AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan social welfare organization available for all age groups. The organization has over 38 million members, and a lot of them are above 50. AARP provides opportunities and educational articles for seniors to make the most out of their life. There are also discounts on healthcare services available for members, and the site has a wealth of information on medical alert systems as well.
Although the membership requires a small subscription fee, the overall amount that can be saved with the membership card more than makes up for it. Not to mention that AARP also helps seniors stay safe by uncovering common medical alert scams and explaining how to avoid them.
Recommended Medical Alert Systems for AARP Members in 2020
If you are already an AARP member – or are considering it – and are looking to protect yourself with a medical alert device, then we have three recommended providers worthy of your attention.
Medical Guardian
Medical Guardian is a highly popular medical alert company with over 30 years of experience. Their main perks include a fast and reliable monitoring system, coupled with an array of feature-full medical alert devices. The company not only provides systems with automatic fall detection and mobile buttons with GPS tracking, but they also have a monitoring kit that comes with activity sensors so that relatives can keep a closer eye on the elderly user’s habits and day-to-day life.
Medical Guardian has several bonuses in store for all new members to benefit from. For example, opting for the annual plan not only grants 30 days of free service, but ground shipping for the medical alert devices is also provided for free. Those who opt for longer subscriptions also receive additional benefits, such as a free lockbox. Seniors with an AARP membership should call Medical Guardian directly on 800-310-5997 to ask for further details on additional discounts and offers.
Bay Alarm Medical
Bay Alarm Medical is a true veteran of the medical alert industry. Under their protection, seniors are covered by 24/7 medical monitoring available in 170 languages. All their medical alert systems boast a surprisingly long battery life, including their mobile device. Automatic fall detection is part of the offer for an additional fee, alongside an arsenal of accessories such as wall buttons, lockboxes and a vial of life.
When considering their payment plans, remember that a longer commitment yields more rewards. Semi-annual and quarterly plans grant free shipping and reduce the monthly medical monitoring fees, while other promotional offers include a free lockbox and a vial of life.
If you’re still unsure, choose the plan that seems most appealing and make the most of it during the 30-day free trial period. Bay Alarm Medical states on its website that it offers a discount to AARP members, but it doesn’t explain the exact details. We recommend you get in touch with Bay Alarm Medical on 866-592-2648 to inquire about the specifics of the latest AARP member discounts on offer.
Philips Lifeline
Born out of Dr. Andrew Dibner’s novel idea for a wireless emergency medical alarm system in 1972, Philips Lifeline is a pioneer of medical alert services. The company, officially founded in 1983, was bought by Philips in 2006 and has since been providing stellar medical alert services for its users in hospitals, at home and on-the-go.
All Philips Lifeline medical monitoring services connect to a centralized response center with an average response time of just 22 seconds. Its home medical alert system is easy to set up and offers a long-range connection so that seniors are protected in all corners of their home, yard and garage. Users can also purchase a wearable mobile device that is both lightweight and waterproof to easily get help anywhere with a simple push of the button. Additional features include a high-end automated medication dispenser, automatic fall detection and a mobile app for smartphones.
Depending on the services you need, Philips Lifeline offers different monthly plans with no lock-ins or contracts. With the pay-as-you-go plan being the only option, customers have the freedom to cancel their medical alert service whenever they want. Monthly fees start at $29.95 but keep in mind that all plans come with an activation fee. However, AARP members save 15% on their Philips Lifeline medical alert service and get free shipping and activation.
AARP's Medical Alert System Recommendations
AARP looks after the senior community, but their activity goes further than simply advertising discounts and sales. Instead, the site emphasizes articles that inform the aging reader about the importance of medical alert systems and warns them about the latest scammer trends.
If you are thinking about purchasing a medical alert device for your spouse or aging relative but are unsure about how to go about researching the options available, AARP features a comprehensive buyer’s guide for just this purpose. Step by step, the guide discusses the necessary actions required for picking a medical alert system that suits the senior’s needs. The guide also goes in detail about the features that are currently trending for personal alarm systems.
Other articles deal with the subject in broader terms. For instance, there is an article that presents the benefits of having a medical alert system and argues why it’s a must-have for any elderly person living alone. It discusses automatic fall prevention and answers some common misconceptions. AARP also points out that help buttons only work if the senior in question is willing to participate.
The attention that AARP dedicates to following the latest scams involving medical alert systems can also be of utmost importance to ensure peace of mind for seniors and their relatives. There are articles on how to spot shady deals and why you should say no to seemingly free offers. However, AARP has also had to deal with scams abusing their name to diddle unsuspecting seniors out of their hard-earned money.
Discounts for AARP Members
AARP provides an extensive catalog of discounts and bonuses for its members. The paid subscription alone promises a 25% reduction on monthly fees if you sign up for Automatic Renewal. It’s important to mention that seniors can include their spouse during the registration for free, meaning that the membership card – and its cost – can be shared.
Everyone with an account at AARP (even if they aren’t a paying member) has the opportunity to complete quizzes and use online tools. In exchange, the system rewards them with points, which can then be redeemed for gifts from the catalog or further price cuts on travel or healthcare service fees. As an extra benefit, subscribed members earn 50% more points.
But the most attractive trait of being part of the AARP community is the health benefits. Seniors who have obtained their member’s card receive various discounts on their prescriptions, have access to exclusive dental insurance, and can purchase hearing aids with a 15% discount. The list also includes a guide for cost-effective Medicare plans, 25% savings on purchasing glasses and many other highly beneficial options.