Amazon Prime is a paid subscription service offered by the retail giant Amazon that has become a staple in many households. It offers a wide range of benefits from free and expedited shipping to access to streaming services and exclusive deals.
At CoverRight, we’re on a mission to help individuals save on essential services, including Medicare.
In this article, we provide an overview of Amazon Prime services, explore any discount opportunities available for seniors with this subscription, and understand CoverRight’s commitment to helping individuals save.
What is Prime?
Amazon Prime is a paid subscription service offered by Amazon that provides a multitude of benefits to its members. For a flat annual fee or a monthly subscription, Prime members enjoy various perks designed to enhance their shopping and entertainment experiences. Here’s a summary of the benefits and cost structure of Amazon Prime:
- Free and Expedited Shipping: Prime members enjoy free two-day shipping on eligible items, as well as expedited shipping options for faster delivery on others.
- Streaming Services: Prime membership includes access to Prime Video, which offers a vast library of movies, TV shows, and original content. Prime Members can also access Prime Music for ad-free streaming of millions of songs, and Prime Gaming for free games and in-game content.
- Exclusive Deals: Prime members have access to exclusive deals, discounts, and early access to sales events such as Prime Day.
- Cost Structure: Amazon Prime offers two payment options: an annual subscription fee or a monthly subscription. The current Amazon Prime membership pricing is $14.99 per month or $139 per year. Opting for the annual subscription often results in cost savings compared to the monthly option, making it a popular choice for frequent Amazon shoppers.
Does Amazon Prime Offer Discounts for Seniors
While Amazon Prime does not offer specific discounts for seniors, there are alternative options available that seniors may qualify for based on applicable criteria. One such option is ‘Prime Access’, which provides a discounted membership fee for individuals receiving qualifying government assistance.
Prime Access offers all the benefits of a regular Amazon Prime membership at a reduced monthly subscription fee. Eligible individuals, including senior citizens receiving government assistance such as SNAP or Medicaid, can subscribe to Prime Access for $6.99 per month, compared to the regular price of $14.99 per month.
To qualify for Prime Access, follow these simple steps:
- Select your qualifying government assistance program and upload a photo of your EBT card or eligibility letter.
- Enter a payment method to use after your free trial ends.
- Unlock everything Amazon Prime has to offer and enjoy the benefits of Prime Access.
How Else Can I Save on Amazon Prime?
While Prime Access provides a discounted membership option for eligible individuals, there are other ways to save on the cost of Amazon Prime. Here are some additional strategies that anyone, including seniors, can utilize to make the most of their Amazon Prime subscription:
- Free Trial: Amazon Prime offers a 30-day free trial for new members. This trial period allows individuals to experience the benefits of Prime before committing to the subscription.
- Gift Cards: Consider purchasing Amazon gift cards to cover the cost of your Prime membership. You can apply gift cards towards the annual or monthly subscription fee to offset the expense.
- Family Plan: Amazon Household allows Prime members to share their benefits with one other adult and up to four children. By sharing a membership with family members or roommates, you can split the cost of Prime and enjoy the benefits together.
- Annual Subscription: Opting for the annual subscription instead of the monthly option can lead to cost savings in the long run. While the upfront payment IS higher, paying annually reduces the overall cost of Prime membership.
At CoverRight, we’re here to help you navigate your options and save on essential services. Explore Prime Access today for discounted Amazon Prime benefits and start enjoying exclusive perks at a fraction of the cost!
FAQs
How Can I Verify Eligibility for Prime Access?
To verify eligibility for Prime Access, you’ll need to provide documentation proving your qualification for one of the following government assistance programs:
- Supplemental Security Income (this is different from Social Security and SSDI).
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program).
- Medicaid.
- Direct Express Debit Card (DE).
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
- National School Lunch Program (NSLP).
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
- Women, Infants, and Children program (WIC).
- Tribal assistance eligibility letter (TTANF).
- Puerto Rico’s Nutrition Assistance Program (NAP).
How Can I Sign up for Prime Access?
You can sign up for Prime Access through the following methods:
- Desktop: Visit the Amazon website and follow the instructions to verify your eligibility and sign up for Prime Access.
- Mobile Web Browser: You can also qualify and sign up for Prime Access using a mobile web browser.
- Note: You cannot qualify directly through the Amazon shopping app. Please use a desktop or mobile web browser for eligibility verification.
Does Prime Access Offer a Free Trial?
Yes, Prime Access offers a free 30-day trial before you begin paying the discounted membership fee of $6.99 per month. To sign up for the trial, however, you must provide a valid payment method associated with your account. You can re-qualify for a free trial once every 12 months.
