AARP membership gives you access to discounts, insurance products, and educational resources, but it is not a government program and does not provide direct cash or medical coverage

AARP is a membership organization for people 50 and older. When you join, you pay an annual fee (currently $16 for the first year, then $24 per year after that) and gain access to a range of member benefits. These include discounts at retailers and restaurants, insurance products you can purchase, travel deals, and free educational materials about health, money, and caregiving. AARP also advocates on policy issues affecting older adults, but membership itself does not enroll you in Medicare, Medicaid, or any government benefit program.

The benefits fall into three broad categories: discounts and deals you can use when ready, insurance products you buy separately, and information resources. Which benefits matter most depends on your situation. A person who travels frequently might value hotel and car rental discounts; someone managing a chronic illness might use the health education library; a caregiver might rely on the support resources. Many members use only one or two benefits and ignore the rest.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP membership costs $16 the first year and $24 annually after that, and you must be 50 or older to join.
  • Discounts are available at pharmacies, restaurants, hotels, car rentals, and some retailers, but you must show your membership card or use a code at checkout.
  • AARP offers insurance products including supplemental health coverage, long-term care insurance, and auto and home insurance, which you purchase separately and pay for directly.
  • Educational resources cover Medicare, Social Security, caregiving, health conditions, and financial planning, available free through the AARP website and magazine.
  • AARP does not provide direct cash payments, enroll you in government programs, or replace Medicare or Medicaid.

Discounts and Everyday Deals

AARP negotiates discounts with national chains and local businesses. Common discounts include 10 to 15 percent off at drugstore chains like CVS and Walgreens, reduced rates at hotel chains including Best Western and Marriott, and discounts on car rentals from Hertz and Avis. Restaurant chains such as Denny's, Applebee's, and Olive Garden offer member discounts, though the amount varies by location and changes periodically.

To use these discounts, you show your AARP membership card at the point of sale or enter a code online. Some discounts explore automatically when you provide your membership number; others require you to ask the cashier or mention the discount before paying. Discounts are not available at all locations of a chain—a Walgreens in one town may honor the discount while another does not—so it is worth asking even if you have been turned down before.

AARP also offers deals on travel, including vacation packages, cruise discounts, and travel insurance. These are typically booked through AARP's travel partners rather than directly through AARP. The savings vary widely depending on the destination and season.

Insurance Products You Can Purchase

AARP does not provide insurance itself; instead, it partners with insurance companies to offer products to members. You purchase these policies directly from the insurance company, not from AARP, and you pay the full premium yourself. AARP receives a commission from the insurer, which is how the organization funds its operations.

The main insurance products available to AARP members are supplemental health insurance (sometimes called Medigap), long-term care insurance, auto and home insurance, and life insurance. Supplemental health insurance helps cover costs that Original Medicare does not pay, such as copayments and coinsurance. Long-term care insurance covers nursing home care, assisted living, or in-home care if you need help with daily activities.

Before purchasing any AARP insurance product, compare rates with other insurers. AARP-branded policies are not automatically cheaper than policies from other companies. You can get quotes from multiple insurers and choose based on price, coverage, and the company's reputation. If you have questions about whether a policy is right for you, speak with your doctor or a financial advisor before buying.

Health and Financial Education Resources

AARP publishes free educational materials on its website covering Medicare, Social Security, caregiving, common health conditions, and personal finance. These resources include articles, videos, interactive tools, and downloadable guides. You do not need to be a member to read most of this content, though members may have access to additional materials or ad-free versions.

The Medicare section explains how Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and prescription drug coverage work, and walks through the enrollment process. The Social Security section covers when to claim, how benefits are calculated, and how work affects your benefits. The caregiving section offers practical information for people caring for a spouse, parent, or other family member. The health section includes information about common conditions like arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease.

AARP also publishes a monthly magazine sent to all members, which includes articles on health, money, travel, and entertainment. The magazine is one of the most widely read publications in the United States, though members have different views on its usefulness depending on their interests.

Advocacy and Community Programs

AARP uses membership dues to fund advocacy work on issues affecting older adults, including Social Security, Medicare, prescription drug costs, and age discrimination. The organization lobbies Congress, files legal briefs in court cases, and runs public awareness campaigns. Whether you agree with AARP's positions on these issues depends on your own views; the organization does not speak for all older adults and members hold diverse political opinions.

AARP also funds community programs in many areas, including tax preparation help for low-income seniors, driver safety courses, and caregiving support groups. These programs are often free or low-cost and are available to people who are not AARP members. You can search for programs in your area on the AARP website.

What AARP Membership Does Not Include

AARP membership does not enroll you in Medicare, Medicaid, or any government program. You must enroll in Medicare yourself through Social Security or Medicare.gov, and you must explore for Medicaid through your state. AARP can provide information about these programs, but the organization does not process applications or determine your may be able to access.

AARP membership does not provide direct cash payments or grants. Some members confuse AARP with government programs that do provide cash information, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or the Low Income Home Energy information Program (LIHEAP). These are separate programs run by federal and state agencies, not by AARP.

AARP membership does not replace health insurance. The discounts and educational resources are helpful, but they are not a substitute for Medicare, Medicaid, or private health coverage. If you do not have health insurance, you need to enroll in Medicare or another plan; AARP membership alone will not cover your medical costs.

How to Join and Cancel

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 first year costs $16, and renewal costs $24 per year after that. You can pay by credit card, debit card, or check. Your membership is active when ready after you join online or by phone, or within two weeks if you join by mail.

To cancel your membership, call 1-888-687-2277 or write to AARP's membership department. You can cancel at any time, and you will not be charged for the following year. If you cancel within 30 days of joining, AARP will refund your membership fee. After 30 days, the fee is not refunded, but you can cancel without penalty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be retired to join AARP?

No. You must be 50 or older, but you do not have to be retired. Many working people join AARP for the discounts and resources. Your employment status does not affect your membership.

Can I use AARP discounts online?

Some discounts work online if you enter a code at checkout; others are only available in stores. Check the AARP website or call the business directly to find out whether a specific discount is available online. Hotel and car rental discounts often work both ways.

Does AARP help me enroll in Medicare?

AARP provides educational information about Medicare and how to enroll, but it does not process applications or determine your may be able to access. You enroll in Medicare yourself through Social Security or Medicare.gov. AARP's resources can help you understand your options before you enroll.

What if I do not use my membership benefits?

Many members use only one or two benefits and ignore the rest. If you find that you are not using your membership after a year, you can cancel and rejoin later if you change your mind. There is no penalty for canceling.

Is AARP a government program?

No. AARP is a private nonprofit organization. It is not run by the federal government, though it works with government agencies on policy issues. Membership in AARP does not enroll you in any government program.