*This is a partnered post
Getting older used to be something people dreaded. But these days, as people get up there in years, I think they realize that getting older has perks! I know this is true for my husband and I and our friends who are in the same age group as us. Now that we are in our 50’s, it is time to think about taking advantage of some of the benefits available to us, such as the benefits of AARP.
If you’re a soon-to-be retiree or already retired, you have probably heard a lot about AARP. But what exactly does the organization do, and what benefits does it offer? If you’re 50 years old or older, you might be wondering if AARP is worth the membership fee? You might also be wondering how the AARP membership works, whether or not the government runs it, and what it has to do with insurance.
You don’t have to wonder any longer! Below AARP answers some of the commonly asked questions about membership, how it works {and how it helps retirees specifically}.
What Should You Know About AARP Membership?
If you don’t know much about the organization itself, here’s a short introduction to the American Association for Retired Persons, better known as AARP. This non-governmental, non-profit organization currently has about 38 million members. Established in 1958, AARP aims to make life as easy as possible for the thousands who join the retirement club every year.
For a nominal annual subscription fee of $16 ($12 for the first year if you sign up for auto-pay), you get access to a wide range of discounts, benefits, and useful tools. On top of that, when you sign up, your spouse also becomes a member for free and can enjoy the same privileges.
With that out of the way, it’s time to consider a few of the specific AARP benefits created to help people make the most of their years of retirement:
The Mobile App
Once you sign up as an AARP member, you immediately gain access to the AARP Now mobile app, which has all of your AARP benefits and features at your fingertips. Available on both Android and Apple app platforms, this nifty app gives you access to the latest local and international news, weather forecasts, member updates, lists of local events, and discount alerts. You can also use this app to avail membership benefits from partner outlets on the spot without extra hassle.
Health benefits
As a retiree, your health and health insurance are likely two of your biggest concerns. The AARP website features numerous tools that can help you stay on top of your health and wellness. For example, membership includes an online symptom checker, BMI calculator, pill identifier, drug interaction checker, health encyclopedia, and more.
AARP membership also gives you access to an array of partnered health services and health insurance policies. Some of the best programs include AARP Health Savings Account (offered by Optum Bank), AARP Hearing Care Program (provided by Hear USA), AARP Short-Term Care Insurance (provided by Medico), AARP MyVision Care (provided by Eyemed), and AARP Prescription Discounts (provided by OptumRx). You’ll be hard-pressed to find such comprehensive healthcare benefits elsewhere.
Car insurance discounts
All vehicle owners need auto insurance, and you’ve likely paid this bill reluctantly for decades. But now that you’re retired, you can join AARP and switch to an insurer that offers a discount to AARP members. Many insurance companies have policies specially curated to the needs of seniors and they offer these plans at lower rates.
To apply for an insurance discount based on your membership, you need to meet the AARP eligibility factors. Aside from that, all you have to do is provide the insurance company with proper documentation, proof of a valid state driver’s license, and the registration for any vehicle you currently own. Many insurance providers also have AARP discounts for boat and motorcycle insurance.
Pet and dental insurance
AARP members enjoy discounts and custom coverage on pet and dental insurance, two of the most common insurance policies purchased by retirees. You will get a pet insurance premium discounted by 10 percent that is recognized by veterinarians across the U.S. and Canada.
*I really love this feature – both of these are incredibly expensive and every bit helps!
Also, insurance providers like the Delta Dental Insurance Company have AARP dental insurance programs that give you options for personal and family dental insurance coverage.
AARP Retirement Planning
Not sure how to plan your retirement just yet? AARP’s retirement planning tool will help you do just that. This tool jumps into action by default once you start browsing the AARP website. A digital avatar named Avo will ask you a few questions to get you started. If you answer Avo’s questionnaire, the avatar will provide you with a customized action plan based on your answers. You can further customize your plan with additional action items.
Join the Club!
Retirement may seem like a simple prospect until you realize all the decisions you have to make to secure the retirement lifestyle you desire. AARP helps you navigate your retirement years with all their membership benefits and tools geared just for people like you.
