Medical Alert System Discounts for AARP Members

Last Updated On: Jan 2, 2024

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) has been empowering the elderly with its many benefits and its valuable information since 1958. It has 38 million members who are over the age of 50. It is also one of the most influential and powerful lobby groups in the US. It has used this position to fight for various rights for the elderly.

The AARP recommends the use of medical alert systems, though it does not endorse specific companies. The group leaves seniors to decide which device they want to use based on their own individual needs. And for AARP members, there are often discounts given on these systems. Shop around and find those that offer this discount to save money on the system.

Below are some of the companies offering medical alert systems that might have discounts for members of the senior organization. We have reviewed each of them based on the company’s merits.


Bay Alarm Medical

Bay Alarm Medical has been developing and offering medical alert systems for almost 70 years. They offer systems that stay in the home, those that will work on the go, and other options that work out on the road. The company is in the USA, and it provides service 24/7 and in 170 different languages.

The company uses wireless systems along with landline systems. The wireless choice uses AT&T’s 4G LTE network. Bay Alarm Medical systems have an excellent battery life, technology that detects falls, and a number of helpful accessories that can save lives such as wall buttons for emergencies and lockboxes to hold spare keys to get in should your loved one become incapacitated. Another helpful feature of some systems is a Vial of Life. This kit provides a critical reference for first responders in case of an emergency. 

They offer new customers a 30-day trial at no risk so that you can give the system a try. Although there isn’t a specific AARP discount, new subscribers get free shipping on quarterly plans and an additional free month with annual subscriptions. This video will give you an overview of their system and some of the best features.


Medical Guardian

Medical Guardian has a 25-year history of providing emergency monitoring systems and is one the largest medical alert providers in the nation. They have devices for in-home use as well as mobile systems. Medical Guardian also offers reminders for medications and has features to track activities. It provides two help buttons, both waterproof, and fall-detection technology that works with any of their systems.

Their GPS mobile devices are considered to be one of the best in their class. GPS can save lives, especially for people living with dementia. In fact the Alzheimer’s Association recommends this type of technology to caregivers. Having a mobile medical alert system that includes satellite navigation (GPS) can get help to you quickly when you’re injured or have a medical emergency. 

Medical Guardian’s discounts include a free month, free shipping, and free lockbox when you opt for the annual subscription plan. At the time of this writing, the company’s website does not specify whether they offer discounts to members of AARP.


GetSafe

GetSafe sets itself apart from the competition by offering the first medical alert system that is non-wearable. Instead of wearing a button around the wrist or neck, this company’s systems uses wall-mounted buttons that can be used manually or with voice activation.

For people who’ve had a hard time getting a parent to wear a medical alert system because they didn’t want the unfortunate stigma, this company has systems that will be more easily integrated into that parent’s life. 

When it comes to choosing a medical alert system, you need different options to fit the user’s lifestyle, preferences, and budget. It can be hard to have “The Talk” with your loved one when it’s time to get an alert system because they won’t want to give up their independence. That’s why we think the many different options GetSafe offers sets it apart from the crowd.

Free shipping is available across all plans and there are discounts as you go up each package tier.


Medical Alert by Connect America

If you want an in-home emergency alert system that is both reliable and inexpensive, there is medicalalert.com. They offer in-home alert systems that are easy to use and simple to install. They have lightweight alert buttons, and the battery is long-lasting. For $10 more each month, they offer automatic fall detection.

According to the National Safety Council, older adult deaths due to falls have increased 59% during the past decade. Falls are now a leading cause of death worldwide. Having an alert system to send help when a fall happens is crucial to guarding your own or a loved one’s health and safety. 

A sudden fall can be startling and upsetting.Medical Alert’s systems allow you to connect immediately to a trained operator with just one button push. That operator can assess the situation and send out needed help. With these systems, help is always there in case you become injured or simply want to have a caretaker know where you are.


Life Alert

Anytime the subject of medical alert systems comes up, so do the Life Alert commercials that have been running since the 80s. We all remember the refrain of “Help I’ve Fallen, and I Can’t Get Up!” This Life Alert ad campaign was popular enough to make it a household name.

Life Alert has systems beginning at $49.95 per month. Note that a three-year contract is required. If there is a death or admission to a nursing home, the contract is cancellable. However, if you’re looking for more flexibilty in cost and contract commitment, we recommend any of the other life alert alternatives listed above.


AARP Member Discounts

When you are a member of AARP, getting discounts on medical alert systems is just one advantage AARP is such a trusted and valuable resource for millions of seniors that it can be helpful to use their recommendations and discounts as a perk of being a member, and this includes medical alert systems.

If you don’t know whether a company offers a medical alert system discount to AARP members, just give them a call and find out.


How To Choose The Right Medical Alert System

Read our ratings of the best medical alert systems for 2024. Our recommendations are based on hours of real-world testing and evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Alert Systems

What is the best medical alert for seniors??

It depends on your requirements – you have to shop around to find the right fit for your needs, and use comparison reviews to judge the best for you. 

Think about your or your loved one’s needs. Do you need the system to call for help, track the whereabouts of someone with memory problems, or detect falls? 

Estimates show that one third of adults over the age of 65 fall at least once a year. Possibly more dangerous is the time spent after a fall if the person is unable to move. 

Many alert systems now come with fall detection or offer upgrades to check on the user or alert responders when a fall happens. Some non-wearable systems have cameras, motion sensors, microphones, and even floor sensors.

See our Best Medical Alert Systems for 2020. At a Glance 2020’s Best Medical Alert Providers:

  • Bay Alarm Medical
  • MobileHelp
  • Medical Alert
  • GetSafe

Which medical alert system does AARP recommend?

AARP does not endorse any specific alert system. It does recommend the use of an alert system in general but an AARP membership does not cover the cost of any alert system. Some companies do offer discounts to AARP members, but this is not done by arrangement with AARP. Discount offers frequently change so check directly with your medical alert system provider to see if they offer an AARP discount.

Check our other cost-saving guides such as our review of Unmonitored Medical Alerts – No Monthly Fee options, and see our 3 Affordable Alternatives to Life Alert guide.

Does Medicare pay for life alert systems?

Medicare does not cover medical alert systems, but some insurance plans do. So if you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you should check to see if it covers medical alert systems. See our guide for more detail: Medical Alert System Discounts: Medicare/Medicaid and Group Discounts.

Does Costco sell medical alert systems?

Costco sells medical alert systems though its online stores, but not in its physical stores. The range of brands is very limited, but Costco does offer a discount. See our review for details – Costco Medical Alert Systems: A Buyers Guide.

Does Walmart Sell Life Alert?

Walmart sells several brands of medical alert systems including unmonitored, no-monthly fee systems (see our guide to Unmonitored Alert Systems). See our guide to the offerings in our Walmart Medical Alert Systems: A Buyers Guide.