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    Medical Alert Buttons

    Help is one press away.

    Medical Guardian

    $30-50/mo

    Strong reputation, good fall detection. No long-term contracts.

    Best overall.

    MobileHelp

    $25-45/mo

    Cellular and home options. Good prices. Free spouse coverage.

    Best value.

    Bay Alarm Medical

    $25-40/mo

    Cheaper plans, decent service. In-car GPS option.

    Best for active seniors.

    Life Alert

    $50-90/mo + $200 setup

    Famous "I've fallen" brand. 3-year contract — hard to cancel.

    Avoid — overpriced.

    Lively Mobile Plus

    $25-40/mo + $50 device

    GPS button. Sold at Best Buy. Owned by Best Buy/Greatcall.

    Best in-store buy.

    Apple Watch SE

    $249 device + $0/mo (with iPhone)

    Fall detection. Calls 911. Heart monitor. Texts. Many seniors prefer the watch.

    Best if you have iPhone.

    What to look for

    • Fall detection — auto-calls if you fall and don't move. $5-15 extra/month. Worth it.
    • Cellular vs landline — cellular works anywhere. Landline only at home.
    • GPS — for active people who leave the house.
    • Waterproof — most falls happen in the bathroom. Must be waterproof.
    • Battery life — 24-72 hours typical. Charge nightly.
    • No long contracts — Life Alert locks you in 3 years. Avoid.

    Apple Watch as medical alert

    • Apple Watch SE ($249 one-time) has fall detection built in.
    • If you fall hard and don't move 60 seconds → auto-calls 911 + texts emergency contacts.
    • "Hold side button" → emergency call.
    • Cellular models ($300-400) work without phone nearby.
    • Heart rate, ECG, oxygen, sleep, exercise tracking included.
    • Best if you already use an iPhone and don't mind charging nightly.

    Will Medicare pay?

    Original Medicare does NOT cover medical alerts. Some Medicare Advantage plans DO — check yours. AARP/UnitedHealthcare often offers discounts. Long-term care insurance may cover. Veterans Affairs may cover for vets.