What AARP membership covers

AARP membership gives you access to discounts, insurance products, and publications, but it does not provide health coverage or government benefits. The core membership costs $16 per year and includes a magazine, a website with health and money information, and a member card you can use at participating retailers and restaurants. Many of the discounts are modest — typically 5 to 10 percent off — and vary by location and business.

AARP also sells supplemental insurance products directly: Medigap plans, prescription drug coverage, life insurance, and auto and home insurance. These are sold through partner companies, not by AARP itself, though AARP endorses them and receives a commission. You do not have to buy insurance to keep your membership, and you can buy AARP-endorsed insurance without joining.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP membership costs $16 per year and includes discounts at retailers, restaurants, and hotels, though the savings are usually 5 to 10 percent and vary by location.
  • AARP publishes a magazine and runs a website with articles about health, money, caregiving, and retirement, available to members at no extra cost.
  • AARP sells Medigap, prescription drug, life, auto, and home insurance through partner companies, but these are optional add-ons, not part of the base membership.
  • AARP does not provide Medicare coverage, Social Security information, or government benefits — it is a membership organization, not a government agency.
  • You can cancel anytime, and AARP offers a 30-day money-back may provide if you are not satisfied.

Discounts at stores, restaurants, and hotels

AARP negotiates discounts with national chains and local businesses. Common partners include Best Buy (10 percent off), Applebee's (10 percent off select items), Hertz (discounts on car rentals), and Choice Hotels (discounts on room rates). You show your AARP membership card or provide your membership number at checkout. The discount amount and which items or services may have access to vary by business and sometimes by location.

Discounts are not automatic — you have to ask for them or enter a code at online checkout. Some retailers do not advertise AARP discounts prominently, so it is worth asking. AARP maintains a searchable directory on its website where you can look up participating businesses near you, though the list changes and not every location of a national chain may honor the discount.

AARP Magazine and online content

AARP Magazine is mailed to members six times a year and covers health, money, travel, and lifestyle topics. Articles are written for a general audience and do not require medical or financial background to understand. The magazine also includes columns on Social Security, Medicare, caregiving, and retirement planning, though these are informational rather than personalized information.

AARP.org is open to non-members but members get early access to some articles and can save favorites to a personal account. The site hosts a health encyclopedia, a benefits calculator, a Medicare plan comparison tool, and a caregiver support section. You can also sign up for email newsletters on specific topics — Medicare, Social Security, caregiving, or financial planning — whether or not you are a member.

Insurance products AARP sells

AARP offers several insurance options through partner companies. Medigap plans help cover costs that Original Medicare does not pay, such as copays and coinsurance. Prescription drug plans (Part D) cover medications. Life insurance, auto insurance, and home insurance are also available. These are not included in membership — you pay separate premiums directly to the insurance company, and AARP receives a commission on sales.

AARP-endorsed insurance is underwritten by established carriers, not by AARP itself. Before buying, compare rates with other insurers, because AARP's price is not always the lowest. You can get quotes from AARP and from other sources to see which fits your budget. Membership does not lock you into AARP insurance, and you can switch carriers at any time.

Membership cost and how to join

AARP membership costs $16 per year for the first year, then $24 per year after that. You can join online at AARP.org, by phone at 1-888-687-2277, or by mail. AARP offers a 30-day money-back may provide — if you are not satisfied, you can cancel and receive a refund. After the first 30 days, you can cancel anytime by calling the same number or logging into your account online.

You must be 50 or older to join. Household memberships (two people at the same address) cost $27 for the first year and $38 after that. AARP sometimes runs promotions offering the first year for $8 or $12, so it is worth checking their website or waiting for a mailed offer if you are not in a hurry.

What AARP membership does not include

AARP is not a government agency and does not provide Medicare, Medicaid, or Social Security benefits. It does not file claims, enroll you in programs, or represent you in disputes with the government. AARP publishes information about these programs, but the information is educational — it does not replace talking to Medicare, Social Security, or your state Medicaid office directly.

AARP also does not provide medical care, prescription drugs, or dental coverage as part of membership. The insurance products it sells are optional purchases from third-party companies. If you need health coverage, you will need to enroll in Medicare, Medicaid, or a private plan through your employer or the health insurance marketplace — AARP membership does not do that for you.

AARP advocacy and member services

AARP lobbies Congress and state legislatures on issues affecting older adults, such as Social Security, Medicare, prescription drug costs, and age discrimination. Members can contact their elected representatives through AARP's website and receive updates on legislation. AARP also runs community programs in some areas, such as tax preparation help and driver safety classes, though availability varies by location.

Member services include a toll-free phone line for questions about membership benefits, a website with account management tools, and access to AARP's community forums. If you have questions about a specific discount or need help finding a participating business, you can call 1-888-687-2277. AARP also offers a fraud watch network that sends alerts about scams targeting older adults.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need AARP membership to buy AARP insurance?

No. AARP-endorsed insurance is sold by partner companies and is open to anyone who meets the age and health requirements, regardless of membership status. However, members sometimes receive a small discount on insurance premiums.

Can I use AARP discounts online?

Yes, many retailers offer AARP discounts online. You usually enter a code at checkout or log in with your membership number. Check the AARP website or the retailer's website to see if the discount applies to online purchases, since some discounts are in-store only.

What happens if I cancel my membership?

You lose access to member-only discounts and content. Any insurance policies you bought through AARP continue as long as you pay the premiums — canceling membership does not cancel your insurance. You can rejoin anytime by paying the membership fee again.

Is AARP a government program?

No. AARP is a nonprofit membership organization. It is not part of Medicare, Social Security, or any government agency. AARP publishes information about government programs, but it does not administer them or determine who is may be able to access.

How do I find AARP discounts near me?

Visit AARP.org and use the discount finder tool, or call 1-888-687-2277. You can search by business type or location. Keep in mind that discount availability changes, and not every location of a national chain may participate.