What you get with an AARP membership

AARP membership gives you access to discounts, insurance products, and information resources, but it does not provide government benefits or health coverage. The main value is in the discounts—on car rentals, hotels, restaurants, and retail—plus access to AARP's own insurance offerings like supplemental health plans, auto and home insurance, and life insurance. You also get AARP Magazine, the website with health and money articles, and a community section where you can connect with other members.

The membership costs $16 per year for the basic level. AARP also offers a premium membership at $27 per year, which adds things like roadside information and access to tax preparation help. Neither membership level changes your Social Security, Medicare, or pension—those come from the government separately. AARP is a membership organization, not a government agency, so it cannot enroll you in federal programs or determine your may be able to access for them.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP membership provides discounts at retailers, hotels, and restaurants, plus access to AARP-branded insurance products, but does not enroll you in Medicare or other government programs.
  • Basic membership costs $16 per year; premium membership costs $27 per year and includes roadside information and tax help.
  • AARP Magazine and the AARP website offer articles on health, money, caregiving, and work, written for people 50 and older.
  • You must be at least 50 years old to join, and you can sign up online, by phone, or by mail.
  • AARP also runs advocacy campaigns on issues like Social Security and Medicare, but membership does not change your government benefits.

Discounts and everyday savings

AARP negotiates discounts with hundreds of retailers and service providers. Common ones include discounts at hotels like Choice Hotels and Wyndham, car rental companies like Hertz and Budget, restaurants including Denny's and Applebee's, and retail stores. The discount amount varies—some are 10 percent off, others are flat dollar amounts or special member rates. You show your AARP card in person or enter your membership number online when booking.

Not every location honors the discount, so it is worth calling ahead or checking the AARP website for the specific business you plan to visit. Some discounts are seasonal or limited to certain days of the week. The discounts change over time as AARP renegotiates with partners, so the list you see today may not be the same next year.

Insurance products AARP offers

AARP sells several types of insurance under its own brand, underwritten by partner companies. These include supplemental health insurance (sometimes called Medigap), which covers costs that Medicare does not pay; auto and home insurance; life insurance; and long-term care insurance. These are not government programs—they are products you buy from AARP, and you pay a monthly or annual premium.

AARP does not sell Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part D plans directly, but the AARP website has a tool to compare Medicare plans available in your area. If you are shopping for supplemental health coverage, AARP's Medigap plans are one option among many; you can also buy Medigap from other insurance companies. The rates and coverage vary by state and by your age, so you should compare quotes from multiple insurers before deciding.

Information and resources on the AARP website

The AARP website includes articles and guides on health topics, money and retirement, caregiving, work and jobs, and technology. The content is written for people 50 and older and covers things like managing chronic conditions, understanding Medicare, planning for long-term care, and finding part-time work. You do not need to be a member to read most of the articles, though some resources are members-only.

AARP also publishes AARP Magazine six times per year, which includes health and wellness articles, money information, and profiles of people 50 and older. The magazine is included with membership and is mailed to your home. Back issues are available on the website.

Tax preparation and financial planning help

AARP offers a free tax preparation service called AARP Tax-Aide, which is available to low- and moderate-income people of any age, though it is run by AARP volunteers. Tax-Aide operates during tax season (usually February through April) at locations in your community. You can find a location near you on the AARP website by entering your zip code. The service is free, and volunteers help you prepare and file your federal and state tax returns.

Premium members also get access to discounted tax preparation software and can speak with a tax professional by phone. AARP also publishes guides on retirement planning, Social Security, and Medicare, which are free to read on the website.

Membership may be able to access and how to join

You must be at least 50 years old to join AARP. You can sign up online at the AARP website, by phone at 1-888-687-2277, or by mail. Online signup takes about 10 minutes and requires your name, address, date of birth, and email. You will receive your membership card by mail within two to three weeks. Your membership is active when ready after you sign up, so you can start using discounts right away.

If you are already a member and your membership has lapsed, you can renew online or by phone. AARP also offers a 30-day free trial if you want to explore the benefits before paying.

AARP advocacy and what it does not do

AARP is known for advocacy campaigns on issues that affect people 50 and older, such as Social Security, Medicare, prescription drug costs, and age discrimination. The organization lobbies Congress and state legislatures on these issues. However, AARP membership does not change your government benefits or your may be able to access for them. AARP does not enroll you in Medicare, Social Security, or any other federal program, and it does not determine whether you may have access to for those programs.

If you need to enroll in Medicare or explore for Social Security, you work directly with Medicare.gov or the Social Security Administration—not with AARP. AARP can point you to information about these programs, but the government agencies themselves handle enrollment and may be able to access decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need AARP membership to get Medicare?

No. Medicare is a federal program run by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. You enroll through Medicare.gov or your local Social Security office. AARP membership is separate and does not affect your Medicare enrollment or benefits.

Can AARP help me with my Social Security claim?

AARP publishes guides and articles about Social Security, and some AARP locations offer in-person workshops on the topic. However, AARP does not file claims or represent you with the Social Security Administration. You file your claim directly with Social Security at ssa.gov or your local office.

What happens if I cancel my membership?

You lose access to AARP discounts and member-only resources when ready. If you paid for a full year, AARP offers a refund within 30 days of cancellation. After 30 days, the membership fee is not refunded, but you can rejoin at any time.

Are AARP insurance products cheaper than other insurance?

AARP insurance rates vary by state, age, and health status, just like insurance from other companies. You should compare quotes from multiple insurers, including AARP, before deciding. Some people find AARP rates competitive; others find better prices elsewhere.

Can I use AARP discounts at any store or restaurant?

Not all locations honor AARP discounts, even if the company has a partnership with AARP. Call ahead or check the AARP website to confirm the discount is available at the specific location you plan to visit. Discounts may also vary by location or be limited to certain times.