Understanding the Standard Walmart+ Membership Cost
For most customers, including seniors who do not qualify for other special programs, the price of a Walmart+ membership is the standard rate. The cost can be paid in one of two ways:
- Monthly Plan: $12.95 per month, plus any applicable tax. This offers flexibility for those who don't want a long-term commitment.
- Annual Plan: $98 per year, plus applicable tax. This is the more economical option, saving you a considerable amount over the course of a year compared to paying monthly.
The Value Proposition of a Standard Membership
Even at the regular price, a Walmart+ membership offers substantial benefits that can save older adults time and money, such as:
- Free delivery from your store: Get groceries and other items delivered from your local store to your home, a significant convenience for seniors with mobility issues or those who prefer contactless shopping.
- Free shipping with no order minimum: This is a major benefit for online shopping, as it eliminates shipping costs on eligible items purchased from Walmart.com.
- Member savings on fuel: Members save 10 cents per gallon at participating fuel stations, which can add up to meaningful savings over time.
- Mobile Scan & Go: Scan items with your phone in-store and pay with Walmart Pay, allowing for a faster, touch-free checkout experience.
- Free Paramount+ Essential subscription: Access to a popular streaming service is an added perk for entertainment.
Unlocking the Walmart+ Assist Discounted Plan
For seniors who receive certain types of government assistance, a significant discount is available through the Walmart+ Assist program. This membership provides all the benefits of a standard plan for half the cost.
How to Qualify for Walmart+ Assist
Eligibility is tied to participation in specific government aid programs. You may qualify if you are a recipient of:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
How to Enroll in Walmart+ Assist
- Visit the Walmart+ Assist page: Go to the official Walmart website and navigate to the Walmart+ Assist enrollment page.
- Verify your eligibility: Walmart uses a third-party service, SheerID, to confirm eligibility. You will be redirected to their site to provide the necessary information.
- Choose your plan: Once verified, you can select either the discounted monthly ($6.47) or annual ($49) option.
Comparing Walmart+ Membership Options for Seniors
| Feature | Standard Walmart+ | Walmart+ Assist | Benefit for Seniors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $12.95/month or $98/year | $6.47/month or $49/year | Significant financial savings for eligible individuals |
| Free Delivery | Yes, from local store | Yes, from local store | Great for mobility challenges; saves gas and time |
| Free Shipping | Yes, no minimum | Yes, no minimum | Convenience for online orders |
| Fuel Savings | 10¢ per gallon | 10¢ per gallon | Reduces transportation costs |
| Streaming | Paramount+ Essential | Paramount+ Essential | Provides entertainment value |
| Eligibility | All customers | Recipients of government aid | Targets those with the greatest economic need |
AARP Member Discount for Walmart+
Even if you don't qualify for the Walmart+ Assist program, being an AARP member can still save you money on your Walmart+ membership. AARP members can receive $20 off an annual Walmart+ membership. This discount lowers the annual cost from $98 to $78.
Maximizing Savings with Walmart+ Benefits
For older adults, the benefits of a Walmart+ membership extend beyond the potential discounts. Here are additional ways to maximize savings and convenience:
- $4 Prescription Program: The Walmart Pharmacy offers a long list of common generic medications for just $4 for a 30-day supply or $10 for a 90-day supply. For many seniors on Medicare, this can be cheaper than their insurance co-pay, depending on their plan.
- Use the Walmart App: The free app can alert you to flash deals and rollbacks, helping you save on everyday items.
- Consider your shopping habits: If you regularly rely on delivery for groceries or shop frequently at Walmart, the fuel savings and free shipping can quickly offset the membership cost. If your shopping is infrequent, a membership may not be the best value for you.
Seniors have several avenues to save money on a Walmart+ membership. While there is no specific 'senior discount,' the Walmart+ Assist program and AARP member savings offer valuable reductions for eligible individuals. By exploring these options and leveraging the full range of benefits, many older adults can find a plan that makes online shopping and home delivery more affordable. To learn more about navigating healthcare costs and other senior resources, visit the USAging website.
