Your Guide to AARP Membership Benefits
Exclusive Discounts: Travel, Dining, and Entertainment
One of the most immediate perks of an AARP membership is the wide array of discounts available for daily expenses and leisure activities. These savings can quickly add up, often recouping the cost of the annual membership fee and then some.
- Travel Discounts: Members can find deals on flights, hotels, and rental cars from major providers like British Airways, Hilton, and Avis. These aren't just minor savings; they can include significant percentages off base rates and valuable upgrades.
- Dining Deals: AARP members enjoy discounts at a variety of national restaurant chains. Whether it's 10% off your bill at Outback Steakhouse or similar savings at Denny's and Carrabba's, the savings on food add up over time.
- Entertainment: Discounts on movie tickets, theme park admissions, and local coupons for attractions make entertainment more affordable. The 'Movies for Grownups' program offers special screenings and insider movie reviews.
Comprehensive Insurance and Financial Products
AARP’s partnerships with major providers offer members access to a range of insurance and financial products often at preferential rates. This provides valuable security and planning tools for a stable future.
- Auto and Home Insurance: Partnered with The Hartford, AARP members can receive discounted rates on auto and homeowners insurance. These bundles can lead to significant annual savings.
- Health and Life Insurance: Through partners like UnitedHealthcare and New York Life, AARP offers various insurance plans, including Medicare Supplement and life insurance options. These policies are designed with the needs of older adults in mind.
- Financial Planning and Tools: AARP provides numerous resources to help members manage their money, including retirement calculators, investment guidance, and tax preparation services. These tools are crucial for securing your financial independence.
Health and Wellness Resources
Maintaining health and well-being is a core focus of AARP's mission. Membership unlocks access to numerous resources designed to keep you physically and mentally sharp.
- Prescription Discounts: The AARP® Prescription Discounts provided by Optum Rx® program offers a free prescription card that can provide significant savings on FDA-approved medications not covered by insurance. Members often receive even deeper discounts.
- Vision and Hearing Care: Benefits include discounts on glasses at retailers like LensCrafters and Target Optical, as well as resources and savings on hearing aids and related services through providers like UnitedHealthcare Hearing.
- Fitness and Brain Health: Members gain access to the 'Staying Sharp' program, with games, quizzes, and articles designed to boost brain health. There are also discounts on fitness subscriptions and access to a variety of free workout videos.
Advocacy and Information
AARP is not just about savings; it is a powerful advocate for issues affecting older Americans, from Social Security and Medicare to consumer protection. Membership supports these efforts and keeps you informed.
- Advocacy Efforts: AARP actively lobbies federal and state governments on issues vital to older adults, giving members a powerful voice in legislative processes.
- Publications and News: All members receive subscriptions to AARP The Magazine and AARP The Bulletin, offering a wealth of information, from health tips and celebrity interviews to financial advice and news.
How to Maximize Your Membership
- Add a Free Household Member: Be sure to add your spouse or another household member to your membership at no extra charge. They will receive their own card and full access to benefits.
- Use the AARP Now App: This free mobile app puts your digital membership card, daily news, local events, and personalized savings right in your pocket.
- Explore AARP Rewards: A free loyalty program, open to everyone, but members earn 50% more points. Redeem points for gift cards, sweepstakes, and more.
- Check Local Offers: Use the website or app to find local discounts on dining, shopping, and entertainment near you.
Comparison of Benefits
| Benefit Category | AARP Member Offer | Potential Value |
|---|---|---|
| Travel | Up to 35% off Avis/Budget car rentals, hotel discounts | Hundreds in savings per trip |
| Insurance | Discounted rates on auto/home insurance from The Hartford | Avg. member savings of $577/year |
| Prescriptions | Free discount card with enhanced member savings | Varies, can be substantial |
| Dining | 10% off at major chains like Outback Steakhouse | Varies, up to hundreds/year |
| Finance | Access to financial planning tools and resources | Helps secure retirement savings |
Conclusion: Is AARP membership worth it?
Deciding whether to join depends on your lifestyle, but the sheer breadth of savings and resources make AARP a compelling value proposition for many. From saving hundreds on travel and insurance to accessing vital health and financial tools, the benefits can quickly outweigh the low annual cost. By leveraging just a few of the available discounts, you can easily recoup your investment and enjoy the added security and information that comes with being a member. For those seeking to age wisely and live more affordably, exploring AARP member benefits is a worthwhile step.
