Medication Non-Compliance Estimated to Result in More Than 300,000 Deaths Each Year

Medication non-compliance is becoming one of the most expensive and deadly problems in healthcare today. Hospital costs due to patient non-compliance are estimated at $8.5 billion annually. And with more than 300,000 deaths annually resulting from non-compliance, healthcare professionals, caregivers and Americans are left searching for new ways to fight this avoidable issue.

American Medical Alert Corp. (NASDAQ:AMAC) has developed a first-of-its-kind “smart” medication dispensing device to directly address medication compliance issues and provide peace of mind to anyone living with or caring for the sick or elderly.

MedSmart® reminds, dispenses and can report medication non-compliance, ensuring that a patient takes the proper medications at the proper time. If a dose is missed, the system will send a signal that ensures designated caregivers are promptly notified via text, voice or email messages, allowing for proactive and responsive care.

“Patients are not receiving the full benefit of their medications,” said Jack Rhian, AMAC President and Chief Executive Officer. “As a result, people are being hospitalized and even dying unnecessarily. We developed MedSmart to make it easier for people to take their medications as directed and thereby live longer, healthier lives.”

MedSmart benefits for both patients and caregivers include:

• At dosage times, medications are made readily available at the exact time they need to be taken.
• The device activates both visual and audio alarms to alert the patient.
• If a dose is missed, the device will send a signal that ensures designated caregivers are promptly notified via text, voice or email messages.
• Easy-to-fill Medtrays can be loaded by caregivers ahead of time to ensure proper medications and doses are dispensed.
• Medications can be dispensed early should a patient need to leave the house.
• The device will notify caregivers when refills are needed.
• MedSmart is relatively inexpensive compared to similar devices; suggested retail is approximately $249 upfront* and $34.95 per month* for event reporting services. (* 6 month service commitment required. Other pricing options available.)

“MedSmart is a tool that should be utilized by anyone trying to manage a medication regimen,” said John O’Brien, PharmD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Clinical and Administrative Sciences at the College of Notre Dame School of Pharmacy. “It is vital that anyone needing medications take them properly. MedSmart will help increase medication compliance and, as a result, improve and save many lives.”

For more information on MedSmart, go to www.healthyagingsolutions.com.

About American Medical Alert Corp (AMAC)

AMAC is a healthcare communications solutions provider with more than 25 years of experience. Healthcare providers seek out AMAC to find solutions in the areas of communications, support, remote health and vital signs monitoring through its two divisions: Health and Safety Monitoring and Telephony Based Communication Services. For additional information, please visit www.amac.com.

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