What you get as an AARP member

AARP membership gives you access to discounts, insurance products, and information resources — but it does not enroll you in Medicare, Social Security, or government programs. Your membership card opens doors to savings on prescriptions, hotels, rental cars, and dining, and it connects you to educational materials about retirement planning, health, and caregiving. The membership itself costs money (currently $16 per year for standard membership), and many of the discounts and products are optional purchases you choose to make.

The most commonly used member benefits fall into a few categories: prescription drug discounts through AARP Pharmacy, supplemental insurance products (like Medigap and long-term care insurance), travel and entertainment discounts, and access to AARP's online tools and publications. Some benefits are available to all members; others require you to purchase an AARP product or service. Understanding which benefits are included in your membership and which ones cost extra prevents confusion when you receive offers in the mail or see promotions online.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP membership itself is separate from Medicare, Social Security, and Medicaid — it does not enroll you in any government program.
  • Prescription drug discounts through AARP Pharmacy are available to all members and do not require you to purchase AARP insurance.
  • AARP offers supplemental insurance products like Medigap and long-term care insurance, which you purchase separately and pay for monthly or annually.
  • Travel, dining, and retail discounts are available through your membership card and AARP's partner network.
  • AARP publishes free guides and hosts webinars on Medicare, Social Security, caregiving, and retirement — these are open to members and non-members alike.

How AARP prescription discounts work

AARP Pharmacy is a discount program, not insurance. When you use your AARP membership number at a participating pharmacy, you receive a negotiated price on medications — usually lower than the cash price but not as low as what someone with Medicare Part D or Medicaid would pay. The discount applies to both brand-name and generic drugs and works at most major pharmacy chains including CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, and independent pharmacies.

To use the discount, you show your AARP membership card or provide your membership number when you fill a prescription. You pay out of pocket at the time of purchase; there is no claim form or insurance processing. The discount is automatic once the pharmacy looks up your membership. If you already have Medicare Part D or Medicaid, your government coverage takes priority — you would use that first, not the AARP discount, because your copay or coinsurance through those programs is usually lower.

AARP insurance products and what they cost

AARP does not provide insurance itself. Instead, it partners with insurance companies to offer products under the AARP brand. The most common are Medigap (supplemental insurance to cover costs Medicare does not), Medicare Advantage plans, long-term care insurance, and life insurance. Each product is underwritten by a separate insurance company — for example, UnitedHealthcare administers many AARP Medicare Advantage plans — and you purchase and pay for the policy directly with that company.

When you buy an AARP-branded insurance product, you are buying from the insurance company, not from AARP. AARP receives a commission, but you pay the insurance company your monthly premium. The cost varies by the specific plan, your age, your location, and your health history. Before you purchase, you receive a detailed summary of what the plan covers, what you pay out of pocket, and which doctors and hospitals are in the network. You can compare AARP plans to other plans on Medicare.gov or through your state's health insurance counselor.

Travel, dining, and retail discounts

AARP negotiates discounts with hotels, car rental companies, restaurants, and retailers. These discounts are typically 5 to 15 percent off the standard rate, though the exact amount varies by business and offer. You access these discounts by showing your AARP membership card at the point of sale or by entering a code when you book online. Some offers are year-round; others are seasonal or limited-time promotions that AARP advertises in its magazine and on its website.

The discount network includes major chains like Hertz, Budget, Choice Hotels, Denny's, and Applebee's, as well as regional and local businesses. AARP publishes a searchable discount directory on its website where you can enter your location and the type of discount you are looking for. Not every location of a participating chain honors the discount, so it is worth calling ahead or checking the terms before you book or dine.

AARP educational resources and publications

AARP publishes guides, fact sheets, and interactive tools on Medicare, Social Security, retirement planning, caregiving, health, and financial security. Many of these resources are free and available to anyone — you do not need to be a member to read them. AARP Magazine, sent to all members, contains articles on health, money, and lifestyle. AARP also hosts webinars and virtual events on topics like Medicare enrollment, Social Security claiming strategies, and managing chronic conditions.

The AARP website includes a Medicare section with side-by-side plan comparisons, a Social Security calculator, a caregiver resource center, and a tool to find local services like meals on wheels or transportation. These tools do not enroll you in programs or make decisions for you — they provide information to help you understand your options. If you need personalized help with Medicare or Social Security, AARP's State Health Insurance information Program (SHIP) offers free counseling through trained volunteers in your state.

How AARP membership differs from government programs

AARP is a nonprofit membership organization, not a government agency. Joining AARP does not enroll you in Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, or any other federal or state program. You must enroll in those programs separately through the government — Medicare through Social Security Administration or Medicare.gov, Medicaid through your state health department, and Social Security benefits through your local Social Security office or ssa.gov.

AARP can help you understand these programs through its guides and counseling services, but AARP does not run them, collect your applications, or make may be able to access decisions. If you see an AARP advertisement for Medicare or Social Security information, it is directing you to educational content, not to an enrollment process. The confusion often arises because AARP's materials are well-known and widely distributed, making it seem like AARP is part of the government system — it is not.

How to find AARP member discounts and benefits

The easiest way to explore your membership benefits is to visit aarp.org and log in with your membership number. The site has a searchable benefits directory organized by category: health and wellness, travel, dining, shopping, and financial services. You can also call AARP Member Services at 1-888-687-2277 to ask about a specific discount or to confirm that a business participates in the program.

AARP sends benefit information to members regularly through mail and email. If you receive an offer you are unsure about — for example, an insurance product or a service you did not request — you can verify it by checking the AARP website or calling Member Services. Be cautious of offers that claim to be from AARP but come from an unfamiliar sender; scammers sometimes use the AARP name to gain trust. Legitimate AARP offers come directly from AARP or from the insurance company or business partner listed in the offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to buy AARP insurance to be a member?

No. AARP membership includes access to discounts and information resources. Insurance products like Medigap and long-term care are optional purchases. You can be an AARP member and use only the prescription discounts and travel benefits, or use none of the products at all.

Can I use my AARP discount if I have Medicare Part D?

Your Medicare Part D coverage is usually better than the AARP pharmacy discount, so you would use Part D first. The AARP discount is most useful if you do not have Part D or if you have a medication that is not covered by your Part D plan.

Does AARP help me enroll in Medicare or Social Security?

AARP does not enroll you, but it offers free counseling through State Health Insurance information Program (SHIP) volunteers who can explain your options and walk you through the enrollment process. You still submit your process to the government directly through Medicare.gov or your local Social Security office.

What if I see an AARP offer I do not recognize?

Check the AARP website or call Member Services at 1-888-687-2277 to verify it. Legitimate offers come from AARP directly or from a named partner company. If you cannot find the offer listed on the official AARP site, it may be a scam using AARP's name.

Is AARP membership worth the cost?

That depends on which benefits you use. If you use the pharmacy discount regularly or take advantage of travel and dining discounts, the $16 annual membership often pays for itself quickly. If you do not use any of the discounts, the membership has less value, though the access to educational resources and SHIP counseling remains available.