Total Tech and extended warranty

I have been a total tech member forever, mainly due to the free installations and 2 year warranties. My plan expires tomorrow, and since they no longer offer really anything for the $179, I am going to get the monthly extended warranties offered. I have spoke to the people in the store, and the online chat and called Geek Squad, all giving me different answers.

My question is, do you need to be a total tech member for $179 to keep the monthly extended warranties? My $2000 laptop Total Tech 2 yr Warranty expires tomorrow, so I bought the $7.99 monthly extended warranty. I have been told I need to keep the Total Tech for $179 to keep the $7.99 extended warranty and I have been told no, you don't have to renew it and can just pay the monthly extended warranty.

Does anyone know?