Walgreens and AARP Discounts: A Closer Look
While Walgreens doesn't advertise an AARP-exclusive discount that is separate from its other offers, AARP members are still very much in the loop for savings. The key is understanding how Walgreens structures its promotions and how an AARP membership can provide additional value, particularly through the AARP® Prescription Discounts program. For members aged 55 and up, your AARP status is recognized as a qualifying factor for the monthly Seniors Day events.
The myWalgreens Program: The Gateway to Senior Savings
To access most of Walgreens' senior-specific discounts, including the Seniors Day offer, you must be a member of the free myWalgreens rewards program. This program is the foundation for all customer-specific benefits. Once enrolled, members can access a range of benefits:
- Cash Rewards: Earn 1% Walgreens Cash rewards on almost all purchases, and a higher 5% on Walgreens-branded products.
- Exclusive Deals: Get access to digital coupons and personalized offers tailored to your shopping habits.
- Health and Wellness: Earn rewards for healthy activities like walking, monitoring blood pressure, and getting immunizations.
Seniors Day: The 20% Discount
The most significant discount opportunity for older adults is Walgreens' Seniors Day. This event typically takes place on the first Tuesday of each month and offers eligible customers 20% off eligible regular-priced merchandise.
To take advantage of Seniors Day, you must meet one of the following criteria:
- Be a myWalgreens member who is 55 years of age or older.
- Be a myWalgreens member who is an AARP member.
For in-store purchases, you may be asked to show proof of age, such as a driver's license or passport. For online shopping, the discount is typically available for the entire week surrounding the first Tuesday of the month. Online shoppers must be logged into their myWalgreens account and use a specific promotional code, such as SENIOR20, at checkout.
AARP's Role: Beyond Retail Discounts
While AARP membership qualifies you for Walgreens' Seniors Day, its most powerful benefit at the pharmacy chain lies in prescription savings. The AARP® Prescription Discounts program, provided by Optum Rx, offers a valuable free discount card. AARP members can receive deeper discounts on medications, home delivery, and even extend coverage to dependents.
This is a crucial distinction. While the 20% Seniors Day discount applies to front-of-store merchandise, it specifically excludes prescriptions. The AARP program, therefore, fills a major gap, providing vital savings on prescription medications, which are often a significant expense for seniors. You can use the AARP prescription discount card at Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, and over 66,000 other pharmacies.
Stacking Discounts: The Smart Shopping Strategy
For savvy senior shoppers, the real benefit comes from stacking your AARP benefits with Walgreens' promotions. Here's a strategy:
- Use your AARP card for prescription savings: Present your AARP prescription discount card at the pharmacy counter to get savings on eligible medications.
- Shop on Seniors Day: Do your shopping for regular-priced, eligible merchandise on the first Tuesday of the month or online during that week.
- Use your myWalgreens cash rewards: Redeem any accumulated Walgreens Cash rewards to reduce your total purchase price.
- Check for manufacturer coupons: Combine manufacturer coupons with the Seniors Day discount and cash rewards for even greater savings.
Comparison of Walgreens and AARP Savings Opportunities
To clarify how the different programs work together, here is a comparison table outlining the key differences and synergies.
| Feature | Walgreens Senior Discount | AARP Prescription Discounts | Synergy for Seniors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Availability | First Tuesday of each month (in-store) and week-long online | Anytime, with AARP discount card | Use both programs for comprehensive savings on both retail and prescriptions. |
| Eligibility | myWalgreens members 55+ or AARP members | Open to AARP members | Your AARP membership gives you eligibility for the Walgreens Seniors Day discount. |
| Discount | 20% off eligible regular-priced merchandise | Deeper discounts on eligible FDA-approved medications | Combine a 20% Seniors Day discount on general items with AARP's prescription savings. |
| Exclusions | Prescriptions, gift cards, alcohol, tobacco, bulk orders, and sale items | Typically covers FDA-approved medications not covered by insurance | The AARP discount on prescriptions covers items that are excluded from the Seniors Day retail discount. |
| How to Access | Join myWalgreens and show ID or use online code SENIOR20 |
Use the free AARP prescription card at the pharmacy counter | A single AARP membership unlocks multiple paths to savings at Walgreens. |
Practical Tips for Maximizing Your Savings
Beyond combining your AARP and Walgreens benefits, there are other ways to ensure you're getting the most value out of your shopping trips.
- Download the myWalgreens App: Use the app to digitally clip coupons and track your rewards. It's an easy way to see what offers are available.
- Keep an Eye on Weekly Ads: Check the weekly ad for special sales and promotions that can be combined with other offers.
- Understand Coupon Stacking Rules: While you cannot stack the Seniors Day discount with other promotional pricing (like BOGO deals), you can often combine it with manufacturer's coupons.
- Look for Clearance Items: The senior discount does not apply to clearance items, but you can still find great deals in this section.
- Consider the myWalgreens Credit Card: For those who frequently shop at Walgreens, the credit card offers even more cash rewards on purchases.
Conclusion: AARP and Walgreens—A Winning Combination
In summary, while there is no single AARP-exclusive discount at Walgreens, an AARP membership is a valuable asset for saving money at the pharmacy. It qualifies members 55 and older for the generous 20% Seniors Day discount and provides access to deeper savings on prescriptions through the AARP® Prescription Discounts program. By signing up for the free myWalgreens program and strategically timing your purchases, you can leverage both benefits to significantly reduce your healthcare and household expenses. The partnership is a clear win for seniors focused on healthy aging and savvy spending. To explore more about the AARP Prescription Discounts and other member benefits, visit the official AARP website.
