LifeFone Reviews

LifeFone Reviews (Cost, Complaints, Pros, and Cons)

Welcome to our in-depth LifeFone review. Our team has extensively researched this product, including a detailed examination of its medical alert system and analysis of customer feedback. As we age, safety and independence become increasingly important, and medical alert systems have become a popular solution for seniors and their families. However, choosing the right medical alert system can be overwhelming with so many options available.

In this review, we’ll take a closer look at LifeFone’s medical alert systems for seniors, including their features, costs, and overall effectiveness. Additionally, we’ll provide you with some tips on how to get the best price on LifeFone medical alert systems. As a physician and writer certified in clinical research by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), I’ve had the opportunity to compare LifeFone with other top-rated medical alert devices and personal emergency response systems (pers), such as Medical Guardian and Philips Lifeline.

While I found LifeFone to be reliable, affordable, and satisfying for its customers, we also found some serious allegations made by its clients in customer complaints. In this review, we will address these allegations and thoroughly analyze the pros and cons of LifeFone’s medical alert devices. [1] [2]

LifeFone Company Description

As evidenced by a plethora of positive LifeFone reviews, LifeFone’s range of devices includes in-home systems, mobile devices, and GPS tracking devices, ensuring that customers have access to assistance both at home and on the go. In addition to emergency response services, LifeFone also offers caregiver tools. Their easy-to-use equipment and highly rated customer service have made LifeFone a trusted choice for those seeking peace of mind and reliable medical alert systems since 1976.

Medical fall accident detection is alert that elderly woman falling in bathroom because slippery surfaces.

Review LifeFone’s Best Features

LifeFone stands out among other medical alert systems because of the many types of LifeFone medical alert systems available to customers, which include both in-home and mobile devices. Their devices are easy to set up and use, and they offer a variety of optional services to further enhance the safety and well-being of their customers. LifeFone also offers caregiver tools, including daily check-in calls, medication prompts, system status notifications, and customer tracking services to people who use their on-the-go systems. These tools not only offer peace of mind for subscribers but also provide reassurance for their loved ones, making LifeFone a trusted choice for those seeking reliable and comprehensive medical alert services.

Another of their key benefits is their 24/7 assistance from U.S.-based care agents, ensuring that customers always have access to help whenever they need it. Their nationwide cellular coverage means that customers can use their devices anywhere in the United States, providing added peace of mind and security.

LifeFone Medical Alert System Complaints

While LifeFone offers many benefits, we’ll inform you of a few potential drawbacks and complaints. Unfortunately, LifeFone’s website and sales reps won’t reveal what upset customers tell us in online reviews. Whether or not they are all true isn’t the point; it’s the information being brought to your attention that counts. You can then proceed to do your own due diligence to verify the facts and be an informed buyer. Our job at TrustedCompanyReviews.com is to help you be more informed and educated about your options, ultimately making the best buying decision.

LifeFone complaints:

In online reviews, dissatisfied customers of LifeFone’s medical alert systems complained about –

• LifeFone Costs: According to LifeFone customer reviews, one issue is that their pricing, particularly for mobile devices, can be higher than other medical alert system providers. In addition, there are additional monthly costs–LifeFone charges for their caregiver tools in addition to its base subscription fee.
• Unauthorized charges and issues with cancellation policy: LifeFone complaints range from unauthorized charges to difficulty canceling the service and not getting issued a full refund.
• Complaint about LifeFone’s medical alert system features: Some customers have complained that the help button on the device is too sensitive, causing false alarms and unnecessary emergency responses. LifeFone does offer a 30-day free trial for its medical alert systems. During the trial period, you can test the equipment and confirm whether or not the help button’s sensitivity is a problem for you.
• False Advertising: Some customers have complained that Lifefone’s advertising is misleading. LifeFone claims that the company promises 24/7 monitoring, but clients said response times are slow, and assistance is only sometimes available.
• Technical Issues: Some customers have reported technical issues with the equipment. Complaints range from the inability to activate the device to the device malfunctioning in the middle of an emergency.
• Poor Customer Service: Some customers have reported that Lifefone’s customer service needs to be improved. They claim that customer service representatives are unresponsive and do not address their concerns.

How to Pay for LifeFone Medical Alert System: Best Ways for Low-Income Individuals

For those on a tight budget, there are several strategies to afford the LifeFone medical alert system. These include leveraging government assistance, nonprofit support, and smart financial tools.

Here’s a breakdown of options:

1. Government Assistance and Nonprofits:

Medicaid Waiver Programs: Many state Medicaid programs offer Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers that can cover medical alert systems. Contact your state’s Medicaid office to learn more.

Medicare Advantage Plans: Some Medicare Advantage plans may include coverage for medical alert systems. Check with your insurance provider for details.
Veterans Benefits: Veterans may qualify for free medical alert systems through the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Area Agencies on Aging: These local agencies often have programs or know of resources to assist with medical alert costs.

Nonprofit Organizations: Groups like Volunteers of America may provide financial assistance or discounted systems.

2. Low-Interest Personal Loans:

If you need to finance the cost, consider a low-interest personal loan. Many lenders offer competitive rates for small loan amounts, making monthly payments manageable. Explore our list of the best personal loans for low-interest rates to find a suitable option.

3. Cash Back Credit Cards:

Using a credit card with a strong cash back program can help offset the costs of your medical alert system. For example, if you use a card that offers 1-5% cash back on purchases, you could earn a percentage of the cost back as a statement credit or cash.

Check out our guide to the best cash back credit cards to maximize your savings.

4. Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) or Health Savings Accounts (HSA):

If you have an FSA or HSA, you may be able to use pre-tax dollars to pay for a medical alert system.

Check with your plan administrator to confirm eligibility.

5. Budgeting Tools and Savings Apps:

Leveraging savings apps or budgeting tools can help you save incrementally for the cost of a medical alert system.

Small savings over time can make a significant difference.

For a complete list of financial options, including top-rated personal loans, budgeting apps, and more, visit our Personal Finance Category page.

6. Discounts and Financing from LifeFone:

LifeFone itself offers consumer-friendly options, including no activation or equipment fees, lifetime subscriber price guarantees, and monthly payment plans.

These features can help make their systems more affordable.

By combining government programs, nonprofit support, and smart financial tools like cash back credit cards or low-interest loans, you can make the LifeFone medical alert system accessible without overextending your budget.

LifeFone Customer Service

LifeFone offers 24/7 customer support via phone, and their trained care agents are always available to assist subscribers with any questions or concerns they may have. In addition to phone support, LifeFone provides an online contact form where subscribers can submit questions or request a call back from a care agent. The website also features an extensive FAQ section that covers a wide range of topics related to LifeFone’s medical alert system and solutions. Emergency care instructions are also available.

LifeFone’s customer service also extends to their technicians, who are available to assist with device setup and installation. Furthermore, the company provides a customer service portal, which allows customers to receive assistance with device setup, billing, and other subscription-related issues. Online payment is also available and can be a convenient option for some.

LifeFone BBB Reviews

While LifeFone is generally considered a reputable name in the medical alert industry, it’s worth noting that some customers have shared negative comments and complaints about their experience at the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

Although LifeFone has an A+ rating with the BBB and is accredited, a few negative reviews and complaints have been filed against the company, primarily regarding billing and cancellation issues. For example, multiple LifeFone customers have reported getting charged for services they didn’t receive and had trouble canceling their personal emergency response system (pers) contract, as mentioned above.

According to three consumer reports, LifeFone has an average customer rating of 1.33/5 stars.

To avoid potential problems in the future that are related to billing and having difficulties canceling your LifeFone contract, carefully review your customer agreement before purchasing a medical alert device. Take the time to understand the company’s billing and cancellation policies, including all monthly fees, upfront costs, and payment details. By doing so, you can protect yourself from any issues that may arise in the future because you didn’t do enough up-front due diligence.

Source: BBB, Life Fone, MSS Electronics, Inc.

LifeFone vs. Medical Guardian

When comparing LifeFone to Medical Guardian, both companies are prominent players in the medical alert industry, providing high-quality devices and services to seniors. Although there are many similarities, including the cost of their medical alert systems, there are also some key differences to consider.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the differences:

Customer Reviews: According to consumer review websites such as ConsumerAffairs and Trustpilot, Medical Guardian has a higher overall rating than LifeFone.

Time in Business: LifeFone has been in the medical alert business since 1976, giving them a longer track record of experience, while Medical Guardian was founded in 2005.

Complaints: While both companies have received some complaints, LifeFone has had a few related to billing and cancellation issues, while Medical Guardian has had some complaints about technical difficulties with their equipment. However, it’s worth noting that these complaints are relatively few compared to their overall customer base.

Overall, both LifeFone and Medical Guardian provide quality medical alert systems, with similar pricing for their basic home-based systems. However, if customer reviews and longevity are important factors to you, LifeFone may be a better choice. On the other hand, if you value newer technology and innovation, Medical Guardian may be the better option for you.

LifeFone Replacement Parts

LifeFone offers a lifetime warranty on its medical alert base unit and pendant, which covers any defects in materials or workmanship. If a customer receives a defective unit, they can contact LifeFone’s customer service to request a replacement. However, the warranty does not cover damage caused by accidents, including water damage or dropping the unit.

In cases where the equipment is damaged due to accident or misuse, the customer will need to pay for the replacement. LifeFone offers a replacement policy for damaged equipment, which allows customers to purchase a replacement unit at a discounted rate.

It’s important to note that customers should care for their equipment to avoid damage. LifeFone recommends not wearing the pendant in the shower or bath and taking it off before swimming. They also suggest not exposing the equipment to extreme temperatures or harsh chemicals.

In summary, LifeFone offers a lifetime warranty on its medical alert base unit and pendant for defects in materials or workmanship. However, they do not cover damage caused by accidents, including water damage or dropping the unit. Customers can purchase replacement units at a discounted rate through LifeFone’s replacement policy if they damage their equipment.

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Doctor Naheed Ali