VA-approved providers offering free medical alerts
The Department of Veterans Affairs provides free medical alert systems to eligible veterans through partnerships with several private companies. These devices are considered durable medical equipment and require a prescription or referral from a VA doctor or clinician. The following companies are confirmed partners offering no-cost devices with no monthly fees for qualifying veterans:
- MedEquip Alert: Offers a mobile, button-activated system that connects to a 24/7 monitoring center. It is water-resistant and works anywhere there is AT&T cellular service.
- Latitude USA: Provides a mobile medical alert with automatic fall detection and GPS tracking. Instead of a monitoring center, the device sends text messages and calls to up to six personal contacts when the SOS button is pressed or a fall is detected. A veteran's VA provider can submit a consult request for either of these devices based on the veteran's specific medical needs.
How to apply for a free VA medical alert system
Getting a free medical alert device through the VA follows a straightforward process:
- Contact your VA medical provider: Schedule an appointment with your VA primary care doctor, occupational therapist, or social worker.
- Discuss your needs: Explain your concerns about safety, such as the risk of falls or a chronic medical condition, and request a VA-funded medical alert device.
- Get a prescription: If the provider agrees that the device is medically necessary, they will write a consult or prescription and submit the documentation to the VA's prosthetics department for approval.
- Receive your device: Once approved, the order is sent to the medical alert company, which will ship the device directly to you.
Eligibility for VA medical alert benefits
Qualification for a medical alert system through the VA is based on an individual veteran's health, functional abilities, and quality of life. A provider must document the need for the Personal Emergency Response System (PERS). Common medical conditions and risks that can justify a prescription include:
- A documented risk of falling.
- A cognitive impairment, such as memory loss.
- Living alone or spending extended periods without supervision.
- Mobility or other physical limitations.
- Certain service-connected disabilities that increase emergency risk.
Comparison of VA-approved medical alert devices
| Feature | MedEquip Alert | Latitude USA (Mobile Alert) |
|---|---|---|
| Monitoring | 24/7 professional monitoring via a call center | Unmonitored; sends alerts to pre-programmed contacts, including 911 |
| Fall Detection | Not standard; may be optional | Standard and automatic |
| Connectivity | Cellular (AT&T LTE); no landline or Wi-Fi required | Cellular (4G LTE) and GPS location services |
| Communication | Two-way voice communication with a 24/7 operator | Two-way voice communication with personal contacts |
| Primary Benefit | Direct connection to a professional monitoring center | Connects directly to trusted personal contacts; automatic fall detection |
| Best For | Veterans who want 24/7 access to trained emergency operators | Veterans who prefer their emergency contacts to be family and friends; high fall risk |
Other ways for veterans to get free or low-cost medical alert systems
If a veteran does not qualify for a VA-prescribed device or prefers a system not offered by the VA, there are other potential avenues for financial assistance:
- Other VA Assistance Programs: The VA's Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service may help cover the cost of a device from a non-VA-approved vendor if a doctor provides medical justification. Additional benefits like Aid and Attendance or Housebound Allowance can also help offset costs for eligible veterans.
- Medicare Advantage (Part C) Plans: Some Medicare Advantage plans offer additional benefits not covered by Original Medicare (Part A and B), which can include a medical alert system. Coverage varies by plan, so veterans should check with their insurance provider.
- Medicaid Waivers: Many state Medicaid programs offer home and community-based services waivers that can cover the cost of assistive devices, including medical alert systems. Eligibility is based on state-specific income and needs requirements.
- Non-Profit Organizations: Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) and other non-profit groups can connect seniors and veterans with local or state-specific programs for free or discounted medical alert systems.
- Veteran Discounts from Providers: Several medical alert companies offer exclusive discounts for veterans. Companies like MobileHelp and LifeStation provide discounted monthly rates and other benefits to veterans who contact them directly.
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) or Health Savings Accounts (HSAs): If you have an FSA or HSA, you may be able to use these pre-tax funds to pay for a medical alert system, especially with a healthcare provider's recommendation.
Conclusion: Finding the right medical alert for veterans
Yes, eligible veterans can receive a free medical alert system through the VA by getting a prescription from their VA medical provider. The VA offers two primary types of devices from approved partners: the professionally monitored MedEquip Alert and the unmonitored, family-contact-based Latitude USA system. For those who do not qualify for the free VA program, numerous other financial options exist, including Medicare Advantage, Medicaid waivers, and direct veteran discounts from private companies. By researching and consulting with healthcare professionals and veterans service organizations, veterans can secure the right medical alert solution to support their safety and independence. For more information, the VA website is an excellent starting point for exploring all available benefits.
