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Best Medical Alert Bracelets of 2024: Our Experts Put Them to the Test
Feb 09, 2024
Fact Checked
We hand-tested and chose the best medical alert bracelets based on price, features, connectivity range, and more.
Medical alert bracelets are a discreet way to stay connected to your medical alert system and 24/7 monitoring center during an emergency. You can contact the monitoring center by pressing the bracelet button within a certain range of your medical alert system (about 600–1,400 feet, depending on the model).
Also known as life alert bracelets, medical alert bracelets are lightweight and roughly the size of a watch. They are included with most medical alert systems at no extra cost.
Most medical alert bracelets do not support fall detection. You must purchase a separate fall detection necklace or lanyard for all brands featured here.
Calling for help is as simple as pushing a button when you have a medical alert system—and most at-home and mobile medical alert systems include a medical alert bracelet as an additional safety accessory.
Also known as life alert bracelets, medical alert bracelets are wirelessly connected to your medical alert system. Even if you’re hundreds or more than a thousand feet from the system, all you have to do is press the bracelet button to contact the 24/7 monitoring center.
If you’re an older adult aging at home, have a chronic disease, are at risk for falling, or experience reduced mobility, these devices were designed for you. Research shows[1]
Stokke, R. The Personal Emergency Response System as a Technology Innovation in Primary Health Care Services: An Integrative Review. Journal of Medical Internet Research. July 14, 2016. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4965612/ that using a medical alert system and knowing help is only a button away can help provide a sense of security and independence.
Our Reviews Team researched and tested a variety of the best medical alert bracelets to help you find the best medical alert bracelet for you or your loved one. See our top medical alert bracelets and why we picked them.
MobileHelp has three packages that bundle two medical alert systems under one monthly monitoring fee. Depending on which package you choose, you’ll receive either an at-home system and a mobile system, or two mobile systems.
Our Reviews Team loved the flexibility of bundle packages for two people in the same home. If you’re out running errands but your partner is at home, you’ll both stay connected to the monitoring center through separate systems. This is why MobileHelp earned the title of “Best for Partners or Roommates” from our Reviews Team.
Pros and cons
Pros1,400-foot range from bracelet to at-home system (with cellular connection)Additional life alert bracelets available for $2 per monthBracelet battery life is monitored by the brand’s technical support team and replaced for freeNo equipment or activation feesConsCan’t add bracelets to the Wired Home package when ordering onlineOnly one free button, even with bundlesMonthly fee for additional bracelets instead of a one-time feeNo fall detection offered with braceletHighest starting monthly fee on this list
Features
Starting monthly fee: $34.95
Device range:
600 feet (Wired Home and MobileHelp Touch)
1,400 feet (MobileHelp Classic)
Connection type: Landline, AT&T cellular
Bracelet dimensions:
Strap: 9.8”
Center button: 1.38” L x 0.25” H
Bracelet weight: 1.1 oz
Battery life:
Five years (medical alert bracelet)
Up to 30 hours back-up battery (at-home system)
More than 24 hours (mobile systems)
Response time: 25–50 seconds
Details
While MobileHelp offers a standard landline and cellular at-home system, our Reviews Team especially enjoyed testing the MobileHelp Touch at-home system. The unique touchscreen base station offers a variety of features, including health vitals monitoring, health articles and videos, a personal photo gallery, Sudoku games, and messaging features. Reminders and activity tracking are available with Connect Premium ($6 per month).
The medical alert bracelet connects up to 600 feet from the MobileHelp Touch and Wired Home landline system, while the MobileHelp Classic cellular system offers a 1,400-foot connection range from the bracelet to the base station. All three at-home base stations have a two-way speaker to communicate with monitoring center staff.
Choose the Wrist Button White or Black to receive a bracelet with your MobileHelp medical alert system.
MobileHelp bracelet packages
MobileHelp offers medical alert bracelets with the following packages:
In-home:
Wired Home: $26.95 per month
MobileHelp Classic $34.95 per month
Touch Classic: $54.95 per month
Mobile:
Solo: $41.95 per month
Micro: $39.95 per month
Bundle packages:
Duo (at-home base station and mobile system): $46.95 per month
Mobile Duo (two mobile systems): $49.95 per month
Touch Duo (touchscreen base station and mobile system): $64.95 per month
Keep in mind that all MobileHelp subscriptions include a medical alert bracelet, but you have to select the wristband option under System Buttons on the checkout page to receive it with your package. We spoke with a customer service representative and confirmed that the technical support team monitors the bracelet’s battery life and sends a free replacement when the battery is low. Learn more in our dedicated MobileHelp Review.
Medical Alert Bracelet with the Best At-Home Range
Medical Guardian
9.7Excellent
•
Average response time: under 25 seconds
•
24/7 monitoring center located in the United States
Medical Guardian has four packages that include a medical alert bracelet: two at-home systems and two mobile. The landline based MGClassic offers 1,300 feet of coverage, while the MGHome Cellular offers 1,400 feet. Our Reviews Team named Medical Guardian “Best At-Home Range” because of the generous coverage for both systems (most landline medical alert systems only offer a few hundred feet).
Our Reviews Team recommends Medical Guardian’s at-home systems if you’re interested in the convenience of a medical alert bracelet and spend most of your time at home or in your yard.
Pros and cons
ProsOne of the longest device ranges in the industry (1,300 feet for landline and 1,400 feet for cellular)Additional bracelets available for $2.99 each per monthTied with longest battery life on this list (up to five years)Free MyGuardian online caregiver portalConsMust pay a monthly fee for additional bracelets instead of a one-time feeWarranty included only with smartwatch (protection plan costs extra)
Features
Starting monthly fee: $29.95
Device range: 1,300 feet (MGClassic) and 1,400 feet (MGHome Cellular)
Connection type: Landline, AT&T, or Verizon cellular
Bracelet dimensions: 7.25 inches by 0.88 inches (length x height)
Bracelet weight: 1.5 ounces (oz)
Battery life:
Up to five years (medical alert bracelet)
32-backup battery (at-home system)
Up to five days (mobile systems)
Response time: 1–25 seconds
Details
The three Medical Guardian mobile systems connect to the monitoring center from anywhere with cellular service. The MGMini Lite and MGMove smartwatch are both designed to be worn on the wrist. The MGMini can be worn as a necklace or clipped to a pocket or handbag, but if you want to wear a bracelet-style medical alert with this system, you’ll need to purchase an additional help button for $2.99 per month. The MGMini serves as an on-the-go base station for the paired help button, allowing you to wear the more discreet bracelet button while keeping the larger MGMini out of sight.
Fall detection is an option with all of the above packages for an additional $10 per month, but it isn’t built into the basic help button bracelet. You can order a fall detection necklace that will automatically contact the monitoring center if it senses a fall. Fall detection necklaces can be paired with the MGClassic, MGHome Cellular, or MGMini.
Medical Guardian bracelet packages
Medical Guardian offers medical alert bracelets with the following packages:
MGClassic: $29.95 per month plus:
$2.99 per month for additional help button bracelet
MGHome Cellular: $37.95 per month plus:
$149.95 one-time equipment fee for base unit
$2.99 per month for additional help button bracelet
MGMini: $39.95 per month plus:
$149.95 one-time equipment fee
$2.99 per month for additional help button bracelet
Our Reviews Team found that ordering directly from the Medical Guardian site was an easy, intuitive process, and the customer service representatives were knowledgeable and helpful. Read more in our Medical Guardian Review.
Best Mobile Medical Alert Bracelet
Bay Alarm Medical
9.7Excellent
•
Average response time: under 25 seconds
•
24/7 monitoring center located in the United States
You have multiple options when shopping Bay Alarm Medical packages, starting with the basic SOS Home Landline system ($24.95 per month), but we want to highlight the SOS All-in-One mobile device ($39.95 per month plus a one-time equipment fee of $119) since it includes a medical alert bracelet. The SOS All-in-One is a compact (weighs as much as two AA batteries), water-resistant mobile system that connects to the monitoring center anywhere with cellular service. You can add fall detection to the SOS All-in-One for $49.95 per month (plus a one-time equipment fee of $30 for the fall detection button necklace and $119 for the mobile device). If you add fall detection to your All-in-One package, the sensors are built into both the mobile device and the button necklace.
The All-in-One’s optional fall detection, two-way speaker, durable design, and GPS location tracking are why we chose Bay Alarm Medical as the “Best Mobile Option” to pair with a medical alert bracelet.
Pros and cons
ProsOne-time fee for additional medical alert braceletBracelet has a five-year battery lifeNine out of the 10 available packages include a braceletConsLandline and cellular at-home systems have the same connection range (1,000 feet)You’re responsible for paying equipment and shipping fees to replace bracelet when the battery is low unless you have a paid protection plan
Features
Starting monthly fee: $24.95
Device range:
1,000 feet (In-Home Basic, In-Home Preferred, and In-Home Premium)
Connection type: Landline, AT&T, or Verizon cellular
Bracelet dimensions:
Strap: 18”
Center button: 1.5” L x 1.5” H
Bracelet weight: Less than 1 oz
Battery life:
Up to five years (medical alert bracelet)
32-hour back-up battery (at-home system)
72 hours to 16 days (mobile systems)
Six to 18 hours (SOS Smartwatch)
Response time: 1–25 seconds
Details
Although the monitoring center tracks your medical alert bracelet’s battery life, we don’t like that Bay Alarm Medical doesn’t automatically send you a new bracelet when the battery is low. Instead, monitoring center staff will notify you to call the company to order a new bracelet. Unless you add a protection plan to your package, you’ll have to pay a $30 equipment fee and $12 shipping to receive a new bracelet.
Bay Alarm Medical bracelet packages
You can add extra medical alert bracelets to any package for $39 each. Bay Alarm Medical offers bracelets with the following packages:
At-home systems:
SOS Home Landline: $24.95 per month
SOS Home Cellular: $29.95 per month
SOS Home Cellular With Fall Detection: $39.95 per month plus a one-time $30 equipment fee
Mobile systems:
SOS All-in-One: $39.95 per month
SOS All-in-One with Fall Detection: $49.95 per month plus a one-time $119 equipment fee and $30 for the fall detection button
SOS Mobile: $34.95 per month plus a one-time $99 equipment fee
SOS Mobile with Fall Detection: $44.95 per month plus a one-time $99 equipment fee
SOS Smartwatch: $34.95 per month plus a one-time $159 equipment fee
SOS Smartwatch with Fall Detection: $44.95 per month plus a one-time $159 equipment fee
Bundle:
SOS Mobile 360° Bundle (SOS Mobile + SOS Home): $59.95 per month plus a $99 equipment fee
SOS Smartwatch 360° Bundle (SOS Smartwatch + SOS Home): $59.95 per month plus a $159 equipment fee for the watch (fall detection available for $10 for the watch, and $20 for both systems)
Customer service
Phone: 877-522-9633
6 a.m. to 6 p.m. PT, Monday through Friday
8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. PT, Saturday
Our Reviews Team found the online ordering process to be simple and smooth, and a customer support representative was always able to answer our questions or direct us to a technical support representative. The online support chat is also excellent. We left a message asking about the connection range between the SOS All-in-One and medical alert bracelet, and in less than an hour we received an email confirming the 600-foot range. Read more in our Bay Alarm Medical Review.
Medical Alert Bracelet with the Best Style Options
Alert1
•
Average response time: under 25 seconds
•
Blue, purple, and gray medical alert bracelet options available
Alert1 offers standard medical alert bracelets in white, as well as solid gray, blue, or purple bracelet bands to show off your favorite color and keep you connected to the monitoring center in style. Designed to fit Alert1’s standard help buttons, these vibrant medical alert bracelets earned Alert1 the title “Best Style Options” from our Reviews Team. The colorful bracelets are one size fits all, waterproof, and available for $9.95 each.
Pros and cons
ProsBlue, purple, and gray medical alert bracelet options availableFive-year bracelet battery lifeCan add safety accessories to your package like a medical ID bracelet, smoke detector, surge guard, and moreConsLandline and cellular at-home systems have the same short connection range (600 feet)Expensive landline system compared to competitors ($28.95) if paying monthlyMost expensive protection plan on this list ($8.33 per month)
Features
Starting monthly fee: $28.95
Device range: 600 feet (In-Home landline and cellular system)
Connection type: Landline, AT&T, or Verizon cellular
Bracelet dimensions:
Strap: 10.5” L x 0.9” W
Center button: 1.5” L x 1.5” W
Bracelet weight: About 1 oz
Battery life:
Up to five years (medical alert bracelet)
24 hours back-up battery (at-home system)
Response time: 1–25 seconds
Details
Monitoring center staff will check the medical alert bracelet battery level during monthly test calls and will automatically send you a new medical alert bracelet for free when the battery is low.
Alert1 bracelet packages
Additional bracelets are $19.95 each. Alert1 offers bracelets with the following packages:
In-Home Medical Alert (landline): $28.95 per month plus a $19.95 activation fee
In-Home (Medical Alert cellular): $38.95 per month
In-Home + Fall Detection Medical Alert (landline): $38.95 per month plus a $19.95 activation fee
In-Home + Fall Detection Medical Alert (cellular): $48.95 per month
On-the-Go + In-the-Home Fall Detection Medical Alert: $58.95 per month
Landline and cellular at-home systems from Alert1 include a medical alert bracelet that connects up to 600 feet from the base station. The mobile system doesn’t pair with a bracelet, so we recommend Alert1 medical alert bracelets if you spend most of your time in or around your home and want a standard, at-home system. If you want to add fall detection, a necklace is available for an extra $10 per month.
In addition to stylish, colorful medical alert bracelets, Alert1 offers a variety of safety accessories—most of which are available for a one-time fee and can be added to any package. Accessories include:
Medication reminder and organizer ($149.95)
Fall protection package: two wall buttons, motion-sensing night lights, adhesive tub strips, and corner guards ($200)
Lockbox ($39.95)
Monitored smoke detector ($10 per month)
You can also save money on your monthly payment by choosing an annual subscription. Although you’re paying upfront for a year of service, your monthly monitoring fees are almost $10 less each month than if you choose a monthly subscription, saving you almost $120 per year.
Customer service
Phone: 877-659-3528
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET, Monday through Saturday
Alert1 doesn’t have an online chat or messaging service—instead, you’ll need to call to speak with customer service. The representative we spoke with was friendly, answered all our questions, and wasn’t pushy about making a sale. Read more in our full Alert1 Medical Alert Review.
What are medical alert bracelets?
A medical alert, or life alert, bracelet is a silicone wristband with a button connected to your at-home or mobile medical alert system. The center button is often called a help button. You can usually switch your help button from an adjustable bracelet to a necklace, if the necklace is included with your system.
While most medical alert bracelets have the same design and function, there are some distinguishing features to keep in mind when shopping around, including:
Connection distance between the bracelet and medical alert base unit (if it’s an in-home unit)
Bracelet battery life
Battery alert system
Replacement policy
Medical alert bracelets vs. medical ID bracelets
Medical alert bracelets and medical ID bracelets are not the same thing, although they are often used interchangeably.
Medical ID bracelets display important medical information needed during an emergency, such as the wearer’s blood type, allergies, chronic conditions, and current medications. Unlike medical alert bracelets, medical ID bracelets are not connected to a 24/7 monitoring center and can’t be used to call for help.
John Landry, BS, RRT, a registered respiratory therapist with HCA Healthcare in Memphis, Tennessee, added, “Medical ID bracelets can also be useful for people who take multiple medications or have complex medical histories, as they can provide a quick and easy way for health care providers to access this information.”
Medical ID jewelry is also becoming more common for those with Alzheimer’s disease, according to Christopher Norman, a geriatric nurse practitioner based in New York state. “ID jewelry is being increasingly used for people with this disease that might be prone to wander or get lost in familiar places,” he said.
Medical ID bracelets can be paired with a medical alert bracelet, especially if you or your loved one have any chronic conditions or health concerns. By shopping for a medical alert bracelet, you’re already taking a proactive step for you or your loved one’s safety.
Alert1 offers medical ID bracelets as an add-on accessory with your medical alert system for $34.95 each.
Pros and cons of medical alert bracelets
ProsDiscreet, comfortable bracelet connected to a 24/7 monitoring centerMulti-year battery life and no charging requiredWaterproof or water-resistantSoft silicone material
ConsLimited range with at-home base stationNo speaker in the bracelet to talk with monitoring center staffFall detection not supported
How do medical alert bracelets work?
When you push the bracelet button, your medical alert system contacts the monitoring center. You’ll speak to monitoring center staff through the base station or mobile system speaker since medical alert bracelets don’t have built-in speakers. The staff member will dispatch emergency services and contact your loved ones if you confirm it’s an emergency or you’re unresponsive.
Your medical alert bracelet must be within range of the main system to connect to the monitoring center. We recommend testing your bracelet at the maximum distance from the system when you first receive your package.
For example, the Medical Guardian MGHome Cellular has an advertised range of 1,400 feet from the base station, but what does that distance look like in and around your home?
Caregiver tips for testing the bracelet range: You can test the bracelet’s range using an online conversion tool that converts feet to steps (MGHome Cellular’s 1,400-foot range converts to approximately 560 steps). Count out the steps with your loved one while they’re wearing their medical alert bracelet. While you return to the base station, they should stay put and press the bracelet button to test if the base station connects to the monitoring center. If it does, let monitoring center staff know you’re testing the system. If it doesn’t, tell your loved one and have them move a few feet closer to the base station. Continue testing the medical alert bracelet until it contacts the monitoring center.
Medical alert bracelets don’t need to be charged—they have built-in batteries lasting about three to five years, depending on how often you use them.
Waterproof vs. water-resistant bracelets
Medical alert bracelets are usually waterproof or water-resistant. A waterproof medical alert bracelet can be completely submerged in water without getting damaged. A water-resistant bracelet can get wet, but it can’t be submerged for a long time.
Most medical alert brands list their medical alert bracelets as waterproof or water resistant on their site’s product pages. You can also contact customer service to check if a bracelet is waterproof or water resistant.
How much do medical alert bracelets cost?
Medical alert bracelets usually have starting costs of $20–$30 per month. The cost of your medical alert bracelet is bundled into your monthly monitoring fee unless you’re purchasing additional bracelets. Your monthly monitoring fee varies by the system, features, and any additional costs.
Standard in-home medical alert systems cost about $20–$30 per month. More advanced systems like mobile systems, smartwatches, or systems with smart technology may cost $40 to more than $50 per month.
Lowest monthly cost in this review:MobileHelp Classic ($19.95 on sale)
Highest monthly cost in this review:MobileHelp Touch Classic ($54.95) and Touch Duo ($64.95)
Equipment and activation fees
Some medical alert brands charge a one-time equipment or activation fee on top of the monthly monitoring fee. When you pay an equipment fee, you’re purchasing the product. You won’t have to return your medical alert equipment even if you cancel your monitoring service.
MobileHelp and Alert1 are the only brands in our review that don’t charge equipment fees, meaning you’re renting the equipment instead of purchasing it. If you cancel your subscription, you’ll be asked to return the equipment according to the company’s return policy instructions.
An activation fee is a one-time charge to “activate” the medical alert system. Alert1 is the only brand featured here that charges an activation fee ($19.95) for all monthly subscription packages.
Add-on features and accessories
Fall detection, GPS tracking, medication reminders, and other add-on features are usually an additional charge each month. Medical Guardian, Bay Alarm Medical, and Alert1 charge $10 per month for fall detection, while MobileHelp charges $11 per month.
Optional accessories like extra medical alert bracelets, wall buttons, and lockboxes will either be an additional one-time fee or a monthly charge, depending on the brand.
How to save money on medical alert bracelets
Fees for medical alert systems can quickly add up. Fortunately, many medical alert companies run discounts on equipment, features, and other costs throughout the year, which can help you save money on your medical alert bracelet.
Some brands offer a lower monthly monitoring price and waive certain fees if you choose an annual, semiannual (pay twice a year), or quarterly (pay four times a year) subscription.
As of writing, all brands covered offer a subscription discount:
Medical Guardian: Save 16% on your monthly monitoring fee, receive a free lockbox, and free ground shipping with an annual subscription.
Bay Alarm Medical: Receive free shipping with a quarterly subscription plus a free month of monitoring with an annual subscription.
MobileHelp: Receive a discounted monthly monitoring fee and 50% off fall detection with an annual subscription.
Alert1: Receive a discounted monthly monitoring fee and waive the activation fee with an annual subscription.
Does Medicare cover medical alert bracelets?
Traditional Medicare, also known as Medicare Part A and B, does not cover medical alert bracelets. Medicare Advantage plan (Medicare Part C) may cover some or all medical alert equipment costs, but your coverage depends on your plan. Contact your insurance provider to confirm coverage.
Medical alert bracelets connect users to emergency services at any time of the day or night with the push of a button. This service was designed for older adults aging in place, as well as individuals with chronic conditions or physical or visual limitations.
Keep in mind the medical alert bracelets in this guide don’t have fall detection sensors, a crucial safety feature for many medical alert users. (The Medical Guardian wrist-based MGMini Lite and MGMove are exceptions; both have optional built-in fall detection.)
You can still press your bracelet button to connect to the monitoring center after a fall, but a fall detection necklace provides more safeguards if you’re unconscious or unable to reach your bracelet. If your fall detection necklace senses a fall, it will automatically trigger a call to the monitoring center.
“Necklace/pendent devices may be more accurate [than bracelets] because they sit closer to a person’s center of gravity and are at a greater distance from the floor than a wrist device would be,” said Jessica L. Israel, MD, a geriatrics and palliative care physician and chief medical officer at Complete Care Management in New Jersey.
Research shows that fall detection is not 100% accurate. This 2020 research survey[2]Ramachandran, Karuppiah. A Survey on Recent Advances in Wearable Fall Detection Systems. Found on the internet at https://www.hindawi.com/journals/bmri/2020/2167160/ found an average accuracy rate of 93% for fall detection devices, but numbers vary. This 2017 study[3]Aziz, et al. Validation of accuracy of SVM-based fall detection system using real-world fall and non-fall datasets. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5498034/ found an average accuracy rate of 80%, and a 2018 review of 22 different studies[4]Broadley, et al. Methods for the Real-World Evaluation of Fall Detection Technology: A Scoping Review. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6068511/ found that in order to arrive at a standard accuracy rate of fall detection systems, more real-world research is needed. Generally, researchers agree it’s not 100% accurate, but very close.
Medical alert bracelets are a comfortable, discreet way to stay connected to a 24/7 monitoring center inside and outside your home. After researching and testing the models, our Reviews Team recommends Medical Guardian and Alert1 if you’re looking for simple protection at home. If you have a large yard, consider Medical Guardian and its impressive 1,300- to 1,400-foot connection range between the base station and medical alert bracelet.
Bay Alarm Medical SOS All-in-One mobile system paired with a medical alert bracelet is excellent for on-the-go protection if you travel independently and enjoy spending time outside your home.
If you want to protect two people in the same home, MobileHelp offers multiple medical alert system bundles to cover you and a loved one. You’ll receive two medical alert systems, but remember to purchase an additional wristband, so both you and your partner have a medical alert bracelet to connect to each device.
While the Unaliwear Kanega Watch isn’t a standard medical alert bracelet, our Reviews Team wanted to mention it here since it’s one of the only wristband-style medical alert smartwatches with built-in fall detection. The Kanega Watch is slightly bulkier than a medical alert bracelet because of its large watch face and rechargeable batteries.
Monthly subscription: $69.95 monthly monitoring fee plus $299 equipment fee
Annual subscription: $59.95 monthly monitoring fee plus $199 equipment fee
Frequently asked questions
Medical Guardian, MobileHelp, Bay Alarm Medical, and Alert1 are our top picks in this guide because of their bracelet connection range, battery life, device options, and overall brand reputation. But ultimately, the best medical alert bracelet depends on your lifestyle, budget, and other personal considerations.
Medical alert bracelets (also called life alert bracelets) pair with an at-home or mobile medical alert system and connect to a 24/7 monitoring center. When you press the bracelet button, monitoring center staff will answer the call through your base station and dispatch emergency services to your location if you confirm it’s an emergency or you’re unresponsive.
Medical alert bracelets are not standalone accessories, so the price will depend on the medical alert subscription you choose. Medical alert system monitoring fees range from $20 to more than $50 per month. You can also purchase additional medical alert bracelets for about $3 each per month.
You won’t be able to get a free medical alert bracelet through most insurance providers, but there are local and national programs that may be able to help cover your medical alert bracelet and system costs. The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is a long-term care program that covers medical alert systems and medical alert bracelet costs. You must live in a PACE service area and qualify for long-term care to be eligible.
Traditional Medicare (Medicare Part A and B) does not cover medical alert bracelets and medical alert systems. Some Medicare Advantage plans (Medicare Part C) may cover partial costs, but coverage will differ in each plan. Call your plan provider to check your coverage. Learn how to get the most out of your Medicare benefits with the Medicare Guide on NCOA’s Age Well Planner.
Medical alert bracelets are a good choice for anyone with chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and Alzheimer’s disease. Those with physical or visual limitations may also consider wearing a medical alert bracelet. Speak with your health care provider if you or your loved one are hesitant about purchasing a medical alert bracelet.
Yes, medical alert bracelets are the same as life alert bracelets. Our guide uses both terms interchangeably. To learn about the brand name, check out our Life Alert review.
Stokke, R. The Personal Emergency Response System as a Technology Innovation in Primary Health Care Services: An Integrative Review. Journal of Medical Internet Research. July 14, 2016. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4965612/
Ramachandran, Anita and Karuppiah, Anupama. A Survey on Recent Advances in Wearable Fall Detection Systems. BioMed Research International. Jan. 13, 2020. Found on the internet at https://www.hindawi.com/journals/bmri/2020/2167160/
Aziz, Omar, et al. Validation of Accuracy of SVM-Based Fall Detection System Using Real-World Fall and Non-Fall Datasets. PloS One. July 5, 2017. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5498034/
Broadley, Robert W., et al. Methods for the Real-World Evaluation of Fall Detection Technology: A Scoping Review. Sensors (Basel). June 27, 2018. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6068511/
NCOA Adviser Medical Alert System Survey. 1,000 respondents. Conducted using Pollfish. Launched Nov. 11, 2022
Emily Breaux is a writer with a background in education. She has written on multiple health care and technology topics, as well as for the higher education and hospitality industries. She specializes in medical alert systems and enjoys writing about hearing aids, health insurance, and wellness topics specifically for older adults.
Christopher Norman is a Board-Certified Geriatric Nurse Practitioner and Holistic Nurse. As a nurse’s aide, registered nurse and now nurse practitioner, he has loved working with older adults since 2004.
Kathleen Cameron, BSPharm, MPH, has more than 25 years of experience in the health care field as a pharmacist, researcher, and program director focusing on falls prevention, geriatric pharmacotherapy, mental health, long-term services and supports, and caregiving. Cameron is Senior Director of the NCOA Center for Healthy Aging, where she provides subject matter expertise on health care programmatic and policy related issues and oversees the Modernizing Senior Center Resource Center.
