Table of Contents:
Overview
For many senior citizens and retirees, the price they have to pay for medical supplies and orthotic devices paints a worrying picture. Orthotics or shoe inserts, splints, braces and other appliances are some of the essential means for motion and comfort in human life especially during the older age.
The loss of a limb from diabetes, cancer, or another chronic ailment that affects older people is a reality, and as one of the largest membership organizations for Americans aged 50 and older, AARP is expected to be the best source of cost savings on these necessary medical products.
Joining AARP can make orthotics more affordable. Let’s see how.
Understanding AARP Membership Benefits
The AARP, American Association of Retired Persons, is an international volunteer organization aimed at helping and improving the lives of people aged 50+. The benefits of being an AARP member include insurance discounts, cash back for travel, and decreases in health care costs. As a non-governmental organization, it is a support network for the elderly and plays a very important role in assisting them during their post-employment years.
With the current rising costs in healthcare, the reason behind joining AARP is seniors prefer quality life being a member. This in turn helps an AARP member to enjoy the organisation’s network and other wide range of services and products at cheaper rates; hence the best option for anyone who wants to get the best out of their retirement funds.
AARP Discounts and Offers
Based on several discounts, AARP never disappoints its members and provides a long list of offers based on different categories. Not only can members take advantage of discounted rates on hotels and car rentals but can also enjoy discounted restaurant meals and movies among others.
In the context of the healthcare industry, the main benefits that AARP provides to its customers are discounts on prescription drugs, vision care, and hearing aids provided with the cooperation of the main healthcare organisations.
The research study conducted by the National Library of Medicine, titled “Does using orthotics enhance comfort, speed and incidence of injury during running? A randomised control trial," reveals that participants who utilized orthotics while running were 2.22 times less likely to sustain an injury in comparison to those participants who ran without any orthotic support.
AARP has collaborated with manufacturers of medical equipment and facilities to offer its members deals and discounts on health-related products that could help them reduce their costs on orders. The discounted pharmaceuticals, mobility equipment, and other health products are usually in demand among the elderly.
Orthotics and AARP Medicare Coverage
Another factor that also defines the possibilities for seniors to save costs is Medicare coverage of orthotics and therapeutic footwear. Generally, under Original Medicare Part B, it covers therapeutic shoes and inserts in certain medical conditions of the feet, especially those with advanced diabetic foot disease. The coverage, however, requires a prescription and a certification of medical necessity by an appropriate provider.
Therefore, AARP guides its members in making informed decisions about Medicare, including coverage of orthotics. The organization provides members with relevant information and support so that they understand and benefit from Medicare's advantages and claims.
How to Access Discounts on Orthotics?
Since its creation, AARP has directly or indirectly tapped a network of healthcare providers and medical supply companies that price their goods and services affordably to the association members. The direct discounts on orthotics are not offered by AARP but the members are given direction to these partner networks wherein they can get the discount. There should be conversations with local medical supply stores and orthotic providers to know if there is a cost-saving provision for a member of AARP or a negotiated price.
Cost-conscious AARP members have several strategies available for managing the expense of orthotics. These include utilizing Medicare when applicable, exploring additional insurance options, and making judicious use of health or flexible spending accounts. Members can also consider insurance plans recommended by AARP, which may offer suitable follow-up coverage for orthotic devices.
Key Takeaways
Although AARP doesn’t provide membership discounts for Orthotics, the association offers quality products at lower prices indirectly through its encompassing network. Therefore, members should view their AARP benefits as one way to reduce the cost of orthotic services, rather than relying on them as the sole solution.
Using several resources and advantages of the AARP membership along with other savings methods, seniors can get effective orthotic care at a lower cost. However, it is crucial to be knowledgeable about such services and also search for opportunities that provide individual coverage or discounts that would be the most appropriate for particular situations.
Seek professional advice from Stride Soles to know more about accessible discounts. You can find the perfect orthotic solution here to keep you moving comfortably. Consider Stride Soles today and take the first step toward your healthier feet.
