throughout the day.

The small help button sends a distress signal) to the base station after a single press. The home station receives the signal and automatically dials the medical alert company’s monitoring central through a landline, VoIP or cellular connection. When the monitoring agent) is alerted, they then call the user through the phone or the base station (if it’s fitted with two-way communication)) in order to assess the emergency. If the situation calls for it, they dispatch an ambulance) – providing a quicker response to the event.

These features are shared among all medical alert systems, but each provider presents additional benefits and features, such as fall detection pendants, medication reminders, on-the-go stations, mountable wall buttons, environmental detectors and more. Personal emergency response systems (PERS) is a term often used to refer to medical alert systems, as they also provide assistance to the senior in case of a home intrusion, fire, flood or any other emergency that may occur in their home.

There are two key aspects to medical alert systems: there’s the equipment consisting of the system itself, and there is the optional but equally important monitoring service. The key part of every medical alert system is the help button, which is typically worn around your neck as a pendant or on the wrist as a bracelet in the same way that you might wear a wristwatch. A good quality medical alert button is lightweight and waterproof so that it can be worn in the shower and is activated with a single press of the button to send a signal to the medical monitoring center.

In most cases the button is wirelessly connected to a central home station that has a limited range – usually covering the house and the garden – but there are also innovative solutions where the two are fused together for easier portability. In this case there is no central unit, and the button itself is the only piece of hardware that is needed.

When the base station receives the help button’s alert, it signals the monitoring center, whereupon the agent calls the user through alert the button if it boasts two-way communication, or through the base station. A standard medical alert button features just a button, while innovative new buttons are more fleshed out and also signal falls, setting off the alarm automatically.

Mobile alert buttons

There are on-the-go stations and mobile buttons that also take on the role of the central unit. These wireless systems eliminate the need for a phone line in the house to connect with the medical alert monitoring center since they work over a cellular network. Additionally many of these systems boast GPS tracking, making it easy for the monitoring staff and family members to find the location of their loved one in case the person was disorientated and got lost. At the same time the elderly person can enjoy absolute freedom in the knowledge that help is always just a button press away.

Fall detection buttons

There are also fall detection buttons that activate the moment a fall occurs, meaning it won’t be necessary for the wearer to manually set off the alarm by pushing the button. This lifesaver guarantees that help will be sent in the case of an emergency, even if the wearer is unconscious or otherwise unable to activate the alarm button.

Professional medical monitoring service

But medical alert systems aren’t just about the device. When choosing the system you are asked to subscribe to the medical alert company’s monitoring service. The length of the commitment varies, ranging from month-to-month subscriptions to quarterly, semi-annual or annual plans. The subscription fee is charged on a monthly basis, but the overall length of the commitment heavily influences the price – the longer the subscription, the lower the fee. This is called the monitoring fee, since you pay for the privilege to contact the company’s professional monitoring team who will assess the emergency situation and dispatch help on the user’s behalf, saving time and energy for the aging residents – and removes any worry for all parties that the user will be cared for should the worst happen.

Setting up a medical alert system might be a no-brainer for tech-savvy millennials, but senior couples and elderly residents could struggle getting everything in working order. The first step involves the assessment of the resident’s needs. If they spend most of their time at home then a basic model will do, but if they live an active life and leave the building often to go jogging or visit their friends, then perhaps they would be better suited to a more mobile system or an on-the-go unit.

Setting up the System

Let’s jump to shredding the papers and revealing the contents of your order. Other than the necessary accessories, inside you’ll find a manual and the warranty. Because nowadays all medical alert systems are designed with a ‘Do It Yourself’ mentality, there is typically a step-by-step tutorial in the booklets, too. In most cases the process involves plugging in the base station into a power outlet, connecting a landline or VoIP cable and then testing it.

The testing process involves a call to the monitoring headquarter, informing the agents about the test. Otherwise a false alarm is produced, which some companies charge a fee for. After the monitoring agent put the account into ‘test mode’, trigger the alarm by pushing the button. In case a clear contact is established, the product works perfectly.

Mobile GPS buttons add an extra step to the setup, and there may be an activation fee that must be paid to launch the device. Mobile buttons must be placed in their respective cradle charger. If it fits, the station illuminates a button. The button must be charged a bit before it can be turned on. Then repeat the same testing as seen with the landline version.

The top medical alert companies have well elaborated instruction manuals, tutorial videos and other means of guiding you through the process of completing the setup of the system. It’s important to mention that the customer support is eager to offer help over the phone, and some companies are willing to send out professionals to do the installing – for an additional fee, of course.

Fall detection pendants are advanced versions of the classic medical alert button, featuring numerous sensors, gyroscopes and processors that constantly keep check of the wearer’s status. The pendant is capable of detecting when the person suddenly collapses or falls to the ground due to the fact that they sense the drastic change in height and speed. The technology is highly beneficial for seniors or patients prone to falling, since the button is capable of sending an alarm signal to the monitoring center automatically without requiring the push of a button.

And because the monitoring personnel are aware of the fact that the resident uses a fall detection pendant they can deduce that a fall has occurred even if no response is given during the call. At this point they can call someone from the contact list to visit the elderly and provide help, as well as request medical assistance or an ambulance if required.

The problems with fall detection

The fall detection button doesn’t require any additional setup, but the wearer is encouraged to test it after the medical alert system is installed. It is important to note that despite constant innovations, the technology isn’t flawless. There are some conditions that could stop the pendant from tracking a fall, while brisk movement may be also be miscalculated and therefore sounding the alarm by accident.

Medical alert companies often mask the fact that the button isn’t foolproof, or hide behind the 95% accuracy, which isn’t a truly representative number. Our reviews indicate how accurate a medical alert service’s fall detection buttons are based on our research and testing. Many of our reader reviews also contain experiences from fall detection pendant users who share their findings with their fall alert button.

Money is an important factor when it comes to choosing a medical alert system, there is no doubt about that. In those situations where you wish to enable the independence of your aging family member, you likely want to do so for a reasonable price – and luckily there are several options to do so.

The first choice involves deciding whether you prefer to choose self-monitoring, or opt for the extra safety net that is provided by medical alert companies. With the former you only need to invest into a base station or medical help button sold on Amazon, which dials designated family members or 911. This saves on the monthly fee, but doesn’t match the security that comes with a professional monitoring service. Using this method provides 24/7 assistance via a two-way voice communication device and can prove to be a lifesaver in a crisis situation.

The safety net provided by medical alert companies

On the other hand, opting for the service of a medical alert company means that the equipment is free, but you’ll be charged for a monitoring fee each month. Choosing this method pays out in the short term, such as when you need the help button to support a patient recovering from an injury. The monitoring fee usually starts from $25 per month for basic landline devices, while ordering a more advanced system raises the fee to $40 or even above $50 per month.

Keep in mind though that the price depends heavily on the subscription period. The numbers are the highest when the contract is renewed on a monthly basis, but if you commit yourself for three or six months in advance (or up to a whole year), the monthly monitoring fee will often drop significantly. In some special occasions the companies might also promote special sales or distribute coupons, so it’s always good to be on the lookout during Black Friday and the Christmas period.

As a caregiver or family member, you may well be wondering whether the medical alert system that your beloved family member has is tax deductible. The answer isn’t an easy one. The Internal Revenue Service’s guidelines are pretty clear, stating that ambulance services, hearing aids, blood sugar testing supplies, acupuncture, and even special home modifications are all tax deductible.

However, they didn’t catch up on the popularity of medical alert systems, since those are yet to be listed specifically. However, it’s stated that you can include “medical expenses amounts paid to a plan that keeps medical information in a computer data bank and retrieves and furnishes the information upon request to an attending physician”. And as you see, this is exactly what the monitoring team does: they keep medical history on file via the vial of life feature, and provide it to a medical response team or a dispatched ambulance.

Don’t forget that this is a gray area, however, and you should definitely consult with your provider over this matter. The laws can also change, so we recommend contacting your local tax officer about it or reading up on the subject matter first.

How to claim a deduction for medical alert systems

Even though the money spent on a medical alert system can easily be included in the medical expenses section on tax returns – especially if the right tools are used – there are certain restrictions to pay attention to. For starters, not only is it required to itemize deductions, but the total of your expected reimbursement of medical expenses has to exceed 10% of your adjusted gross income (AGI) too. And that still doesn’t result in the final deductible amount; you also need to subtract 10% of your AGI from the total of medical expenses to get the true amount that can be claimed as a medical expense deduction.

Simply put, if the annual costs of a medical alert system increase medical expenses above the 10% AGI threshold and the itemized deductions result in fewer taxes than sticking to standard deductions, then this expense could and should be included on the tax return.

This is a very hard question. Unfortunately, in most cases insurance companies and Medicare won’t cover the price of a medical alert system, despite their proven effectiveness. This is a sad fact, since seniors are often left with a number of unspecific details. Having long-term care insurance maybe qualifies you for a reimbursement, but that’s not certain either. Still, medical alert companies often encourage the elderly to contact their insurance companies for more info.

Alternative ways to lower the cost

Despite the fact that insurance will not cover the whole system, you’ll find plenty of ways to decrease the price. Opting for a longer plan provides a considerable discount on the monthly fee, and companies are known to present special deals, further discounts or coupons around big holidays. Hospitals also recognized the life-saving value of such systems; the Morris Hospital, for example, created the Lifeline Medical Alert Program, where they partnered with the provider to supply the elderly with personal emergency help buttons for a far more affordable price.

When it comes to home healthcare solutions, many seniors and families turn to medical alert systems for additional peace of mind. With features like 24/7 monitoring, fall detection, and GPS tracking, these devices help people maintain independence and feel more comfortable going about their daily activities. The at-home systems provide protection inside and around the house, whereas the one-the-go devices enable users to ask for immediate assistance at the touch of a button anytime, anywhere. However, life alert systems aren’t free of charge, and there are monthly subscription fees to be paid. Fortunately, the U.S. government runs a national insurance program called Medicare that occasionally helps citizens with the expense of getting medical alert devices.

How Medicare is structured

Medicare provides health insurance for seniors and consists of four parts. The first two parts, A and B, fall under Original Medicare, while Part C and D are available through private health insurance companies. Part A is a type of hospital insurance that provides coverage for in-patient care and expenses at a medical institution. In contrast, Part B offers insurance for out-of-hospital treatments like clinical research and doctor visits. But a more comprehensive health insurance option known as Medicare Advantage or Part C is also available. It bundles hospital and medical insurance into a single medical aid for seniors. The last part of Medicare, Part D, is a prescription medication benefit provided to pensioners that need access to out-of-hospital prescription medication.

While the Original Medicare does not cover medical alert systems, a private health insurance company may reimburse the cost of getting one under Medicare Advantage. However, seniors may need proof from their doctors stating that the alert system is medically necessary before the health insurance company can consider covering it.

Medicare Advantage (Part C)

Medicare Advantage (MA) plans are acquired through private health insurance companies, which are approved to participate in the Medicare program. The most popular MA plans are Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS), and Medical Savings (MSA). On top of covering services included in Part A and B, Medicare Advantage also helps to pay for the usual doctors’ visits, medical equipment, and different kinds of therapy, not to mention dental, eye care, and hearing services.

Medicare Advantage plans can limit out-of-pocket medical expenses, lower copayments, and save money in the long run. To apply for an MA plan, it’s as easy as doing the following:

1. Enroll in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B).
2. Contact a Medicare-approved private insurance provider.
3. Sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan during the enrollment periods: Initial Coverage Election Period (ICEP) and Annual Election Period (AEP).

The ICEP begins three months before enrollment in Original Medicare. It ends on either the last day of the month before signing up for Original Medicare or the last day of the Part B initial enrollment period. On the other hand, the AEP runs from October 15th to December 7th each year. For an average premium of $18 per month, seniors can enjoy all the benefits that come with Medicare Advantage plans. However, it’s worth noting that only a few Medicare-approved insurance providers, like Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) and Humana, fully cover medical alert systems. BCBS provides seniors with a free Lively Mobile Plus alert unit, while Humana offers the Philips Lifeline system to older patients with congestive heart failure at no monthly cost.

Alternative methods of obtaining medical alert systems

Medical alert systems don’t come cheap, but there are plenty of ways for seniors to get their hands on one without breaking the bank. First, contact medical alert companies to see if they provide any financial assistance. Pensioners may still need to pay a service subscription fee, but they can save money by not having to purchase an actual device. Another option is for seniors to downsize their homes to foot the alert system bill, which could also increase their cash flow and reduce monthly expenses. It’s also a good idea to look into Medicaid, which is a medical assistance program for low-income earners. It subsidizes the cost of medical alert systems for the elderly that meet certain criteria. Finally, it’s worth knowing that elderly veterans who served time in the military may also qualify for a free medical alert system from the Veteran Agency.

No one can put a price on safety, but getting a medical alert system shouldn’t have to cost anyone an arm and a leg. With the help of the national insurance program Medicare, seniors can afford life-saving emergency devices and take better care of themselves.