The system, which costs about $60 per month, will be on the market in a few weeks, and about 270 elderly Tennesseans will be given the "smart pillboxes" as part of a Medicare program that aims to reduce hospitalizations.

"Some of our participants take up to 13 or 14 medications," said Rachel Haltiwanger, vice president of Medicare Health Support Operations for Tennessee. "That can be overwhelming for anyone."

Dr. Bruce Kehr, chairman and chief executive officer of InforMedix, the company that manufacturers the pillboxes, said studies have shown that more than 90 percent of people who use the smart pillbox take their medication as prescribed vs. 40 percent to 50 percent of people without the technology.

The device is programmed with information about users’ particular drug regimen. Med-eMonitor then alerts them, typically with a song, when it’s time to take each medication.

Byllye Booth, 83, of Castalian Springs has to take nine pills and six insulin shots each day to treat her diabetes and heart problems. She says she’s good about remembering but admits that from time to time she runs a couple of hours late.

"Sometimes I fall sleep in my chair and I wake up and say, ‘Oh my,’ " Booth said.

The Medicare program will target state residents who have diabetes and high blood pressure because they are at high risk for complications if their medication is not taken properly. Program officials say the expected reduction in hospitalizations should offset the cost of the program. In addition to reminding people to take their pills, the device also monitors patient health. For example, it will ask diabetics to enter their blood sugar levels. If levels are unsafe, health officials will be contacted.

"By offering people a system that keeps them taking their medications properly, we can help them stay healthy and independent," Kehr said. "That brings them and their families peace of mind."

Via the Tennessean