August is MedicAlert Awareness Month, making it a great time to think about how we can prepare for emergencies before they happen. Medical ID jewelry and emergency identification cards can provide first responders with critical health information when someone is unable to speak for themselves, helping ensure they receive the right care as quickly as possible. Whether you have a chronic health condition, take multiple medications, live with dementia, or care for someone who does, there are more options than ever to help keep important medical information close at hand. In this post, we’ll explore MedicAlert services, other medical ID options, free programs that may be available, and simple resources that can give you and your loved ones greater peace of mind. 

 

What is MedicAlert? 

• If you know someone who has a medical condition or life-threatening allergy, you’ve probably seen a MedicAlert bracelet. These bracelets, often made of metal, show vital medical information at a glance and potentially save the lives of the user if they’re unable to communicate.  
• In addition to the bracelet, the user’s medical information is kept on a HIPAA-compliant server.  
• Users pay a monthly subscription fee to have access to a 24/7 on-call emergency response team that can immediately share medical information with first responders in the event of an emergency. 

 

Who Benefits from MedicAlert Jewlelry? 

• People with severe allergies (especially allergies to medication such as Penicillin) 
• People with chronic medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, heart conditions, etc.) 
• People at risk of wandering (e.g., people living with Dementia or Alzheimer’s) 

 

Free MedicAlert Program 

• The MedicAlert Foundation offers grants for free MedicAlert IDs plus one year of Safe & Found Membership for those who qualify. Call 1-800-432-5378 or visit their website for more information.  

 

Safe & Found Program 

• This partnership between MedicAlert and the Alzheimer’s Association helps locate family members with dementia or Alzheimer’s who are more likely to wander.  
• When a family member is reported missing, MedicAlert creates a missing person’s alert for local law enforcement and hospitals.  
• When the person wandering is found, MedicAlert connects with first responders to share health information as quickly as possible.  
• First responders are connected with the person’s emergency contact(s).  

 

MedicAlert Jewelry  

If you want the protection of a medical alert bracelet, but can’t afford a monthly subscription, there are plenty of options to buy a “low tech” bracelet. 

• Amazon (some options as low as $6-$10) 
• MyID (options start at around $20) 
• Target (starting at $15) 
• Walmart (under $10 for pre-engraved bracelets) 

 

Free Wallet Cards 

• Free printable emergency medical card via Michigan.gov  
• Free Custom Medical Alert Wallet Card via Lauren’s Hope 
• Free Emergency Wallet Card via American Medical ID 
• Lewy Body Dementia Medical Alert Wallet Card via Lewy Body Dementia Association 
• Rx on the Run customizable wallet card via Healthcare Ready