What is Walmart Plus and how does it benefit seniors?
For many seniors, convenience and cost savings are top priorities. Walmart Plus offers a subscription service designed to address these needs by providing a suite of benefits that reduce trips to the store, save money on everyday expenses, and offer entertainment. While there is no exclusive "senior discount," the value proposition for older adults is significant, especially with the discounted Walmart+ Assist program for those on certain government assistance.
Comprehensive benefits of a Walmart Plus membership
By paying a monthly or annual fee, all Walmart+ members, including seniors, gain access to several key features. These benefits are designed to simplify shopping, manage expenses, and provide entertainment, all of which contribute to a higher quality of life, especially for those with limited mobility or a fixed income.
- Free delivery from your store: Get fresh groceries and more delivered from your local Walmart store with a \$35 order minimum (restrictions apply). This is particularly useful for seniors who find navigating a large store or transporting groceries to be physically challenging.
- Free shipping with no order minimum: Order eligible items from Walmart.com and have them shipped to your home for free, with no purchase minimum. This makes it easy to get smaller items like health supplements, household goods, or gifts without extra cost.
- Member prices on fuel: Save 10 cents per gallon at Walmart and Murphy gas stations, and get access to member prices at Sam's Club fuel centers. For seniors who still drive, these savings on gas can add up significantly over the course of a year.
- Video streaming: Members can choose a free subscription to either the Paramount+ Essential plan or Peacock Premium (with ads), adding valuable entertainment at no extra cost. This provides an easy way to access movies and TV shows from the comfort of home.
- Free online pet care: With a Walmart+ membership, you receive free online veterinary care through a third-party service. For seniors with pets, this can offer peace of mind and save on vet costs for minor issues.
- In-store mobile checkout: Use the Scan & Go feature in the Walmart app to scan items as you shop in-store. This allows for a contactless checkout process, which can be faster, more convenient, and more sanitary.
- Free returns from home: Initiate eligible returns directly from the Walmart app and schedule a pickup from your home. This eliminates the need to transport and wait in line at the store for returns.
The Walmart+ Assist program for eligible seniors
For seniors on a limited budget, the standard Walmart+ membership fee might seem high. Walmart offers a solution with its Walmart+ Assist program, providing a 50% discount on the regular membership price for those who qualify. This program is for recipients of government assistance programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, and others.
To enroll in Walmart+ Assist, individuals must verify their eligibility through a simple process on the Walmart website. This verification does not impact existing government benefits. The discounted membership offers all the same benefits as a standard plan but at a significantly reduced cost.
Pharmacy benefits for seniors
Beyond free delivery, the Walmart pharmacy offers additional benefits that are attractive to seniors. These include the \$4 prescription program for a 30-day supply of many generic medications, and a more extensive "Rx for less" program for Walmart+ members.
With free pharmacy delivery for Walmart+ members, seniors can get their medications delivered directly to their doorstep, saving time and potential hassle. This service is crucial for those with mobility challenges or who wish to avoid potential health risks associated with leaving the house.
How to maximize your savings and convenience
Seniors can further maximize their Walmart+ membership by combining several of its benefits. For example, a senior could use the free grocery and pharmacy delivery services to get essentials delivered weekly. Simultaneously, they can take advantage of the fuel discounts when they do need to drive, and use the Scan & Go feature for faster, more convenient in-store trips.
By downloading the Walmart app and linking it to their account, members can easily manage their prescriptions, view deals, track orders, and utilize mobile checkout features. The app also makes it simple to check eligibility and sign up for the Walmart+ Assist program.
Comparison of membership options
To provide clarity on the different membership tiers, here is a comparison table outlining the key differences between the standard Walmart+ and the discounted Walmart+ Assist program.
| Feature | Standard Walmart+ | Walmart+ Assist |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | \$12.95 | \$6.47 |
| Annual Price | \$98.00 | \$49.00 |
| Free Delivery from Store | Yes (\$35 minimum) | Yes (\$35 minimum) |
| Free Shipping on Walmart.com | Yes (no minimum) | Yes (no minimum) |
| Fuel Discounts | Yes | Yes |
| Streaming Service | Yes (Paramount+ or Peacock) | Yes (Paramount+ or Peacock) |
| Free Pharmacy Delivery | Yes | Yes |
| Free Returns from Home | Yes | Yes |
| Early Access to Deals | Yes | Yes |
| Eligibility | Open to all | Requires verification of government assistance (e.g., SNAP, Medicaid) |
Conclusion: Is Walmart Plus a good fit for seniors?
While Walmart does not offer a specific, age-based senior discount, the wide range of benefits included with a Walmart Plus membership can provide significant value for older adults. The primary advantages lie in the convenience of free delivery for groceries and prescriptions, the potential for savings on fuel, and the inclusion of entertainment streaming services. For seniors on government assistance programs, the availability of the Walmart+ Assist program makes membership even more affordable, essentially cutting the cost in half without sacrificing any of the valuable perks. By taking advantage of these features, seniors can save time and money, making daily life easier and more enjoyable.
It is important for any senior considering a membership to evaluate their personal needs and budget. Exploring the details of the program and potential eligibility for discounts through sources like the Walmart website can provide clarity on how to make the most of this service. For more resources on maximizing savings and benefits, you can consult organizations that focus on senior well-being, such as the National Council on Aging.
