No, the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) does not include coverage for medical alert systems in its membership benefits. AARP does have an official affiliation with one medical alert system provider, Philips Lifeline, which offers some discounts to AARP members.
What Is a Medical Alert System?
A medical alert system is better known as a personal emergency response system (PERS) or a medical emergency response system (MERS). Many families invest in these systems to ensure their loved ones get prompt help and medical attention, if needed, in the event of a fall or other health emergency, to provide independence for seniors with mobility issues and to ease the minds of caregivers who can’t always be with their loved ones.
Approximately 25% of seniors aged 65 and older fall at least once per year. Falls are the leading cause of acute injuries among seniors, so it’s not hard to imagine why AARP endorses these systems for older adults.
How AARP Members Save on Medical Alert Systems
AARP membership doesn’t cover the cost of a medical alert system. However, members often get special deals through providers. Deals include free activation and shipping, as well as reductions on the monthly subscription costs, which pay for device monitoring. Unfortunately, PERS companies aren’t that forthcoming about AARP discounts on their websites.
As of the time of this writing, Philips Lifeline has an exclusive relationship with AARP, and Philips is listed among the companies 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 back often to see if more companies have been added.
According to Philips Lifeline, the discount includes 15% off monthly monitoring fees, and AARP members also get free shipping and activation. This means AARP members pay $46.71 per month for Lifeline’s landline GoSafe option, which would normally cost $54.95. This is still more expensive than some other medical alert systems, so it’s best to shop around for the best deal available.
In order to get the discount from Philips Lifeline, AARP members need to call the company and ask for the AARP membership discount. Seniors and their families can call Philips Lifeline at 855-345-0130.
Ask About AARP Discounts Before Choosing a Medical Alert System
Call medical alert system providers directly to ask about any current promotions that could save consumers money, including AARP discounts.
For the most affordable medical alert system on the market, check out these providers first:
- Alert1
- LifeStation
- MobileHelp
- Bay Alarm Medical
- QMedic
AARP members and others looking to save on medical alert systems should call the companies directly. While it’s possible to search the company websites, they aren’t always updated, and some offers are only available via phone. Since PERS come with a monthly fee, every dollar saved leaves more money in subscribers’ pockets at the end of each month.
Ask About New Subscriber Discounts
Many medical alert providers offer incentives to new customers. This could include discounts on the monthly charges, free shipping or activation or additional features that may help seniors get help faster in the event of an emergency.
Find out more about the most affordable medical alert systems on the market, including how the top 10 companies compare in terms of in-home and mobile systems, cost transparency and overall ranking.
