AARP membership gives you access to discounts, publications, and advocacy, but it is not a government benefit and does not replace Medicare or Social Security

AARP is a membership organization for people 50 and older. When you join, you pay a membership fee and receive discounts on insurance, travel, prescriptions, and everyday purchases. AARP also publishes information about Medicare, Social Security, and retirement planning, and it advocates for senior policy in Congress. Many people confuse AARP with a government program because it is so widely known, but it is a private nonprofit organization — joining AARP does not change your Medicare coverage, Social Security payments, or access to any government benefit.

The main value of AARP membership is the discounts and the magazine. The organization negotiates rates with hotels, car rental companies, and retailers, and members can use these discounts when ready after joining. AARP also publishes AARP Magazine and AARP Bulletin, which cover health, money, and lifestyle topics. If you are looking for information about government programs like Medicare or Medicaid, AARP's website and publications can point you toward those resources, but AARP itself does not run those programs or determine who qualifies for them.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP membership costs money and is optional — it is not a government program and does not provide benefits on its own.
  • Members receive discounts on hotels, rental cars, insurance, and some retail purchases, though the value varies by location and vendor.
  • AARP publishes guides and articles about Medicare, Social Security, and retirement planning, which can help you understand your options.
  • AARP advocates for senior policy in Congress but does not run Medicare, Medicaid, or any government benefit program.
  • You can read much of AARP's information online for free without joining; membership adds discounts and magazines.

AARP Membership Cost and How to Join

AARP membership costs $16 per year for the first year and $24 per year after that. You can join online at aarp.org, by phone at 1-888-687-2277, or by mail. You must be 50 or older. When you join, you choose whether to receive the magazine in print or digital form, and you get access to the member website and mobile app when ready.

Some employers and organizations offer group AARP memberships at a discount. If you are retired from a large company or a government agency, check whether your former employer has a group plan. You can also find discounts through some credit unions and professional associations. The membership year runs from the month you join, so you can start at any time.

Discounts Available to AARP Members

AARP negotiates discounts with national chains and some local businesses. Common discounts include 10 percent off at many hotels (Hilton, Marriott, Wyndham), discounts on car rentals (Hertz, Avis, Budget), and reduced rates on travel insurance and vacation packages. Pharmacy discounts vary — some pharmacies offer AARP member pricing on generic medications, but you should compare prices with your Medicare prescription plan before assuming AARP discounts are the best option.

Retail discounts are available at some stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues, but they are not universal. Best Buy, Rite Aid, and some regional chains offer AARP discounts, but you will need to show your membership card or provide your membership number at checkout. The discounts change over time and vary by location, so check the AARP website or call member services to confirm what is available near you before you count on a specific discount.

Insurance discounts are a major part of AARP membership. AARP partners with insurance companies to offer discounts on auto, home, and life insurance. These are not AARP policies — AARP does not sell insurance itself. Instead, AARP endorses partner companies and members can receive discounts by mentioning their membership. You should compare these rates with quotes from other insurers, because the AARP discount does not automatically mean the lowest price.

AARP Publications and Information Resources

AARP Magazine is published six times per year and covers health, money, relationships, and lifestyle. AARP Bulletin is a monthly newsletter focused on news and policy. Both are included with membership and sent to your home or available online, depending on what you choose when you join. Members also get access to the AARP website, which has articles, guides, and tools about Medicare, Social Security, retirement planning, caregiving, and health.

Much of AARP's online content is free to read without membership. You can visit aarp.org and search for information about Medicare, Social Security, prescription drug coverage, and other topics without paying. The main benefit of membership for information is the printed magazines delivered to your home and access to some premium content on the website. If you only want information, you do not need to pay for membership.

AARP's Role in Medicare and Social Security Information

AARP publishes guides and articles that explain how Medicare works, when to enroll, what each part covers, and how to compare plans. AARP also covers Social Security claiming strategies, retirement planning, and long-term care. These resources are educational — they help you understand your options, but AARP does not enroll you in Medicare, process your Social Security claim, or make decisions about your benefits.

If you need to enroll in Medicare or explore for Social Security, you will work directly with Medicare (1-800-MEDICARE) or Social Security (1-800-772-1213). AARP's information can help you prepare for those conversations and understand what documents you need, but the government agencies themselves handle enrollment and benefit decisions. Some AARP local chapters offer free counseling on Medicare and Social Security, which can be helpful if you want to talk through your options with someone in person.

AARP Advocacy and Policy Work

AARP employs lobbyists and policy staff who work on issues affecting older adults, including Medicare funding, prescription drug prices, Social Security, and age discrimination. The organization publishes position statements on these issues and encourages members to contact their elected representatives. AARP's advocacy work is separate from its membership benefits — you do not have to agree with AARP's policy positions to use the discounts, and membership does not automatically mean you support AARP's legislative agenda.

If you want to participate in AARP's advocacy work, you can join a local chapter, attend events, or sign up for action alerts that tell you when to contact Congress about specific bills. This is optional and separate from the basic membership benefits of discounts and magazines.

Alternatives to AARP Membership

If you are interested in discounts but not sure AARP is worth the cost, consider what you actually use. If you travel frequently and stay at hotels, the hotel discounts alone might pay for membership. If you rarely travel and do not need insurance quotes, the cost may not be worth it. You can also use free resources like GoodRx for prescription discounts, AARP's free website for information, and your state's health insurance counseling program (called SHIP or HICAP) for free Medicare guidance.

Some states and local areas offer senior discount programs that are free or low-cost. Your city or county may have a senior center that offers discounts on local services, and some utilities offer senior rate reductions. Check with your local Area Agency on Aging to learn what is available in your area. You can find your local agency by calling the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a member to read AARP's information about Medicare?

No. Most of AARP's articles and guides about Medicare, Social Security, and retirement planning are free to read on aarp.org without membership. Membership adds printed magazines and access to some premium content, but the core information is available to everyone.

Does AARP membership affect my Medicare or Social Security benefits?

No. AARP is a separate organization from Medicare and Social Security. Joining AARP does not change your coverage, your payments, or your may be able to access for any government benefit. It is purely a membership organization that offers discounts and information.

Can I get AARP discounts without paying for membership?

No. You must be a paid member to use AARP discounts. Some employers and organizations offer group memberships at a lower rate, so check whether your former employer or professional association has a group plan before paying the individual rate.

What if I join AARP and do not use the discounts — can I get a refund?

AARP membership is not refundable, but you can cancel at any time and will not be charged again. If you join and decide it is not worth it, call 1-888-687-2277 to cancel before your renewal date.

Does AARP help me enroll in Medicare or explore for Social Security?

AARP does not enroll you in Medicare or process Social Security claims. However, some AARP local chapters offer free counseling to help you understand your options before you contact Medicare or Social Security yourself. To find a local chapter, visit aarp.org or call 1-888-687-2277.