Aarp (social security, years, support, benefits)

[Strongasabear]

I know I am aging myself, but what is the deal with AARP? Seriously, is there any benefit to membership? I don't need discounts on hotels or rental cars, and I don't need magazines. Is there any benefit in terms on health care? Let me hear from any members please.

[no kudzu]

we both belong because we feel they lobby for senior issues like prescription costs, and other health care issues. Also we get discounts on eye glasses, hearing aids and other necessary (to some). But mostly we do to support them.

[frankpc]

I joined because it was $17 and it saved us $58 on a weekend at the Umstead. AARP was the only discount available at the time.

Otherwise, I've yet to see much value.

Frank

[Curmudgeon]

We're in our 60s and see litte value in membership. Primarily they appear to be lobbyists and for causes we rarely, if ever, support. So we won't with our "membership" fees.

[Escort Rider]

I never joined but I do frequent their website. From the comments of members on that site, it doesn't seem to me as if the health insurance they sponsor is a very good deal. AARP lobbied extensively for the recent health care reform legislation; it is unclear to me how this benefits seniors. They do support retaining and strengthening Social Security. I know you wanted comments from members, but for what it's worth, I am not impressed.

[Zarathu]

We joined about a year ago. We didn't re-join. Their magazine was just dumb. There's no place that we go where we don't have a better discount from AAA.

15 years ago, the food discount was enourmous, everyone at your table got it. Now its commonplace and few restaurants honor it.

IMO, its a waste of money.

[Boompa]

I get my Car Insurance and Home Owners from AARP, in Arizona it is cheaper than others, in California I find AAA cheaper

[texdav]

I saw liitle value in it. i really became convinced when they did not standup when the money was cut in medicare in the new healthcare bill.

[Littlelu]

I cancelled because I saw no benefit and I was constantly getting junk mail from them...it was just awful and they would not stop sending it. I started sending the whole mess back to them in their prepaid envelope asking them to not send anymore...and they finally ceased the junk mail, but it took a very long time. I want nothing to do with them.

[recycled]

AARP offers products and services that are widely available from many other sources. The quality and price of those items from other sources is better than or equal to AARP, and you don't have to pay an annual "membership fee" (aka advertising and political lobbying contribution). AARP is notorious for selling targeted membership lists to the highest bidders in the direct marketing business that results in junk mail bombardment beyond belief. Even if AARP were free, I would not give them my name and address in fear of junk mail attacks.