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How to Get a Free Medical Alert System

Are you in need of a medical alert device? People of all ages need medical alert devices to stay safe in their homes and make sure they remain safe in emergencies. 

Did you know that there are ways to find a medical alert device for free? Here are some of your options.

Medical alert companies

Some companies offer free medical alert systems, such as Assistive Technology Services, which offers a small number of medical alerts to low-income seniors in need. Some of the top brands such as Bay Alarm and Medical Guardian will offer you free equipment if you give them a call, however, it will come with monthly or quarterly fees.

Some companies will allow you to purchase a non-monitored in-home or mobile medical alert device with no monthly fee. An example would be a landline system, yet it would only cover a small amount of space around your home. 

Rather than being monitored by a call center with trained responders who will call for help, these devices will only call your pre-set contacts. 

Veterans

If you are a veteran, you may have more options to get a free medical alert device from companies such as LiveLife personal mobile alarms. Also, there are Veterans Affairs grants and Veteran Directed Care programs that may be able to help.

Medicare Advantage

While Medicare does not cover medical alert systems, certain Medicare Advantage providers might cover a system. Look into Medicare Advantage plans to see if one covers a device. Medicare Advantage plans are private Medicare plans that cover a more comprehensive range of services in addition to covering Parts A and B. Plans will differ by state and county. 

Medicaid

Medicaid will be more likely to provide help than Medicare for a medical alert device. If you are on Medicaid assisted living help, those programs may cover a medical alert system. Medicaid Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) programs and waivers (also called 1915 waivers) may provide coverage, as well as Medicaid Managed Care Programs. 

Medicaid Self-Directed Services is another option to get funding. Self Direction helps people with disabilities live independently. Medicaid resources vary by state; the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) provide an interactive map to find your state Medicaid resources.  

Aside from Medicaid, there may be other state financial assistance programs that can help.

State Assistive Technology Programs

Check with your state’s Assistive Technology Programs reuse centers, online exchanges, or loan closets. In this case, the term “assistive technology devices” applies to any technology that allows someone to complete a task which they otherwise could not complete. Check with your state for more information. 

Where to start?

The best place to start is your local Area Agency on Aging to see what kinds of benefits they offer. Find the contact information for the Medicaid office in your state here. 

Before getting a medical alert device, make sure you know exactly what the charges will be. Test the device to make sure it works as soon as you get it, so you can return it within 30 days if needed. 

Joan Biddle

Joan Biddle is a Content Developer at Med-Alert Pros. With nearly 20 years of editing, research and writing experience, Joan crafts detailed, reliable articles that help people navigate complicated topics. She enjoys movies, reading, poetry and art.