AARP is a membership organization, not a government agency

AARP is a private nonprofit organization that anyone age 50 and older can join by paying a membership fee. It is not run by the government, does not distribute Social Security or Medicare benefits, and cannot determine whether you are may have access to to any federal program. AARP lobbies Congress, publishes magazines and websites, offers discounts through partner companies, and provides some educational resources — but it does not process applications, verify your status, or make decisions about your benefits.

Many people confuse AARP with Medicare or Social Security because AARP advertises heavily to older adults and writes about these programs. The confusion is understandable, but the distinction matters: AARP can tell you how Medicare works, but Medicare itself is run by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), a federal agency. If you need to enroll in Medicare, change your coverage, or appeal a decision, you contact Medicare directly — not AARP.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP is a membership organization you pay to join; it is not a government program and does not distribute benefits.
  • AARP publishes educational information about Medicare, Social Security, and other programs, but does not run them or make decisions about your coverage.
  • AARP negotiates discounts with hotels, rental car companies, and some insurance providers, though the discounts vary and are not always the lowest available.
  • AARP's advocacy and lobbying positions do not represent all older adults and may not align with your own views on policy.
  • You can read AARP's educational materials and articles without being a member, though some content and discounts require membership.

What AARP membership includes and costs

AARP membership costs $16 per year for a standard membership. The membership includes a magazine (AARP Magazine), access to the AARP website and mobile app, and may be able to access for discounts with partner companies. Common discounts are offered by hotel chains, car rental agencies, restaurants, and some insurance products, though the discount amount varies by company and changes over time.

AARP also offers supplemental insurance products — including Medigap, long-term care insurance, and auto and home insurance — through partner companies. AARP does not underwrite these policies itself; it licenses its name to insurers who then sell the products. If you buy an AARP-branded insurance product, you are buying from the insurance company, not from AARP, and your claims and coverage questions go to that company.

Much of AARP's content — articles about health, caregiving, Social Security, and Medicare — is free to read on its website without a membership. You do not need to join AARP to learn how Medicare enrollment works or to read about hearing aids or retirement planning.

How AARP's advocacy differs from your personal interests

AARP employs lobbyists and takes public positions on legislation affecting older adults. These positions reflect AARP's organizational priorities, which do not always match what individual members or older adults as a group want. For example, AARP has supported certain drug pricing policies that some members opposed, and has taken stances on Social Security that differ from other aging advocacy groups.

When you see AARP's name attached to a policy position or a news story, remember that it represents the organization's leadership, not a vote of its membership or a consensus among older adults. If you disagree with AARP's stance on an issue, that disagreement does not affect your ability to use AARP discounts or read AARP educational content. You can benefit from the membership without endorsing every position the organization takes.

AARP discounts: what to expect and what to verify

AARP negotiates discounts with major hotel chains, car rental companies, and some restaurants and retailers. The discounts are real, but they are not always the best price available. Hotel discounts through AARP are often 10 percent off the standard rate, but booking directly with the hotel, using a travel website, or waiting for a sale may yield a lower price. The same is true for car rentals and other services.

Before using an AARP discount code, compare the final price to what you would pay through other channels — a travel website, the company's own website, or a competing offer. AARP discounts are worth checking, but they should not be your only option. Some AARP discounts also require you to book through a specific AARP partner portal, which may limit your ability to use other promotions or rewards programs.

AARP's educational materials versus official government information

AARP publishes guides, articles, and videos explaining how Medicare, Social Security, and other programs work. These materials are generally accurate and written in plain language, which makes them useful for learning the basics. However, they are not official government documents, and they may not reflect the most recent rule changes or cover every scenario.

For definitive answers about your own benefits or coverage, consult the official source: Medicare.gov for Medicare questions, SSA.gov for Social Security, and your state's Medicaid agency for Medicaid. These government websites have the authoritative rules, the most current information, and tools to check your specific situation. AARP's articles are a good starting point, but they should not be your only source when making a decision about your benefits.

When AARP membership makes sense and when it does not

AARP membership is worth considering if you travel frequently and can use hotel or car rental discounts, or if you are shopping for supplemental insurance and want to compare AARP-branded policies alongside other options. The $16 annual cost is low enough that even one discounted hotel stay can pay for itself. The magazine and website are also useful if you enjoy reading about health, caregiving, and retirement topics.

AARP membership is less useful if you rarely travel, already have supplemental insurance, or prefer to research benefits through other sources. You can access most of AARP's educational content without paying, so membership is primarily valuable for the discounts and the magazine. If you do join and later decide it is not worth it, you can cancel at any time.

How to contact Medicare, Social Security, and Medicaid directly

If you have questions about your benefits or need to make changes to your coverage, contact the program directly rather than going through AARP:

  • Medicare: Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or visit Medicare.gov. You can also visit a local Social Security office to ask Medicare questions.
  • Social Security: Call 1-800-772-1213 or visit SSA.gov. You can create a my Social Security account online to view your earnings record and manage your benefits.
  • Medicaid: Contact your state's Medicaid agency directly. The phone number and website vary by state; you can find yours at Medicaid.gov.

These agencies have staff trained to answer questions about your specific situation, and they can process changes to your coverage or help you appeal a decision. AARP staff cannot do any of these things.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be an AARP member to get Medicare or Social Security?

No. AARP membership has nothing to do with Medicare or Social Security. You are may have access to to these programs based on your age and work history, not on whether you join AARP. You enroll in Medicare through Medicare.gov or by visiting a Social Security office, and you explore for Social Security benefits through SSA.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

Can AARP help me if I disagree with a Medicare or Social Security decision?

AARP cannot process appeals or change decisions made by Medicare or Social Security. If you disagree with a decision, you must appeal directly to the program. Medicare has an appeals process you can start by calling 1-800-MEDICARE. Social Security has a similar process; call 1-800-772-1213 to ask about appealing a decision.

Is AARP's insurance the cheapest option?

Not necessarily. AARP-branded insurance products are sold by partner insurance companies, and the rates depend on your age, health, and location. Before buying an AARP insurance product, compare quotes from other insurers. You may find a lower rate elsewhere, or you may find that AARP's offer is competitive. Always shop around.

Can I use AARP discounts without being a member?

Most AARP discounts require membership or a membership card number at checkout. Some companies offer similar discounts to anyone who asks, so it is worth asking directly. However, the easiest way to access AARP discounts is to join for $16 per year and keep your membership card handy when you travel or shop.

Does AARP speak for all older adults?

No. AARP is one organization with its own leadership and policy positions. Many older adults disagree with AARP's stances on specific issues, and many other advocacy groups represent older adults' interests as well. AARP's positions reflect its organizational priorities, not a vote of all members or a consensus among older adults.