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Medical Guardian
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Philips Lifeline
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Bay Alarm Medical
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Medical Alert
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Home Safe Home
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IndyPendants
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Comfort Keepers
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Baltimore Alarm & Security
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Medical Care Alert
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Before choosing a device, it’s important to understand how medical alert systems work. Some devices are only meant to function in your home, while others have the range to protect you around town. Monitored medical alert systems connect you to a live operator when you need help. The representative identifies your needs and decides whether to call emergency responders or your designated caregivers.
Medical alert brands vary significantly in terms of the types of devices and features they offer, so it’s important to consider how these options fit with your lifestyle when choosing a system.
Additional features include multilingual response centers, optional protection plans and integrated home security and senior care services. You should also consider the medical alert company’s reputation and whether it’s UL certified.
Baltimore medical alert systems cost between $19 and $50 per month for contract-free monitoring service, which usually includes equipment as well. Monitored, location-enabled mobile devices cost more than in-home systems. Optional automatic fall detection starts at an additional $5 per month. You may also have to pay a one-time activation fee.
In Baltimore, companies offering payment plans typically include one month free with an annual plan. Discounts are often available for members of AARP and other senior organizations, too.
Do you need Wi-Fi for a Life Alert system?
Most medical alert systems work via a landline or cellular network, so you don’t need Wi-Fi unless your manufacturer expressly asks for it. Some mobile medical alert systems do include Wi-Fi positioning as a supplement to GPS to improve the accuracy of determining locations indoors.
What Baltimore financial assistance programs help fund medical alert systems?
If you can’t afford service and your insurance refuses to cover the expenses, contact Maryland Access Point to see if you qualify for financial assistance. Many medical alert providers also offer discounts if you’re a member of certain organizations, such as AARP, the Association of Mature American Citizens and USAA.
Is a Life Alert device waterproof?
Wall-mounted and wearable medical alert devices are typically waterproof so they can operate in the bathroom, where many slip-and-fall accidents occur. However, mobile devices that are GPS-enabled may not be waterproof.Are medical alert systems tax deductible in Maryland?
The IRS allows taxpayers to deduct some expenses associated with medical alert systems, rather than the systems themselves. However, tax laws change frequently, so talk to a tax professional to see what you’re allowed to claim.
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Medical Guardian |
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Medical Guardian offers monitored in-home and GPS-enabled medical alert systems with no contracts and free activation. Prices start around $30 per month and include guaranteed replacements plus optional protection plans. Devices are waterproof and wearable, and they include signal ranges up to 1,300 feet and battery lives up to 120 hours. Fall detection technology is also available. Medical Guardian’s monitoring centers are based in the United States. |
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Philips Lifeline |
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Philips Lifeline provides monitored mobile and home-based medical alert systems. Users can contact a multilingual monitoring center at the push of a button. Prices range from $29.95 to $49.95 per month following a one-time activation fee of $50 or $99.95. Each wearable, water-resistant device comes with the Philips Cares mobile app for caregivers and a 30-day return policy. Home units feature worry-free batteries, with no charging necessary. Automatic fall detection is also available. |
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Bay Alarm Medical |
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Bay Alarm Medical combines monitored, in-home medical alert systems with integrated mobile and vehicle services. Prices start at $19.95 per month and include a 30-day risk-free trial and optional protection plan. This company’s waterproof devices are either wall-mounted or wearable, and they feature signal ranges up to 1,000 feet and battery lives up to five years. Units can be plugged in anywhere, and automatic fall detection is available, too. |
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Medical Alert |
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Medical Alert offers at-home and mobile medical alert systems with optional automatic fall detection. Prices start at $19.95 per month and include a 30-day risk-free trial. Customers can purchase plans monthly, quarterly or annually. The Medical Alert Connect app is included with every plan. Medical Alert employs multilingual representatives in its monitoring centers. |
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Home Safe Home |
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Home Safe Home offers Baltimore residents at-home and on-the-go wireless medical alert systems. Its no-contract pricing starts at $25 per month. Costumers choose from wearable watches or pendants with available automatic fall detection. Each device ships free with no charge for activation. The company provides free setups, installations and in-home demonstrations. It also provides a free lockbox to allow emergency personnel access. |
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IndyPendants |
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IndyPendants provides three medical alert plans, with corresponding landline, cellular and GPS-enabled systems. Monthly monitoring costs range from $19.95 for the landline plan to $39.95 for the portable device plan. It doesn’t require long-term contracts, and each plan comes with a lifetime price guarantee. Call or visit IndyPendants at 208 Main St., Reisterstown, MD 21136. |
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Comfort Keepers |
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Comfort Keepers merges home-based and mobile SafetyChoice systems with comprehensive senior care services in the Baltimore area. The company’s monitoring services start at $19.95 per month. Its medical alert devices include Alzheimer’s and dementia monitoring options, and its waterproof wearables have ranges up to 1,000 feet. Automatic fall detection is also available. Comfort Keepers’ local office is at 200 E. Pratt St., Ste. 4100, Baltimore, MD 21202. |
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Baltimore Alarm & Security |
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Baltimore Alarm & Security sells the Numera Libris medical alert device, which has two-way communication and built-in fall detection technology. This system costs $300 upfront with a $40 monthly monitoring fee. This company’s technicians also set up and test the GPS-enabled unit for you. Baltimore Alarm & Security is located at 5314 Reisterstown Road, Baltimore, MD 21215. |
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Medical Care Alert |
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Medical Care Alert offers home-based and mobile medical alert systems throughout Maryland. Prices range from $27.45 to $45.79 per month and include a 14-day risk-free trial plus optional protection plans. Customers can pay in quarterly, semiannual and annual increments for a discount. Medical Care Alerts’s waterproof wearable devices have signal ranges up to 1,000 feet and battery life up to seven years. Auto-fall detection is also available. |
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