Understanding Jitterbug Monthly Costs
Jitterbug phones are offered by the company Lively, and their pricing structure is designed to be flexible, depending on the user's needs. The total monthly expense for a Jitterbug phone is determined by several factors, including the device model, the service tier you select, and whether you opt for optional features like data plans or additional medical alert services. By understanding these components, you can accurately estimate your total bill and choose a plan that best fits your lifestyle.
The Two Jitterbug Devices: Flip2 vs. Smart4
Lively primarily offers two Jitterbug phone models, each with a different set of base monthly service costs.
- Jitterbug Flip2: This is a traditional, easy-to-use flip phone with a simplified menu, large buttons, and a loud speaker. The base plans for the Flip2 generally start lower than the smartphone version.
- Jitterbug Smart4: This is Lively's user-friendly smartphone. It features a larger screen, a simplified menu, and includes access to the internet. Since it is a smartphone, a data plan is a necessary addition to the base service cost.
Lively Service Tiers: Basic, Preferred, and Premium
Beyond the device itself, the monthly cost is most heavily influenced by the service tier you choose. All plans are month-to-month, so there are no long-term contracts. The plans are tiered based on the included medical alert and support features.
Breakdown of Service Tiers
- Basic Plan: This is the most affordable tier and includes unlimited talk and text for the Jitterbug Smart4 ($19.99/mo) and a standard talk/text package for the Jitterbug Flip2 ($14.99/mo, with unlimited costing $5 extra). It also includes features like "Ask Lively," a service that connects you to a live operator for information, and "Lively Rides," for booking Lyft rides without a smartphone app. It does not include the Urgent Response medical alert feature.
- Preferred Plan: This mid-tier option bundles all the Basic plan features with the critical Urgent Response service. Urgent Response provides 24/7 access to trained agents with the press of a button, who can assess the situation and dispatch help. The "Lively Link" app for family members is also included.
- Premium Plan: For the highest level of care, this tier includes everything from the Preferred plan, plus a "Care Advocate" service to assist with health goals and a "Nurse On-Call" feature, providing access to registered nurses and doctors at any time.
Required Data Plans for the Jitterbug Smart4
If you choose the Jitterbug Smart4, you must also select a data plan, which adds to your monthly cost. The prices vary based on your usage needs:
- 1 GB: Free ($0/mo)
- 5 GB: $5/mo
- 10 GB: $15/mo
- Unlimited: $30/mo
For unlimited talk, text, and data, a Jitterbug Smart4 user would choose the desired service tier (e.g., Basic at $19.99) and add the unlimited data plan ($30), bringing the total to $49.99 per month, before taxes and fees.
Jitterbug Monthly Cost Comparison Table
The following table provides a clear overview of the monthly costs and included features for both devices across Lively's main service tiers. All prices shown reflect a $5/month paperless billing discount and exclude taxes and government fees. Upfront phone costs and a one-time activation fee are not included in these monthly figures.
| Feature | Jitterbug Flip2 | Jitterbug Smart4 |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Plan Price | $14.99/mo (standard t/t) $19.99/mo (unlimited t/t) |
$19.99/mo (unlimited t/t) |
| Preferred Plan Price | $34.99/mo | $39.99/mo |
| Premium Plan Price | $44.99/mo | $49.99/mo |
| Urgent Response | No (Basic) Yes (Preferred/Premium) |
No (Basic) Yes (Preferred/Premium) |
| Lively Link App | No (Basic) Yes (Preferred/Premium) |
No (Basic) Yes (Preferred/Premium) |
| Nurse On-Call | No | No (Basic/Preferred) Yes (Premium) |
| Data Plan | N/A | Required Free (1GB) $5 (5GB) $15 (10GB) $30 (Unlimited) |
One-Time Fees and Additional Costs
When budgeting for a Jitterbug phone, remember to account for some upfront costs and potential extras.
Activation Fee
Lively charges a one-time activation fee for new devices. This is typically $35, although you can sometimes save money by activating online instead of over the phone.
Exceeding Data Limits
For users who choose a limited data plan for the Jitterbug Smart4 (1GB, 5GB, or 10GB), there is a fee for exceeding your monthly data cap. This charge is $0.02 per megabyte. While this is lower than some other carriers, heavy internet users are better off opting for the unlimited data plan to avoid surprise overage fees.
The Importance of Health and Safety Features
For many seniors and their families, the most valuable part of a Lively plan is the suite of health and safety features. The decision to upgrade to a Preferred or Premium plan should be based on the peace of mind provided by 24/7 medical alert services, which can be crucial in an emergency. The ability for family members to be notified via the Lively Link app also adds a significant layer of security.
Final Conclusion
The question of how much is the Jitterbug phone per month has no single answer because it is a customizable service. The final cost depends on your device and the level of medical alert features you desire. A basic flip phone with minimal talk and text can be very affordable, while a fully-featured smartphone with unlimited data and premium health services will naturally have a higher monthly fee. By reviewing the device options, plan tiers, and data requirements, you can build a package that provides the right balance of connectivity, safety, and budget management. For the most up-to-date information, checking the official Lively website is always recommended.
