What you get with an AARP membership

AARP membership includes discounts on insurance products, travel, dining, and retail; access to their magazine and website content; and may be able to access for some AARP-branded financial products. The core membership costs $16 per year for adults 50 and older. What you actually use depends on your situation — some members use the pharmacy discounts heavily, others never touch them, and many join primarily for the magazine or to support AARP's advocacy work.

The membership itself does not provide health insurance, prescription coverage, or government benefits. AARP does offer supplemental insurance products (Medigap, long-term care, auto and home) through partner companies, but you purchase these separately and pay the full premium — the membership discount typically reduces the rate by a percentage, not by a fixed amount.

Your membership card arrives by mail within two to three weeks of joining. You can start using your membership number online when ready after you sign up, even before the physical card arrives.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP membership costs $16 per year and includes discounts at retailers, restaurants, hotels, and pharmacies, plus access to AARP Magazine and their website.
  • Pharmacy discounts through AARP's partnership with Walgreens and CVS are available to members at those chains, but you must show your membership number or card at checkout.
  • AARP sells supplemental insurance products (Medigap, long-term care, auto, home) through partner companies, but these are separate purchases with separate premiums.
  • Travel discounts, hotel rates, and car rental deals are available through AARP's travel partners, though you typically book directly and enter a discount code or show your membership card.
  • AARP's website includes articles, tools, and resources on health, caregiving, money, and work, available to members and non-members alike.

Pharmacy and health-related discounts

AARP has negotiated discounts at Walgreens and CVS on thousands of over-the-counter medications and some prescription drugs. The discount is not a coupon you clip — it is built into the price at the register when you show your membership card or provide your membership number. The discount varies by medication; some drugs save you 10 to 15 percent, others more or less. You can check the discount on a specific drug through the AARP website before you fill it.

These discounts are separate from your Medicare prescription coverage (Part D). If you have Part D, your plan's formulary and copay will usually be better than the AARP pharmacy discount, so you would use your insurance instead. The AARP discount is most useful if you are under 65 and not yet on Medicare, or if you take medications not covered by your Part D plan.

AARP also offers discounts on hearing aids, dental work, and vision care through partner networks. These work differently — you typically join the network (often free or for a small fee) and then use in-network providers to receive the discount. The discount is not automatic; you have to find a participating provider and mention the program when you book.

Travel, dining, and retail discounts

AARP negotiates rates with hotel chains, car rental companies, and airlines. Hotels like Choice Hotels, Hilton, and Marriott offer AARP rates that are sometimes lower than their standard published rates, though not always lower than what you could find on a discount travel site. You book directly with the hotel or through a travel website and enter the AARP discount code or mention your membership.

Restaurant discounts vary by location and chain. Some national chains (like Denny's, Applebee's, and Red Robin) offer 10 to 15 percent off to AARP members, but the discount is not universal — it depends on the individual franchise. You show your card at the register or mention your membership when you order. Local restaurants rarely participate.

Retail discounts include chains like Best Buy, Home Depot, and Lowe's, typically ranging from 5 to 10 percent off. Again, you show your card or provide your membership number at checkout. These discounts are real but modest — they are not a reason to join on their own, but they add up if you shop at these stores regularly.

Insurance products available to members

AARP does not sell insurance directly. Instead, it licenses its name to insurance companies that offer products to AARP members. The main products are Medigap (supplemental insurance for people on Medicare), long-term care insurance, auto and home insurance, and life insurance. These are real insurance policies with real premiums, underwriting, and terms — AARP membership does not reduce the underwriting or make you automatically approved.

Medigap policies sold under the AARP brand are underwritten by UnitedHealthcare. You can compare these plans with other Medigap plans from other insurers; AARP's rates are competitive but not always the lowest. You explore directly to UnitedHealthcare, and they decide whether to approve you based on your health history.

Long-term care insurance through AARP is underwritten by Transamerica or other partners depending on your state. Premiums are based on your age and health at the time you explore, and they can increase over time. This is a complex product — read the policy details carefully and consider talking to a financial advisor before buying.

AARP Magazine and online content

AARP Magazine is mailed to members six times per year and covers health, money, caregiving, work, and lifestyle topics. The magazine is free with membership. You can also read articles on AARP.org without being a member, though members get early access to some content and can customize their email newsletters.

AARP's website includes tools like a Medicare plan comparison tool, a caregiver resource center, and financial calculators. Some tools are free to everyone; others are member-only. The site also hosts discussion forums and local event listings organized by state and zip code.

How to join and manage your membership

You can join AARP online at AARP.org, by phone at 1-888-687-2277, or by mail. You must be 50 or older. The membership year runs from the month you join, so if you join in March, your renewal date is March of the following year. You can renew online, by phone, or by mail.

Your membership number is your primary way to access discounts. You can view your number online after you log into your AARP account, or you can call member services. If you lose your card, you can request a replacement online or by phone — it takes about two weeks to arrive.

You can cancel your membership at any time by calling member services or logging into your account online. If you cancel within 30 days of joining, AARP will refund your membership fee.

When AARP membership makes sense and when it does not

AARP membership is worth the $16 annual cost if you regularly use at least one discount — whether that is the pharmacy discount, hotel rates, or dining discounts. If you never shop at participating retailers or eat at participating restaurants, and you do not need supplemental insurance, the membership may not save you money.

Some people join primarily to support AARP's advocacy work on Social Security, Medicare, and age-related policy, rather than for the discounts themselves. Others join for the magazine or to access AARP's educational content. These are valid reasons, but they are not financial reasons.

If you are considering an AARP insurance product (Medigap, long-term care, auto, or home), you do not have to be a member to buy it — you can shop for the same products from other insurers. Membership may give you a small discount on the premium, but it is worth comparing rates with at least two other companies before you decide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a member to use AARP's website and tools?

No. AARP.org is open to everyone. Some articles and tools are member-only, but most content — including the Medicare plan comparison tool and caregiver resources — is available to anyone. You do not need to join to read AARP Magazine articles online or use the basic calculators.

Can I use my AARP discount at any pharmacy?

The AARP pharmacy discount works at Walgreens and CVS. It does not work at other pharmacies like Rite Aid, Walmart, or independent pharmacies. If you use a mail-order pharmacy through your Medicare Part D plan, you would use your insurance instead.

Does AARP membership include Medicare coverage?

No. AARP membership does not provide health insurance or Medicare coverage. AARP sells Medigap and other insurance products, but these are separate purchases with separate premiums. Your Medicare coverage comes from Medicare itself, not from AARP.

What happens to my membership if I move to a different state?

Your membership stays active. AARP is a national organization, so your membership works in all 50 states. Some discounts (like restaurant or retail discounts) may vary by location, but your membership number and card remain valid everywhere.

Can I get a refund if I join and decide it is not worth it?

Yes. AARP offers a 30-day money-back may provide. If you join and cancel within 30 days, you can request a full refund of your membership fee. After 30 days, your membership fee is non-refundable, but you can still cancel anytime and your membership will end on your renewal date.