"Life Alert" is a brand, a company, and a generic term for Personal Emergency Response Systems.

As we age, our bodies become more fragile and susceptible to accidents, such as falls or medical emergencies. For seniors living alone, these incidents can be particularly dangerous. That's where "Life Alert" comes in – a personal emergency response system designed to provide immediate assistance in the event of an emergency. 

So while many folks ask question like "how much does Life Alert cost?" they may not just be asking about the company, but the category of personal emergency response systems in general.

So lets explore both!

This article will address the general costs of a "life alert" system, and the specifics of that company including how much this essential service costs per month In this blog post, we'll break down the costs associated with Life Alert and discuss whether it's worth the investment for you or your loved ones.

How much does a medical alert system cost?

In general, a medical alert system costs around $1 a day.

You'll pay more for specific features you may need, such as fall detection or GPS tracking.

Medical Care Alert systems start at $29.95 a month with nothing to buy up front, no activation fees, and no long term contracts.

Is A Medical Alert System Worth the Cost?

When considering whether medical alert system is worth the investment, it's essential to weigh the costs against the potential benefits and peace of mind it can provide. Here are some factors to consider:

1. Safety and independence: For seniors who value their independence but may be at risk of falls or medical emergencies, a medical alert system can provide an added layer of safety and security, allowing them to continue living independently with confidence.
2. Rapid response times: In an emergency, every second counts. Medical Care Alert's 24/7 emergency response monitoring center has an average response time of under 20 seconds, ensuring that help is on the way as quickly as possible.
3. Potential savings on healthcare costs: Falls and other accidents can lead to costly medical bills and long-term care expenses. By providing immediate assistance in these situations, a medical alert system may help prevent more severe injuries, reduce readmissions and overall healthcare costs.

Life Alert ® * Pricing Plans

Life Alert offers three main pricing plans to cater to different needs and budgets. Each plan comes with a one-time activation fee and a monthly monitoring fee. Here's a breakdown of each plan (based on information available at the time of this article June, 2023):

1. Basic Plan: The Basic Plan includes the standard Life Alert system, which consists of a base unit and a waterproof pendant or wristband with an emergency button. With this plan, you'll pay an activation fee of $95 and a monthly monitoring fee of $49.95.
2. Home Intrusion Protection Plan: This plan adds home intrusion protection features to the Basic Plan, such as door/window sensors and motion detectors connected to the base unit. The activation fee for this plan is $198, while the monthly monitoring fee remains at $49.95.
3. Mobile + Home Plan: For those who want protection both inside and outside their homes, the Mobile + Home Plan includes everything from the Basic Plan plus a mobile GPS device that can be used anywhere in the United States. This plan has an activation fee of $198 and a monthly monitoring fee of $69.90.

It's important to note that these prices may vary depending on your location or any promotions being offered at the time.

All plans come with a binding three year contract which may be illegal in some states as seen with this  New York State Attorney General class action lawsuit against Life Alert in 2021.

Additional Life Alert Costs

In addition to the activation fees and monthly monitoring fees mentioned above, there may be additional costs associated with using Life Alert:

1. Additional users: If you want to add a spouse or another family member to your Life Alert system, you'll need to purchase an additional pendant or wristband for them. These can cost around $39.95 each.
2. Equipment upgrades: Life Alert offers optional equipment upgrades, such as a wall-mounted help button for high-risk areas like the bathroom or a lockbox for emergency responders to access your home without breaking down the door. These upgrades come with additional one-time fees.

Frequently Asked Questions about Life Alert

• How Much Does Life Alert Cost per Month?
  • Life Alert costs between $49.95 a month and $69.95 a month for a basic system with $95-198 activation fee and minimum 3-year contract.
• What Life Alert alternatives are available?
  • Medical Care Alert (www.MedicalCareAlert.com) is among the best Life Alert alternatives due to lower prices, no long term contracts, and EMT/EMD certified monitoring agents answering all emergency calls.  Prices start at $29.95 a month with nothing to buy up front.
• Is Life Alert covered by Medicare?
  • Medicare, Medicaid and private health insurances do not typically pay for Life Alert or other medical alert system as they do not consider it a "medical necessity."

Conclusion

Ultimately, whether or not Life Alert is worth the cost per month depends on your individual needs and circumstances. For those who value their independence but require some assistance in case of emergencies, investing in a personal emergency response system like Life Alert may be a wise decision that provides peace of mind for both seniors and their loved ones alike.

* "Life Alert" is a registered trademark of the Life Alert Emergency Response, Inc. company.   No endorsement or connection with that company is offered here, all information presented believed accurate and true as of June, 2023.