Connect America’s Medical Alert Review
Are you searching for Medical Alert reviews? Connect America, the parent company of Medical Alert at MedicalAlert.com, is where you want to start your research. So, you’re at the right place. Connect America is one of the nation’s largest independent providers of medical alert systems. And their top medical alert system is a device made by Medical Alert. Reviews on the internet highlight its clients being most satisfied with Medical Alert’s automatic fall detection capabilities, which combine reliable technology with simple functions to aid its customers in an emergency quickly and efficiently.
We thoroughly tested their devices and put them head-to-head with other top medical alert companies to bring you the best dependability and quality. In our quest to provide valuable information about senior care solutions, Doctor Naheed Ali developed a proprietary rating algorithm for reviewing and rating the best medical alert systems.
How does TrustedCompanyReviews.com determine the best medical alert devices? Through a stringent evaluation process, we consider factors including monthly and annual plan costs, in-home range capabilities, various connectivity options, a company’s customer reviews, average response time to emergencies, and the crucial feature of fall detection, amongst other criteria, as we’re about to discuss. Our professional expertise ensures a thorough analysis, allowing you to make well-informed decisions based on efficiency, convenience, and safety.
Pros
- Experience and Reputation: Connect America has provided medical alert systems for over 35 years. Over this period, they have been able to refine their products and services based on customer feedback and technological advancements.
- Excellent Customer Service: Connect America’s Medical Alert reviews indicate this company has excellent customer service, making it easy for clients to speak to a representative whenever they have questions.
- Fast Response Times: Fast as lightning, Medical Alert’s response times are unbeatable in medical alert systems. Promptness is critical in emergencies, and Medical Alert’s lightning-quick reactions keep seniors safe and secure.
- No Hidden Fees: With Medical Alert, you’ll receive top-notch emergency response services without the added stress of equipment, activation, or installation fees.
- Affordable Prices: Connect America’s medical alert systems are priced competitively, so if you’re on a budget, this is one of the cheaper options.
- 30-day Free Trial: Medical Alert wants you to feel comfortable before you commit to their product. They offer you a 30-day free trial to test out the device and decide if it is right for you.
- Variety of Types of Devices: Medical Alert offers a variety of devices, including pendants, wristbands, and watches that are all designed to be worn and are waterproof. Included is a free caregiver app called Medical Alert Connect.
Cons
- Limited Product Variety: Medical Alert offers a few systems with customization options. If you want more options, check out Bay Alarm Medical and Medical Guardian reviews. These reviews will tell you about the different products they offer.
- No Volume Control on Base Units: The Home System base unit does not have a way to control how loud it is. Older people with hearing problems might not like this because it is not very loud.
- Mobile Device, Not all-in-one: The Medical Alert mobile device does not have a fall detection feature. It is only available on a unique neck pendant.
- Limited Range: At-home systems have a limited range. This means that the help button can only send signals to the base unit if it is within 800 feet away. Unfortunately, this is not very far.
- No Free Shipping: Medical Alert does not give free shipping for its monthly plans. You have to pay a fee. But you can get free shipping if you choose the semi-annual or annual plan.
- Long-term Contracts: Connect America’s Medical Alert devices require its customers to commit to a specific length of service, and there could be fees for early termination.
- Equipment Problems: Some Medical Alert customer complaints related to issues with the equipment, including malfunctions and false alarms.
Review Medical Alert’s Best Features
Medical Alert has you covered when it comes to ensuring your safety at home and on the go. With their in-home and on-the-go medical alert systems, you can have peace of mind knowing that help is just a button press away, no matter where you’re at or what you’re doing.
Medical Alert’s free app allows you to stay connected with loved ones and caregivers at all times. The in-home system includes a base unit and a waterproof help button that can be worn as a necklace or wristband, with a range of 800 feet.
If you’re concerned about falls, the fall detection feature is available with both options. The only difference between the two systems is the network type, with one utilizing a landline and the other a cellular network.
Medical Alert’s two-way GPS mobile unit included in this on-the-go system is a game-changer for those who want protection both indoors and outside of the home. Additionally, the help button provides peace of mind in case of emergencies.
Finally, while the battery requires daily charging, it only takes two to three hours, allowing for seamless use fully.
Medical Alert Available Features
Available Features:
Fall detection
GPS capabilities
U.S.-based 24/7 monitoring
Stationary base unit
Pendant-type device
Wristwatch-type device
Waterproof device
Unavailable Features:
Activity tracking
Spouse monitoring
Wellness checks
Medication reminders
How Does Medical Alert Stack Up Against Competition?
Medical Alert is an excellent option for those seeking quick access to medical services and reassurance in an emergency. They offer a transparent pricing model with no hidden fees and provide discounts to make their services affordable for all. While they may have a smaller range of products available than other providers, they still offer a solid choice. If you’re looking for alternatives and want a more significant selection, explore our top-rated medical alert brands below.
You can also explore other medical alert systems at Connect America, Medical Alert’s parent company. As illustrated above, they own other top-rated brands, including Lifeline, another company rated in the TrustedCompanyReviews.com Top 10 Best Medical Alert Companies List.
Let’s look at how they stack up to other options on the market.
Medical Alert vs. One Call Alert
Regarding medical alert devices, both One Call Alert and Medical Alert have got you covered. They offer home and on-the-go options, perfect for any lifestyle. In addition, one Call Alert’s unique Mobile Double Plan gives users not one but two mobile units and helps buttons. And for those who want the best of both worlds, the Complete Protection Plan combines a mobile and cellular base unit, allowing for easy movement in and out of the house.
The best part? Both companies are wallet-friendly, with low fees across the board. Medical Alert does charge for shipping on monthly plans and a programming fee for its mobile plan option. However, One Call Alert keeps it simple, with no fees on any of its plans or subscription models, except for a one-time processing fee of $49.95 for the In-Home Wireless Plan. Of course, it’s always a good idea to keep safety in mind, and with these quality options, you can’t go wrong.
Check out One Call Alert reviews on this page next.
Medical Alert vs. MobileHelp
MobileHelp sets itself apart from Medical Alert by offering a range of unique features and additional plan options. In addition to optional fall detection, MobileHelp provides opportunities to customize your plan with different technologies, including couples setups and touchscreen base stations. So if you’re looking for something beyond the standard personal emergency response system, MobileHelp has you covered.
For those who want even more functionality, MobileHelp offers wall-mounted help buttons and their MobileHelp Touch tablet. You can use this device to signal for help. Still, it also serves as a hub for telehealth options, medication reminders, games, activity tracking, and biometric data all in one place. If you or your loved one is tech-savvy and likes to stay up-to-date on health information, this could be an excellent choice.
MobileHelp is usually more expensive than Medical Alert, but it can depend on the plan. For example, Medical Alert’s landline systems are $22.95 monthly, and MobileHelp units are $24.95 monthly. MobileHelp’s Touch has a monthly fee of $54.95 per month.
Medical Alert Complaints and BBB Rating
Medical Alert BBB Rating, Accreditation, and Reviews:
Medical Alert’s average customer review rating is 1.25/5 stars at the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Medical Alert also has 106 customer complaints. Connect America’s reviews and complaints are included in these figures because they acquired Medical Alert.
That said, these companies combined are large organizations. So compared to the size of the company, 106 complaints is not as bad as it sounds. And it’s not only us saying that. In fact, Connect America and Medical Alert have an A+ BBB rating and are BBB accredited.
However, the average customer review rating of 1.25/5 stars is bad, there is no way around that. Complaints do mention some common factors, including;
Difficulty in cancelling Connect America/Medical Alert’s contract
Billing related issues and problems getting a refund
False alarms related to Medical Alert’s PERS
Medical Alert Replacement Parts
Some common replacement parts for Connect America’s medical alert systems include:
Mobile unit: The mobile unit is a device that gets carried with you and activates the alert system in an emergency. If the mobile unit malfunctions, is lost, or breaks, make it a priority to get it replaced.
Base station: The base station is the central hub of the medical alert system, and it connects to the monitoring center. If the base station malfunctions, this also needs to get replaced right away.
Pendant or wristband: These are the devices worn by the user to activate the alert system in case of an emergency. Similar to the mobile unit and base station, it also needs to get replaced as soon as it’s damaged or not working correctly.
Battery: The pendant, wristband, or mobile unit battery may need to be replaced periodically to ensure that it functions properly.
Charger: The charger is used to recharge the battery in the pendant, wristband, or mobile unit. Chargers can also have issues and sometimes need to get replaced.
AC adapter: The AC adapter powers the base station or mobile unit. If the adapter is lost or damaged, you’ll need to get it replaced for your device to function correctly.
Based on Medical Alert customer reviews, the company is not clear about the details regarding its warranty policies on replacement parts. However, they instruct customers to contact Connect America’s customer service department to inquire about Medical Alert replacement parts and procedures.
Before buying a PERS with this company, ask specific questions about their warranty policy. Specifically, get answers about how to get replacement parts if you find a part that is malfunctioning or breaks. Get precise details about these policies upfront to avoid frustration in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Author
Dr. Naheed Ali
Naheed Ali, MD, Ph.D., is a physician by education and a writer by choice since 2005. He earned an MD degree in 2008 and later completed Harvard Medical School's lifestyle medicine training in 2012, before obtaining a Ph.D. in holistic health elsewhere in 2013. He’s also certified in clinical research by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). For years, Dr. Ali taught at colleges in the US where he lectured on various biomedical topics and delivered over 2000 hours of live presentations. He is also the author of numerous books from major New York publishers. They can be found on the shelves of 1000s of libraries worldwide. He brings more than 15 years of experience writing remotely and has more than 15 years of health-related publications to his credit. Now a digital nomad, he’s currently a medical journalist and copywriter for hire. His online home is HealthcarePropulsion.com.