Medical Alert Options for Veterans
Veterans have unique pathways to afford and access medical alert systems that civilians do not. Between VA healthcare programs, the Aid & Attendance benefit, state veteran assistance, and nonprofit organizations, many veterans can reduce or eliminate the cost of a medical alert system.
This guide covers every avenue available to veterans in 2026, followed by our recommended systems for the most common veteran situations.
VA Healthcare Coverage
Home Based Primary Care (HBPC)
The VA's Home Based Primary Care program provides comprehensive healthcare to veterans in their homes. HBPC teams sometimes include personal emergency response systems (PERS) as part of the home care plan when a veteran meets clinical criteria.
Coverage through HBPC is determined on a case-by-case basis by the veteran's care team. To inquire, contact your local VA medical center and ask your primary care provider about PERS availability. A clinical determination that a medical alert supports the veteran's ability to safely remain at home typically strengthens the case.
Other VA Home Health Programs
Beyond HBPC, the VA offers several programs that may cover or subsidize medical alert systems. The Veteran Directed Care program gives veterans a flexible budget to purchase services that help them remain independent, including medical alert monitoring. Homemaker and Home Health Aide services sometimes include PERS as part of the care package. Community Nursing Home programs may provide medical alerts during transitions between institutional and home care.
Eligibility and availability vary by VA medical center and region. The key step is asking — many veterans are unaware that these benefits exist.
VA Aid & Attendance
The Aid & Attendance (A&A) benefit is a monthly supplement for veterans and surviving spouses who need help with daily living activities. Unlike specific VA health programs, A&A is a cash benefit — the veteran receives additional money each month and can spend it on anything, including medical alert system monitoring. Our Medicare coverage guide explains how VA benefits and insurance interact with medical alert costs.
Eligibility
To qualify for A&A, the veteran must receive a VA pension (based on wartime service and financial need) and meet at least one of the following: need help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, or eating, be bedridden, be a patient in a nursing home, or have limited eyesight.
Surviving spouses of wartime veterans may also qualify.
Payment Rates (2026 approximate)
A&A rates are adjusted annually. Approximate 2026 monthly rates are around $900 to $1,300 for a veteran without dependents, $1,200 to $1,600 for a veteran with one dependent, and $1,100 to $1,500 for a surviving spouse.
Even at the lowest tier, A&A provides more than enough to cover a medical alert system. At $27.95 per month for Bay Alarm Medical's SOS Home, the medical alert represents a small fraction of the A&A benefit.
How to Apply
Apply through your local VA regional office, through a VA-accredited claims agent or attorney, or online at VA.gov. The application requires evidence of wartime service, financial documentation, and medical evidence of the need for assistance. Processing times vary but typically take several months. Start the application as early as possible.
State and Nonprofit Resources
State Veteran Assistance Programs
Many states offer additional benefits for veterans beyond federal VA programs. Some state programs specifically cover medical alert systems or provide general assistance that can be used for monitoring costs. Contact your state's Department of Veterans Affairs for information about local benefits.
Nonprofit Organizations
Several nonprofits provide free or subsidized medical alert systems to veterans. The Wounded Warrior Project provides various support services for post-9/11 veterans that may include safety equipment. Local chapters of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and American Legion sometimes fund medical alert systems for members in need. Area Agencies on Aging serve veterans as part of their broader senior services.
Contact the VA's Caregiver Support Line at 1-855-260-3274 for referrals to veteran-specific assistance programs in your area.
Best Medical Alert Systems for Veterans
Best Value: Bay Alarm Medical SOS Home — $27.95/month
For veterans on a fixed income, the SOS Home delivers the best monitoring quality at the lowest mainstream price. Our medical alert cost guide compares pricing across all major providers. The 31-second response time is the industry's fastest, the system requires no internet or landline, and the 30-day money-back guarantee eliminates risk.
If A&A benefits are covering the cost, $27.95 per month is a minimal allocation from the monthly benefit. If the veteran is paying out of pocket, it is under a dollar a day.
Best Budget: MobileHelp Classic — $19.95/month
The absolute lowest-cost professionally monitored system. For veterans where every dollar matters, MobileHelp Classic provides reliable in-home monitoring at $0.66 per day. Basic but effective. Veterans who prefer to avoid recurring costs entirely should also consider no monthly fee systems.
Best for Disabled Veterans: Medical Guardian Active Guardian — $46.95/month
For veterans with service-connected disabilities that affect mobility, the Medical Guardian Active Guardian with the MyGuardian caregiver app provides the most complete safety ecosystem. GPS tracking, fall detection, and geofencing give caregivers full visibility.
Veterans with hearing impairment should look for systems with vibration alerts and visual indicators. The Bay Alarm SOS Smartwatch vibrates on the wrist, which can supplement audio alerts.
Best for Veteran Couples: LifeFone At-Home & On-the-Go — $39.95/month
Free spouse coverage means both the veteran and their spouse are protected for one price. Fall detection is included. For veteran couples where both partners have health concerns, LifeFone eliminates the financial burden of dual subscriptions.
The Bottom Line
Veterans have more options for affording a medical alert system than they often realize. VA healthcare programs, Aid & Attendance benefits, state assistance, and nonprofit resources can significantly reduce or eliminate costs. The first step is asking your VA care team or contacting the VA Caregiver Support Line.
If paying out of pocket, Bay Alarm Medical's SOS Home at $27.95/month provides the best value with the fastest response time. For veteran couples, LifeFone at $39.95/month covers both spouses with fall detection included.
You served your country. These benefits exist to serve you. Use them.
