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v558003l
Contributor ⭐
December 30, 2024

AARP Discounts Diminished by provider fees

  • December 30, 2024
  • 5 replies
  • 1797 views

I am livid.  I recently changed cell providers to Consumer Cellular because it advertises, with AARP's help a 2 line for $55 price.  I just got a full months bill and it is $72.50.  I understand the various taxes entities charge, buy Consumer Cellular tacks on a $6.98 fee for "Operational Compliance."  I've read several items that provide hazy and unclear info on what this is for, but apparently other cell companies do NOT charge this, or it's rolled into their basic charge so any discounts will apply to it also.  I've also noticed my car insurance from Hartford, through AARP also going up rather fast.  I am going to shop around for cell service and car insurance, and will probably discontinue my AARP membership which I am beginning to feel is nothing more than a pro business way to milk seniors.  I've lost a lot of faith in you, and I'd like to hear from others who agree.  Just respond to this, if you can, with the word Agree or Disagree...nothing more, as AARP is not sharing all details with us when promoting these "Great Deals" for your memberhip.  What they get are payments from these companies with no transparency on where the monies go etc.  

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    5 replies

    DirkB349973
    DirkB349973
    Conversationalist ⭐
    December 31, 2024

    What I've understood from reading these forums is that companies pay AARP to use the AARP name. Don't think of it as a recommendation. I doubt AARP is involved in any of the "discounts" or special offers. Shop around and find a deal you like and don't assume any vendor using the AARP name is giving you something special. AARP does lots of good, but selling their "brand" to these vendors is just a money-maker.

    v558003lAuthor
    Contributor ⭐
    January 6, 2025

    Hi Dirk,  

     

    I understand that.  I think it is disingenuous for AARP to advertise an "Exclusive for AARP Members Only" offering "Unlimited Talk, Text and Data for 2 for $55" when they know the final price will be almost 33% higher.  The operational compliance fees are usually rolled into a providers base rate.  CC backs it out then charges for it after the fact.  AARP does not have our back when they allow someone to do that.  I'm suspect of their relationship with The Hartford also, and am going to start digging deeper when it comes to comparing prices. 

     

    AARP does do a lot of good, but I feel they are capitalizing on the backs of Seniors through their relationships. 

     

    Victor 

    AARPConsumerCare
    Community Champion ⭐
    December 31, 2024

    I can understand how frustrating this can be, @v558003l and we hope you stay with us. Here you can find a breakdown of the Consumer Cellular's unlimited talk, text and data plan for AARP members: https://savings.consumercellular.com/aarp55

     

    I'm sorry to hear The Hartford increased your policy, I would like to share this with our Member Relations team as they act as liaison for AARP service providers. Please send me a private message with your name, address and the best phone number or email to contact you. You may need to enable your private messages first, please check our article for instructions: https://aarp.info/47hWcl7 - Diana G.

    v558003lAuthor
    Contributor ⭐
    January 6, 2025

    I think it is disingenuous for AARP to advertise an "Exclusive for AARP Members Only" offering "Unlimited Talk, Text and Data for 2 for $55" when you know the final price will be almost 33% higher.  The operational compliance fees are usually rolled into a providers base rate.  CC backs it out then charges for it after the fact.  AARP does not have our back when they allow someone to do that.  I'm suspect of your relationship with The Hartford also, and am going to start digging deeper when it comes to comparing prices. 

     

    AARP does do a lot of good, but I feel you are capitalizing on the backs of Seniors through their relationships.  

    AARPConsumerCare
    Community Champion ⭐
    January 6, 2025

    @v558003l, I can totally understand your concern. I would like to share this with our Member Relations team as they act as liaison for AARP service providers. Please send me a private message or visit: https://aarp.info/3epCObA to chat, text or talk to one of our associates who can get you in touch with them. Thank you. - Diana G.

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