I receive many letters from AARP. Is it worth it?

[Paper Roses]

I've checked their web page and can find nothing that would be a benefit to me. Maybe I've missed something.
May I ask you about your thoughts?

[cinematicdiversions]

1. Bump because I to have this question.

Both AARP and AAA seem like good ideas in a way but I haven't found a silver bullet benefit that isn't already covered by my credit cards or car insurance.

[Freddie]

7. AAA is worthwhile

Especially if you drive older cars. Travel discounts too. Plus I’ve read that if you use the “roadside assistance” offered by your car insurance they can use that to raise your rate.

[imaginary girl]

10. Found AAA really helpful ...

On my last out of state trip, my son locked our keys in the trunk (old car, lol) as I was checking out of the hotel. Fortunately the dog hadn't been loaded yet! Thanks to AAA, we were on our way pretty quickly.

[Rorey]

2. For me, no

I especially don't like the waste that goes into the stuff they mail, like that magazine thing.

[LakeArenal]

8. Same here. Too much junk mail.

Same with the Humane Society.

I started donating at Pet stores because of all the crap they send.

[cinematicdiversions]

12. Like many on this board I have donated to political canadates

The sheer volume of stuff a $500 donation from 2016 generates boggles the mind. (I don't mind the emails but good lord the mailers and unsolicited invitations to events.)

[HighFired49]

3. Same here

Good day! My spouse and I were members for several years, and never found any need of any of their "benefits." Finally canceled, and got my first benefit - no more mail and emails from them asking for money. Have a wonderful day!

[MiHale]

4. Never joined..

There’s nothing there to make it worthwhile. Supported for a little while years ago because they did represent seniors but I’m not sure about them now.

[relayerbob]

5. Yes, it has already paid for itself many times over

They are also one of the biggest and best advocacy groups for older people in DC

[QED]

6. I'm finding info on magazine helpful

I'm messing retirement and find some advice useful. There have been subjects I hadn't thought about. This getting old business is confusing.

[LakeArenal]

9. I think retirement is purposely confusing.

Especially Medicare.

[Rorey]

11. Yes!

It's just too much to sort out!

I finally found out that someone in my grandson's family sold insurance, and I think she steered me in the right direction. I got the AARP Medicare Advantage from United Healthcare. (I'm not a member of AARP.) So far, so good. But I appear to be in excellent health. I don't take any medications and don't have any health issues. At least none of which I'm aware.

[LakeArenal]

15. Knock on wood

[rsdsharp]

16. I have the same plan. My health hasn't been good.

Since early March of 2020 I have been in the hospital three times, totaling 43 days, including five days in the ICU, 19 in rehab, five surgeries and more than a month of home nursing visits. My bill, not counting co-pays for follow up doctor visits and medication, was $1770.

That’s better than the coverage I had through my employer, for far less in premiums. So I’m satisfied, although I can do without the damn phone calls reminding me to renew medications I’ve already called into the pharmacy.

[brush]

13. No. AARP is just an insurance company now and its image as advocates for seniors...

is, IMO, just a way to get money from you for their insurance offerings. Their Medicare supplement is just one of many supplemental insurance policies in the marketplace.

AAA on the other hand is a very good thing. Anytime your car won't start, or you have a flat or deflated tire, or get stuck on the road, or need a tow just call AAA and they'll get you going again. It's comforting to know you have their card in your pocket in case of auto emergencies.

And their travel aids are helpful. They use to do physical trip tickets, spiral filp roadmaps of each leg of a road trip with lodging, meal/road service markers and construction warnings and they'd send it to you for free by mail (long as you were a member). Now they do it electronically.

[Fla Dem]

25. Forgot about the hotel discounts and travel aids. Had a whole stack of them. Maps and everything.

Would only stay in a AAA Approved Hotel/Motel.

[Fla Dem]

14. Joined AAA when I first got a car. Been a member ever since.

Yes nowadays you can get the same emergency services from your insurance. I don't believe that was the case back in the middle aged (LOL). But I know AAA is dependable. I've called them on a number of occasions and the service is always prompt and service people helpful and congenial.

I initially joined AARP, but dropped them with in a year or so. As many have said, sooo much mail and didn't really see any benefits for me.

[AngryOldDem]

24. When I got my first car, the first piece of advice I got was to get AAA.

[Fla Dem]

26. Yep, my Dad and Grandfather had AAA cards, made sure I got one too!

In fact I think my Dad got me my 1st membership as a Christmas or Birthday gift. Gee, the things you remember.

[RainCaster]

17. Dropped AARP, kept AAA

Complete waste of my time to read anything they had to offer. Not impressed by their aging advocacy positions because they won't drink their own koolaid.

[Paper Roses]

18. Thanks everyone, I will not join AARP. Still thinking about AAA

I'm an old timer and hardly drive anywhere any longer.
I've been told that I should have AAA. I guess it is worthwhile but must make the right decision. $$ is short. If this is a good deal, I may stretch the $$ but since I drive so little, I question the need. I know I might have a flat tire 2 mines from home.

Geezer guys, don't get old! My most exciting thing now is a trip the the grocery store. I always appreciate advice from DU members.
Thank You for your guidance.

[AngryOldDem]

23. AAA is great.

On the few occasions I’ve had to call them, it was well worth the membership. (Once was for a flat.) It’s also peace of mind when I take longer trips, plus I get the hotel discount.

I’d take AAA over AARP any day.

[NurseJackie]

19. AARP, AAA, Good Sam Club...

There's something for everyone, depending on your needs and priorities. Not every organization is perfect for every person.

[doc03]

20. I had their insurance from Hartford, never again. I think AARP is only $12 a year they claim

they lobby for protecting SS and Medicare. I get discounts at hotels.

[Brother Buzz]

21. Those AARP cards are great windshield ice scrapers, I've been told

I live in California so I've never really done much windshield scraping.

AARP is supposed to be a lobbying group to promote seniors causes, but I believe they spend ALL the money they raise on mailers; I have enough ice scrapers to survive the ice age.

[AngryOldDem]

22. For me, not really.

I wouldn’t have been able to take advantage of all the discounts, etc., over the course of a year to make the membership worthwhile. I like what I currently pay for AAA, and don’t want supplemental insurance coverage.

They are relentless, though, with their mailings. I get stuff all the time, addressed to me and former occupants of my townhome.

[IcyPeas]

27. I like AAA. but I actually called them to ask them to STOP sending me Westways

and they said they weren't able to do that. I toss it every time I get it. such a waste.

[Hotler]

28. I may be wrong, I think AARP gives campaign donations to the repugs. maybe both sides.

Anyway, they have nothing for me.