AARP membership does not cover the cost of the medical alert system. However, members often get special offers through suppliers. These deals include free activation and shipping, as well as a reduced monthly subscription fee to pay for device monitoring. Unfortunately, the PERS company does not disclose AARP discounts on its website.
As of this writing, Philips Lifeline has an exclusive relationship with the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), and Philips is one of the companies listed in the AARP Member Benefits Guide. However, AARP updates this list regularly, so those who are in the market for a new medical alert system may want to check often to see if more companies are added.
According to Philips Lifeline, the discount includes a 15% monthly monitoring fee, and AARP members also get free shipping and activation. That means AARP members pay $46.71 a month for Lifeline’s landline GoSafe option, which normally costs just $54.95. That’s still more expensive than some other medical alert systems, so it’s best to shop around.
To receive the discount from Philips Lifeline, AARP members need to call the company to request the AARP member discount. Seniors and their families can call Philips Lifeline at 855-345-0130.
Ask about AARP discounts before choosing a medical alert system
Call the medical alert system provider directly and ask about any current promotions that will save consumers money, including discounts from the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP).
To learn about the most affordable medical alert systems on the market, start with the following vendors:
- Alert1
- LifeStation
- MobileHelp
- Bay Alarm Medical
- Medici
Members of the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) and others looking to save money on medical alert systems should call these companies directly. While it is possible to search the company’s website, they are not always updated and some offers are only available over the phone. Since PERS is billed monthly, every dollar saved leaves users with more money at the end of the month.
Ask about new user discounts
Many medical alert providers offer incentives for new customers. This could include discounts on monthly fees, free shipping, activation, or other features that can help seniors get help faster in an emergency.
Learn more about the most affordable medical alert systems including how the top 10 companies compare in terms of home and mobile systems, cost transparency, and overall rankings.
How AARP works
AARP provides information, education, research, advocacy, and community service through a national network of local chapters and experienced volunteers. Its work focuses on consumer issues, economic security, work, health, and independent living issues, and engages in legislative, judicial, and consumer advocacy in these areas.
AARP is considered a powerful lobbying group and a successful business selling life and health insurance, investment products, and other financial and non-financial services. It is also an independent publisher of Modern Maturity magazine and AARP Monthly. AARP generated $1.7 billion in revenue in 2019 from various efforts, including advertising revenue from its publications, and royalties from licensing its name and logo.
However, dues are the most important source of income. It is registered with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as a 501(c)(4) nonprofit, which means it is allowed to engage in lobbying activities. It also manages the operations of approximately 501(c)(3) public charities, while some of its other operations are for-profit.
AARP affiliates
AARP has several affiliated organizations, including:
- The AARP Foundation is a non-profit charitable organization that helps people over the age of 50 who may be at risk of economic and social risks. Based on this foundation, the AARP Experience Group operates the AARP Experience Group, encourages children’s tutoring and mentoring, and holds the AARP Institute of its gift annuity fund.
- AARP Services develops and manages new products and services for profit.
- Seniors Legal Counsel is a nonprofit organization that provides legal services to seniors in Washington, DC
- AARP Financial Services holds AARP real estate for profit.
- AARP Insurance Plans administer some AARP group insurance plans.
AARP has several other initiatives, including promoting driver safety (AARP Driver Safety), launching television programming for seniors, and participating in sponsorships that support social causes, such as raising awareness of hunger in America and ending hunger.
AARP manages outreach programs that address senior housing issues and social isolation. AARP also initiates and administers programs that advocate for strengthening Social Security and Medicare.
Criticism of AARP
AARP is one of the nation’s most powerful lobbying groups, and because of its efforts, it often gets attention for its influence in Washington, DC, and state capitals. Its nonprofit business also receives millions of dollars in federal grants each year. Some argue that its positions belong to the more liberal part of the political spectrum.