Is AARP free for seniors?
AARP is a non-profit organization that offers information, products, and services as well as representation for individuals aged 50 and above in the United States of America. One of the most frequently asked questions among seniors is: Is AARP a free association, or does it require membership payment? In a nutshell, an AARP membership is free, but there is more than this; the organization offers paid membership.
Once you reach 50 years of age, you can join AARP by applying for the free basic membership. This entitles the individual to some of AARP's internet services such as the monthly magazine, online forums, simple rates from the AARP affiliated organizations, and information on legislation and issues touching on the elderly. However, this free basic membership does not entitle one to all the full privileges associated with paid membership to AARP plans.
AARP offers several levels of paid memberships for seniors to choose from.
- AARP Membership for $16 Per Year
- AARP Membership with Magazine – $24 per year
- AARP Plus Membership at $36 per year
- They include AARP Premier Membership which costs $80 annually.
The additional offers, incentives, and materials that are available to the paid subscription tier are more discounts. For instance, the Plus plan in the mid-tier range, offering prescription drug discounts, mobile phone discounts, AARP Personal Financial & Legal Resources, identity theft monitoring & resolution, and enhanced travel and shopping discounts. Additional benefits beyond the Premier plan include travel privileges and restaurant discounts; an emergency hotline; and more in the top-ranked Premier plan.
Thus, although there is no charge for enrolling in AARP and receiving some of the services at the age of fifty, charges for enhanced membership services are available only for a fee. Most of the seniors consider the paid memberships to be worth the money they are charged given the amount that they save on issues like; insurance, groceries, eating out, and traveling.
When considering if an AARP membership is worth it or not, here are some key factors for seniors to weigh.
- What elements are most important when it comes to a product’s benefits? Identify the differences between what is available in the free and the paid version.
- What type of discounts would you normally apply?: Estimate potential savings.
- How much money are you willing to spend? Premium accounts cost between $16 and $80 per year.
- Are you a regular business/traveler? Additional privileges of paid memberships are travel-related.
- How frequently do you refill prescriptions? Prescription discounts can be a big help.
Although the free trial membership has some benefits, most senior citizens who wish to benefit more from AARP membership subscribe to one of the paid membership plans. Members can be recruited online on the AARP website, by phone, or by filling membership application form and then sending it to the organization. They are required to renew them every year to ensure they can continue to enjoy the products of the organization.
AARP also has tools that are used to cater to needy elderly persons and assist them in accessing benefits and funds for which they may be eligible. The services that may be sought from the AARP include transportation assistance, help in getting food support, or health care in Medicaid and Medicare Savings Program and these are not limited to the AARP members. On their website, they assist in the fifty states for older adults in economic difficulties.
All in all, the AARP card is free for all Americans 50+ but paid membership provides better benefits. Their products and services aim at the post-65 population and assist in achieving and maintaining health, social, and financial viability during these years. In addition to providing travel services, insurance services, prescription savings, and many others, AARP aims to enhance the quality of life of the aging population of citizens..
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