Canada Renewal - $17 vs $32?

[RobTheGob]

Recently, I received a membership renewal letter in the mail. It was requesting $17 for “Mexico/Canada membership”. Unfortunately - asking for a check or money order. 

Since it would be much easier to do this transaction online - I logged in and started the process. But the fee being requested online is $32! 

Why such a huge difference? 

I attempted to enable Private Messenger in the forum (using the instructions from other posts) - but My Settings has no such tab…

[AARPConsumerCare]

I can understand your confusion, @JohnB633885. As of January 15, 2025, the new membership rate for Canadian members is $32. AARP is committed to continuing to provide members and people 50-plus with valuable benefits and services at an affordable price. This is our first membership price increase in more than 15 years, and it allows us to continue expanding our offerings to all, enhancing member services and advocating for important issues that matter to people 50-plus. I sincerely apologize for any frustration this may have caused you. - Daniela R. 

[fffred]

@AARPConsumerCare 

I moved to Canada a few years ago and maintained my AARP membership for awhile. Then I recall getting what I thought was a "whopping" offer for renewal and it seemed costly to me at the time (maybe it was so much for being 3 years? even the new $32 is not "whopping", but...). So I let my membership lapse (and continued to participate in these forums).

I would happily maintain my AARP membership for the same price as US residents (I am a US citizen) and be restricted to web access only, without the postal mailing of magazines, etc. I'm sure that the expense of foreign mailing of the magazine and bulletin is a lot. And for me the paper copies are not important.

But having to pay the larger amount doesn't make this an attractive long-term thing for me. (and I am one who laughs at those people who complain about Netflix raising prices, it is so cheap).

On the other hand, I got an email offer this morning to renew and it was for the $32 for one year. I renewed for at least one year. My motivation was thinking that I might have more sway in trying to get AARP/United Healthcare to cease sending postal mail to me at an address in the US, that is no longer viable. The mail goes to a family member who has dementia and whenever postal mail for me arrives at their house (or mail for his deceased wife) he flips out. I'm trying to remedy this situation. Little success to date with AARP/United Healthcare. I spent an hour-plus on multiple phone calls to both parties yesterday, getting little traction. So that renewal offer came at the right moment.

[AARPConsumerCare]

Thanks for your interest in renewing your AARP membership, @fffred. US resident pricing is only available to US residents. I sincerely apologize for any frustration this may have caused you. - Daniela R.

[Winter2025VA]

NO pressure to respond as usual @fffred , being "nosey" in my old age  🙄  - does CANADA honor any AARP discounts?

I myself am NO longer a member since 2021 and participate on this forum only.

I think YOUR SUGGESTION is a good one but doubt anyone at AARP cares. Gone are the days when AARP CARED about people - just my 1/2 cent.

A FOREIGN country subscription should NOT be an arm and a leg.

Take care,

Nicole  👵

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[*** @fffred wrote 4/1/25:

@AARPConsumerCare 

I moved to Canada a few years ago and maintained my AARP membership for awhile. Then I recall getting what I thought was a "whopping" offer for renewal and it seemed costly to me at the time (maybe it was so much for being 3 years? even the new $32 is not "whopping", but...). So I let my membership lapse (and continued to participate in these forums).

I would happily maintain my AARP membership for the same price as US residents (I am a US citizen) and be restricted to web access only, without the postal mailing of magazines, etc. I'm sure that the expense of foreign mailing of the magazine and bulletin is a lot. And for me the paper copies are not important.

But having to pay the larger amount doesn't make this an attractive long-term thing for me. (and I am one who laughs at those people who complain about Netflix raising prices, it is so cheap).

On the other hand, I got an email offer this morning to renew and it was for the $32 for one year. I renewed for at least one year. My motivation was thinking that I might have more sway in trying to get AARP/United Healthcare to cease sending postal mail to me at an address in the US, that is no longer viable. The mail goes to a family member who has dementia and whenever postal mail for me arrives at their house (or mail for his deceased wife) he flips out. I'm trying to remedy this situation. Little success to date with AARP/United Healthcare. I spent an hour-plus on multiple phone calls to both parties yesterday, getting little traction. So that renewal offer came at the right moment. ***]

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[fffred]

@Winter2025VA I never even attempted to use any AARP discounts in the US. And I haven't given them a thought here in Canada. Considering the fact that Canada is currently seen and treated by the US as a sworn enemy, to be subjected, with force if necessary, I doubt that any attempt to use an AARP discount here would be looked favorably.

[PeterK317638]

Are you serious ...$32 for a Canadian membership? Inflation is not 100%, perhaps you should write an article on price gouging by AARP and warn seniors to watch out for mammoth price increases by seniors organizations.

[DDHILL]

Totally agree.  I’m done with AARP

[RobTheGob]

It’s unfortunate that we weren’t notified of an 88% increase, especially since we had been mailed a renewal form with the previous pricing. It’s very disappointing, to say the least.

Since we get minimal benefits from AARP, we won’t be renewing this year.

We’ll have to reconsider the situation again in the future to decide if we rejoin at some point…

[AARPConsumerCare]

We hope you reconsider, @JohnB633885, we'd love to continue having your support. I can understand your disappointment. We print our mailing labels in advance, so the mailings you received were sent before the new pricing started rolling out on January, 15 2025. Please feel free to send me a private message to take a look at your membership notices. We sent emails and letters to our members in advance about our new prices.  I look forward to hearing from you. - Daniela R. 

[RobTheGob]

I don't think there is any point for me to reach out - since the 88% increase is more than I'm willing to pay. A modest increase would have been more acceptable.

Hopefully others in the same situation also let their memberships lapse - it's not a great way to do business. I'll re-evaluate in the future.