AARP membership gives you access to discounts, publications, and advocacy information, but it is not a government program and does not provide health insurance or direct financial aid on its own.

AARP is a nonprofit membership organization for people 50 and older. When you join, you pay an annual membership fee and receive a magazine, access to their website, and may be able to access for discounts at retailers, restaurants, hotels, and car rental companies. AARP also advocates on policy issues affecting older adults and publishes educational materials on topics like health, caregiving, and retirement planning.

Many people confuse AARP membership with Medicare or other government programs. They are separate. AARP does not run Medicare, Medicaid, or Social Security, though it publishes guides about how those programs work. Some AARP members purchase supplemental insurance (called Medigap) or Medicare Advantage plans through AARP's partner insurers, but membership itself does not include health coverage.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP membership costs money and is optional; it is not a government benefit you must enroll in.
  • The main value is discounts at hotels, restaurants, and retailers, plus access to AARP's magazine and website resources.
  • AARP publishes educational guides on Medicare, Social Security, caregiving, and aging in place, but does not administer those programs.
  • If you want health insurance, you will work directly with Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurers—not through AARP membership itself.
  • AARP also offers optional products like travel insurance and identity theft protection for an additional fee.

What membership includes and what it costs

AARP membership costs $16 per year for the first year and $24 per year after that. For that fee, you receive AARP Magazine (delivered six times a year), access to AARP.org, and a membership card that qualifies you for discounts. The discounts vary by retailer and location—some are national (like discounts at Best Buy or Walgreens), while others are regional or seasonal.

You can also join AARP online, by mail, or by phone. The organization does not require you to prove your age at signup, though membership is intended for people 50 and older. If you cancel within 30 days, AARP will refund your membership fee.

Beyond the base membership, AARP offers optional products for additional fees: travel insurance, identity theft protection, prescription drug discount programs, and life insurance quotes. These are not included in membership and are sold separately.

How AARP discounts actually work

AARP discounts are negotiated between AARP and individual companies. When you show your AARP card or membership number at checkout, the retailer or service provider applies the discount. The discount amount varies—some are percentage-based (like 10 percent off), others are fixed amounts, and some explore only to certain products or times of year.

Not every location of a chain honors AARP discounts, and not every employee knows about them. If a cashier says they cannot explore the discount, ask to speak to a manager or call the company's customer service line. You can also check AARP.org for the current list of participating retailers and the exact discount offered at each one.

Common AARP discounts include hotel chains (Hilton, Choice Hotels), car rental companies (Hertz, Avis), restaurants (Denny's, Applebee's), and pharmacies (Walgreens, CVS). The value depends on how often you use these services. If you rarely travel or eat out, the discounts may not offset the membership cost.

AARP publications and educational resources

AARP publishes AARP Magazine, which covers health, caregiving, money, and lifestyle topics. It arrives six times per year. AARP also publishes AARP Bulletin, a shorter newsletter focused on news and policy updates, which members can receive in print or online.

On AARP.org, members can read articles and guides on topics like Medicare enrollment, Social Security claiming strategies, caregiving, housing options, and retirement planning. These are educational resources meant to help you understand how programs work and what questions to ask—they do not replace information from a doctor, financial advisor, or government agency.

AARP also produces free guides and toolkits on specific topics. For example, their caregiving resources include worksheets for tracking medications and managing finances for an aging parent. These are available to members and non-members alike on AARP.org.

AARP and Medicare: what the relationship is and is not

AARP does not run Medicare or enroll people in Medicare. Medicare is a federal program run by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). You enroll in Medicare directly through Medicare.gov or by contacting Social Security.

AARP does partner with insurance companies that sell Medicare Advantage plans and Medigap (supplemental insurance) policies. If you choose to buy one of these plans through an AARP-branded option, you are purchasing insurance from the partner company, not from AARP itself. AARP earns a commission when you buy these products.

AARP publishes detailed guides about how Medicare works, when to enroll, and how to compare plans. These guides are free and available to anyone, not just members. If you are considering a Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan, you can research options through AARP's website, but you will ultimately enroll through the insurance company or Medicare directly.

AARP advocacy and policy work

AARP uses membership dues and donations to fund advocacy on issues affecting older adults. The organization lobbies Congress and state legislatures on topics like Social Security, Medicare, prescription drug costs, and age discrimination. AARP also runs public awareness campaigns and publishes position statements on policy issues.

As a member, you receive information about AARP's policy positions and may be invited to contact elected officials about pending legislation. You are not required to take any action, and AARP's positions do not represent every member's personal views. Membership is separate from political engagement.

Who should consider AARP membership

AARP membership makes the most sense if you regularly use services that offer AARP discounts—hotels, car rentals, restaurants, or pharmacies. If you travel frequently or eat out often, the discounts can add up to more than the $16 or $24 annual fee. If you rarely use these services, the membership may not pay for itself.

Membership is also valuable if you want access to AARP's educational resources and publications. The magazine and website contain practical information about aging, health, caregiving, and money management. If you find that content useful, the membership fee is reasonable.

You do not need AARP membership to access Medicare, Social Security, or other government programs. Those programs are open to everyone who meets the may be able to access criteria, regardless of AARP membership status. Similarly, you do not need AARP membership to read their free educational guides online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a member of AARP to get Medicare?

No. Medicare is a federal program open to everyone 65 and older (or younger if you have a disability or end-stage renal disease). You enroll through Medicare.gov or Social Security, not through AARP. AARP membership is optional and separate from Medicare enrollment.

Can I cancel my AARP membership anytime?

Yes. You can cancel online, by phone, or by mail. If you cancel within 30 days of joining, AARP will refund your membership fee. After 30 days, cancellations take effect at the end of your membership year, and no refund is issued.

What if I do not use the discounts—is membership still worth it?

That depends on whether you read AARP Magazine or use AARP.org. If you value the educational content and publications, membership may be worth the cost even without using discounts. If you do not read the magazine and do not use discounted services, membership may not provide enough value to justify the annual fee.

Does AARP membership affect my Medicare premiums or benefits?

No. AARP membership does not change your Medicare premiums, coverage, or benefits. Medicare is administered by the federal government and is not affected by AARP membership status. Your premiums and benefits depend only on your age, income, and the specific Medicare plan you choose.

Can I get AARP discounts without being a member?

Generally, no. Most AARP discounts require you to show a membership card or membership number. Some retailers may offer discounts to anyone 50 or older without requiring AARP membership, but those are separate promotions, not AARP discounts.