How To Claim Free Government Smartwatch In 2024?

Smartwatches may not be among the essential gadgets like smartphones and laptops, but they are getting extremely popular, primarily for their advanced fitness-tracking capabilities. Those who require round-the-clock activity tracking can use a smartwatch to monitor their calorie count, sleep patterns, physical movement, as well as blood sugar levels. While these tiny machines are expensive, some insurance companies and non-profit organizations hand out free government smartwatches to low-income individuals with legitimate health requirements. 

In this guide, we will explore all the available methods to acquire a free smartwatch from the government. 

Is It Possible to Get a Free Government Smartwatch?

It’s crucial to remember that the United States Government currently does not administer any program that involves distributing free smartwatches. There are numerous assistance initiatives but all of them are aimed at providing essential services, such as food, health, and other basic amenities. 

However, it’s not impossible to get a free smartwatch on your wrist. Numerous non-profit, private, and public entities can help you get a subsidized smartwatch for free or at least at a heavy discount. 

1. Health Insurance Providers

The best way to obtain a free government smartwatch is through a health insurance provider. Numerous such organizations now offer a free smartwatch with their fitness programs to track daily health activities. The motive behind distributing free smartwatches is to promote healthy lifestyles among individuals. So, all you need to do is check with your current provider or pick one that offers a wellness plan with a smartwatch.

2. Giveaway Programs

This might be a little tricky to find, but several companies, as a part of their promotional activities, distribute free smartwatches through contests and giveaway programs. The best way to locate such events is through social media and health-related articles. 

3. Government Grants

Government grants are public-funded charity programs aimed at supporting those coming from economically backward backgrounds. If you search online, you may come across plenty of grants offering free smartwatches to those in genuine need. 

4. Public Research Programs

Several government-funded research programs invite individuals to participate in health data collection and monitoring tasks. This often includes tracking daily fitness activities, such as the number of steps, number of stairs, calorie burn, etc. To track these, you will be given a free smartwatch or a fitness tracker. 

5. Employer

There is a chance that your employer provides free smartwatches as a part of its healthcare program. Simply ask your employer about such a program, if you have a legitimate need. 

Note –  Keep in mind that all the above-mentioned methods are exclusively for individuals with low-income households. However, none of them guarantee a free government smartwatch. The demand is way higher than the supply, and it’s simply not practical for any organization to supply that many smartwatches. Another thing to recognize is that you will get the smartwatch as health-related equipment, not a luxury gadget. So, there is a high chance you may get a used or low-budget smartwatch from an unfamiliar brand. Anyhow, it will do the job. 

What are the Eligibility Criteria to Get a Free Government Smartwatch?

Free government smartwatch program is not for everyone. You must fulfill the following eligibility requirements:

1. Income-based Eligibility

The majority of such schemes are intended to assist individuals who belong to low-income households. So, to qualify for a free smartwatch, your annual income must not exceed the Federal Poverty Guideline implemented by the Federal and State governments. Also, remember that specific programs may have their income-based criteria. 

2. Medical Need

If you have a certain medical condition, you can demonstrate your eligibility for a free government smartwatch. Many health conditions such as diabetes and cholesterol require patients to monitor their blood sugar levels, heart rate, and daily movement activities, which can be conveniently done by a smartwatch. So, if your doctor has recommended you wear one, you can produce the medical records and get a smartwatch for free. 

3. Student Status

Those still in school and university can also qualify to receive a free smartwatch. Some programs may use active student status and participation in vocational training or STEM as primary eligibility criteria.

4. Assistance Program Participation

If you or any household member is an active beneficiary of a government support program, you may be eligible for a free smartwatch. These programs are targeted at financially backward sectors, and if you are on a limited income, you can register yourself for any of the following programs to receive benefits:

• Employment Services
• Extended Foster Care
• Medicaid
• Food Support Programs
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Section 8, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or Group Residential Housing
• Free or Reduced Lunch Program through the National School Lunch Program
• Social Security Disability
• Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
• EBT, also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Case Management for Adult & Child Mental Health
• Head Start Program

5. Senior Citizens

Some programs offer smartwatches to senior citizens only, with the purpose of constant health monitoring. So if any elderly member in your family is a part of a community service for seniors, you can demonstrate the eligibility through the supporting documents. 

6. Insurance

Some non-profits may issue a free or discounted smartwatch to those on a health insurance program. However, there is no certainty that your particular program qualifies for all the giveaway schemes. 

7. Age

The applicant must fall in the age bracket implemented by the particular free government watch program. Some of them are targeted towards seniors while others may offer smartwatches only to children. 

Documents Required to Apply for a Free Government Smartwatch

Before you apply, ensure you have all the supporting documents to fulfill the eligibility requirements. 

1. Health-related Documents

In case you are advised to have a wearable tracker (smartwatch) on you all the time, you can use the documents from a healthcare professional highlighting the necessity. This will work as a key supporting document for those having a health condition, particularly senior citizens.   

2. Proof of Identity

All free government smartwatch schemes are exclusive to American citizens or Government-approved residents. You can use any of the following documents as a proof of your identity:

• Birth certificate
• Drivers license
• Military ID, Tribal ID, or State ID card
• Passport or Green card
• Social security number
• Government-issued ID card

3. Educational Documents

If you are receiving the smartwatch under any student’s or educational program, you must use the student ID or enrollment document from your school, college, or university. 

4. Income Statement

To demonstrate your financial status, use any of the following:

• Most recent pay stubs
• Statement of Federal or State tax returns
• W2 form
• Social security statement 
• Bank statements
• Record of unemployment/workers’ benefits

3. Proof of Residence

To prove you are an approved resident of the state where you are applying for the program, use any of the following:

• Utility bills 
• Rental agreement 
• Mortgage or Lease statement
• Official government documents with your name and address on it. 
• Voter ID card
• Insurance documents
• Property tax statements

4. Government Program Participation Documents

If you are receiving benefits under a Federal/state support scheme, you can use one of the participation documents from any of the above-mentioned programs to further strengthen your eligibility.

Where Can You Get a Free Government Smartwatch?

Mentioned below are a few insurance providers where you can receive a complementary smartwatch with a wellness program:

1. United Healthcare

Apart from generous medical coverage, United Healthcare offers a Samsung smartwatch to eligible patients to monitor daily movements. You can participate in the United Healthcare Motion program, you not only get a chance to get a free smartwatch but also can win rewards for completing fitness goals. 

2. Aetna Program

Aetna offers a wide range of health programs for individuals, families, and seniors, providing necessary guidance and support towards a healthy lifestyle. The initiative Attain by Aetna is designed to promote health-related activities among patients, which can be tracked using free government smartwatches available at a discounted price. 

3. Medicaid 

Overseen by Federal and State governments, Medicaid is the number one medical assistance initiative in the country, helping low-income households with the necessary health benefits, such as doctors’ visits, affordable medicines, hospital stays, etc. Under Medicaid, patients can enjoy a significant discount on medical equipment, including smartwatches. 

4. Anthem

Next on the list is Anthem, a privately operated health insurance company providing medical benefits to economically disadvantaged individuals, households, and senior citizens under the Medicaid program. Their health and wellness program is aimed at assisting children, pregnant ladies, and seniors in maintaining good physician and mental well-being. If you or your family member have a genuine requirement for continuous activity monitoring, the program can get you a smartwatch at a reduced price, given you are on a limited income. 

5. Humana

If you are currently a Medicare member or receiving benefits under both Medicare and Medicaid, you can enroll in the Humana Advantage plan and enjoy exceptional healthcare without breaking the bank. Humana has customized wellness programs for seniors, ensuring good dental health, vision care, as well as overall physical fitness. They also offer subsidized smartwatches to elderly patients, should there be a strict medical requirement for 24/7 monitoring. 

6. Devoted

Devoted provides physical and mental care to seniors through the medicare program which includes cost-free dental, vision, and hearing examinations. Their medicare advantage plan allows individuals to participate in wellness activities, including daily running, Zumba, and yoga. Upon successful completion of targeted milestones, eligible plan members can get an Apple smartwatch for free. 

7. John Hancock

Another top-tier insurance provider John Hancock offers customized insurance plans to cover your basic medical needs. Through their Vitality wellness program, you can earn daily rewards for healthy behavior like physical movement, good night’s sleep, healthy diet, etc. To monitor these activities, the company provides a free or discounted wearable fitness tracker, including a free government smartwatch. 

8. Empire Life

Empire Life has a wide range of affordable medical insurance plans for individuals, families, seniors, and entrepreneurs. While these plans cover daily and emergency requirements, the wellness programs emphasize a quality lifestyle, where you are encouraged to reach optimal fitness by completing daily physical activities. And yes, to those with strict medical requirements, Empire Life offers complementary smartwatches from Apple and Samsung. 

How to Apply for a Free Government Smartwatch?

Take the following steps to apply for a free smartwatch:

• Visit the provider’s website and review the rules and regulations carefully. Ensure that you fulfill the minimum eligibility requirements and that you have a genuine need for a smartwatch. 
• Contact an associate or find the online application. Provide your personal and medical details. Attach necessary documents demonstrating your identity, income, health condition, and government program participation. 
• After double-checking your details, apply.
• The insurance provider will verify your details through a background check or a national verifier. If your application is approved, you will get notified via email or text.

FAQs

1. Can I get a free smartwatch with health insurance?

Yes, some health insurance providers may offer a free or discounted smartwatch to low-income individuals, if there is a genuine need for round-the-clock activity monitoring. 

2. Can I accurately monitor my health with a smartwatch?

While smartwatches these days are packed with advanced sensors, their tracking data can not be trusted 100%. In case of emergencies, consider visiting the nearest hospital. 

3. How to apply for a free government smartwatch for seniors?

Humana, Medicaid, and Atena are among the few insurance providers where you can get a free government smartwatch. 

4. How to get an Apple smartwatch for free?

The only way to receive a free Apple smartwatch is by participating in a fitness program from a health insurance provider and meeting the activity goals for a certain period. 

Final Words

As you see, acquiring a free government smartwatch is not tricky at all, given you have a genuine medical requirement to wear a fitness tracker. While alternate options like private NGOs and government grants are available, insurance providers offer you the best chance of getting a smartwatch – free or at least with a chunky discount. The best is to explore all the possible options; it will only increase the probability of securing the smartwatch.