AARP.org is a membership website with resources on health, money, caregiving, and work — but not all of it requires membership
AARP.org hosts thousands of articles, tools, and guides written for people 50 and older. Some sections are free to anyone; others require you to join AARP (which costs $16 per year). The site covers Medicare, Social Security, retirement planning, caregiver support, prescription drug costs, housing, and job searching. You do not need to be an AARP member to read most health and benefits information, but membership unlocks member-only discounts, the AARP Magazine, and access to some planning tools.
The site is run by AARP, a nonprofit advocacy organization with 37 million members. AARP does not sell your information to insurance companies or brokers, though the site does contain ads and sponsored content clearly marked as such. If you are looking for a specific benefit — Medicare, Social Security, Medicaid — AARP.org can point you toward the official government process, but the site itself does not process applications or determine who qualifies.
Key Takeaways
- AARP.org has free articles on Medicare, Social Security, prescription drugs, and retirement planning that do not require membership.
- The site includes interactive tools like a Social Security calculator and a Medicare plan comparison tool, some free and some for members only.
- AARP membership ($16 per year) unlocks member-only discounts on insurance, travel, and services, plus access to the full AARP Magazine.
- AARP.org links to official government websites for Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid but does not process applications itself.
- The site contains ads and sponsored content; articles clearly note when they are sponsored or when a link leads to a partner site.
What you can read for free on AARP.org
The free sections include detailed guides on how Medicare works, how to read a Social Security statement, how to spot scams, and how to talk to your doctor about medications. AARP publishes original reporting on aging policy and regularly updates articles when government rules change — for example, when Medicare deductibles or Social Security cost-of-living adjustments are announced.
Free articles are organized by topic: Health, Money & Work, Caregiving, and Staying Sharp. You can search by keyword or browse by category. Most free articles do not ask for your email or require you to create an account. Some free tools, like the Medicare plan finder, do ask for basic information (your age, location, current medications) to show you results, but this information is not stored or sold.
What requires AARP membership
AARP membership ($16 per year, or $27 for three years) gives you access to member-only discounts on car insurance, home insurance, travel, and prescription drugs through AARP's pharmacy partners. Members also receive the AARP Magazine six times per year and can access some premium planning tools on the website.
Membership does not change what government benefits you can receive — it does not make you more or less likely to be approved for Medicare, Social Security, or Medicaid. Membership is optional and is useful mainly if you plan to use AARP's insurance discounts or want the magazine. You can cancel at any time.
How to find Medicare information on AARP.org
AARP.org has a dedicated Medicare section with articles on may be able to access, enrollment periods, how to compare plans, and how to appeal a claim denial. The site explains the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, what Part D prescription coverage costs, and how to use your Medicare card.
The Medicare Plan Finder tool lets you enter your location and current medications to see which plans are available in your area and what your out-of-pocket costs would be under each plan. This tool is free and does not require membership. When you are ready to enroll, AARP.org links you to Medicare.gov, where you complete the actual enrollment with the federal government.
How to find Social Security information on AARP.org
AARP.org explains when you can claim Social Security, how your benefit is calculated, and what happens if you claim early or delay. The site has a Social Security calculator that estimates your monthly benefit based on your birth year and current earnings record. Articles cover spousal benefits, survivor benefits, and how work affects your benefit if you claim before full retirement age.
The site also explains how to read your Social Security statement and how to create an account on ssa.gov to view your earnings history. When you are ready to claim, AARP.org directs you to Social Security's official website to start the process.
How to navigate AARP.org if you are new to the site
The homepage has a search box at the top. Type in what you are looking for — "Medicare enrollment", "Social Security at 62", "prescription drug costs" — and the site will show you matching articles. Results are sorted by relevance, with the most recent articles first.
If you prefer to browse by topic, use the main menu: Health, Money & Work, Caregiving, and Staying Sharp. Each section has subsections. For example, under Money & Work you will find Social Security, Retirement, and Work & Jobs. You can also filter results by content type: articles, videos, tools, or slideshows.
If you want to join AARP, the membership option appears in the top right corner of the website. You can join online in about five minutes with a credit card or by phone at 1-888-687-2277.
What AARP.org does not do
AARP.org does not process applications for Medicare, Social Security, Medicaid, or any other government benefit. The site does not determine whether you may have access to for a benefit or help you file a claim with the government. If you need help with an process, AARP.org can point you to the right government website or to a local counselor who can help.
AARP.org also does not provide personalized financial or medical information. Articles explain how programs work in general terms, but they do not tell you whether a specific choice is right for your situation. If you need information tailored to your circumstances, you should speak with a financial advisor, tax professional, or your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be an AARP member to read articles on AARP.org?
No. Most health and benefits articles are free to read without membership. Membership ($16 per year) unlocks member-only discounts, the magazine, and some premium tools, but the core information about Medicare, Social Security, and other programs is available to everyone.
Does AARP sell my information to insurance companies?
AARP does not sell member or visitor information to insurance companies or brokers. The site does contain ads and sponsored content, which are clearly marked. If you use a tool like the Medicare Plan Finder, the information you enter is used only to show you results and is not stored or shared.
Can AARP.org help me explore for Medicare or Social Security?
No. AARP.org provides information about how these programs work, but it does not process applications or determine may be able to access. To explore, you go directly to Medicare.gov or ssa.gov. If you need help with the process, AARP.org can direct you to a local counselor or to your state health insurance program.
Is the information on AARP.org current?
AARP updates articles when government rules change, such as when Medicare deductibles or Social Security cost-of-living adjustments are announced. However, you should always check the official government website (Medicare.gov or ssa.gov) for the most current rules, especially before making a major decision like when to claim Social Security.
How do I cancel my AARP membership?
You can cancel online by logging into your account and going to Account Settings, or by calling 1-888-687-2277. Cancellations are effective when ready, and you will not be charged for the following year. If you paid for multiple years, you can request a refund for unused time.