AARP is a membership organization for people 50 and older, not a government agency

AARP stands for American Association of Retired Persons. It is a private nonprofit organization with roughly 38 million members. Despite its name, you do not have to be retired to join — you only need to be 50 or older. AARP is not part of Medicare, Social Security, or any government program, though it works with federal agencies on policy and offers information about those programs.

The organization started in 1958 as a way to help older adults find health insurance after retirement. It has grown into one of the largest membership organizations in the United States. AARP makes money through membership dues, insurance products it endorses, and advertising in its magazine.

Many people confuse AARP with a government benefit or think membership is required to receive Medicare or Social Security. It is not. You can receive both without ever joining AARP. The organization is separate from any federal program, though it does lobby Congress on issues affecting older adults.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP is a private membership organization for people 50 and older, not a government agency or benefit program.
  • You do not need to be retired or a member of AARP to receive Medicare, Social Security, or other federal benefits.
  • AARP offers discounts on insurance, travel, dining, and retail through partnerships with private companies.
  • The organization publishes free information about Medicare, Social Security, and aging-related topics on its website.
  • AARP membership costs money and is optional, though some discounts and resources are available to members only.

What AARP membership includes

When you pay to join AARP, you receive a membership card and access to discounts negotiated with private companies. These include discounts on car rentals, hotel stays, restaurant chains, and retail stores. You also get a subscription to AARP Magazine, which arrives in your mailbox monthly, and access to the AARP website's member-only content.

AARP also offers insurance products — car, home, life, and health insurance — through partner companies. These are not government programs. You purchase them directly from the insurance company, and AARP receives a commission. The insurance itself comes from private insurers, not from AARP.

Membership dues vary by state but typically cost around $16 per year for the first year and $24 per year after that. Some people join for the discounts alone. Others join to support AARP's advocacy work on issues like Social Security reform or prescription drug pricing.

Free AARP resources that do not require membership

AARP publishes a large amount of free information on its website that anyone can read without joining. This includes guides about Medicare, Social Security, long-term care planning, and caregiving. You can also find articles about health, money, and aging on AARP.org without paying anything.

AARP also runs a free tax preparation service called Tax-Aide, which helps people with low to moderate income prepare their federal and state tax returns. This service is available to anyone who meets the income limits, regardless of AARP membership. You can find a Tax-Aide location near you on the AARP website.

The organization also publishes AARP Bulletin, a free newsletter you can sign up for on its website. It covers news and policy updates related to aging and retirement.

How AARP differs from Medicare and Social Security

Medicare is a federal health insurance program run by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Social Security is a federal retirement and disability program run by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Both are government programs funded by payroll taxes. AARP is none of these things.

AARP does not enroll you in Medicare or Social Security. It does not process claims, pay benefits, or determine who is may have access to to either program. AARP straightforward publishes information about how these programs work and advocates for policy changes it believes would help older adults.

You may see AARP's name in connection with Medicare or Social Security because the organization writes articles and guides about them. This can create confusion. But AARP membership and government benefits are completely separate. You can have one without the other.

AARP's role in advocacy and policy

AARP employs lobbyists and policy experts who work with Congress and federal agencies on issues affecting people 50 and older. The organization takes positions on topics like prescription drug pricing, Social Security reform, and age discrimination in employment. It publishes research and testifies before Congress on these issues.

This advocacy work is one reason some people join AARP — they want to support the organization's positions on policy. Others join purely for the discounts and have no interest in its political work. Membership dues fund both the discount programs and the advocacy team.

AARP's positions are not always popular with all members. The organization has faced criticism from some older adults who disagree with its stances on issues like Social Security or healthcare reform. You can support or oppose AARP's advocacy work independently of whether you use its discounts.

How to find AARP information without joining

If you want to read AARP's guides and articles but do not want to pay for membership, visit AARP.org directly. Most of the site's content is free. You can search for topics like "Medicare enrollment" or "Social Security benefits" and find detailed articles without logging in or paying anything.

You can also call AARP's helpline at 1-888-687-2277 to ask questions about Medicare, Social Security, or other aging-related topics. This service is free and does not require membership. Staff can answer general questions and point you toward resources on the AARP website or other government agencies.

If you are looking for information about a specific government program, you can also go directly to the source: Medicare.gov for Medicare questions, SSA.gov for Social Security questions, or Medicaid.gov for Medicaid questions. These government websites have official information and do not require any membership or payment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a member of AARP to get Medicare or Social Security?

No. Medicare and Social Security are federal programs. You receive them based on your age, work history, and other factors — not on AARP membership. You can receive both without ever joining AARP.

Is AARP a government agency?

No. AARP is a private nonprofit organization. It is not part of Medicare, Social Security, or any other government program. The federal government does not run AARP, and AARP does not distribute government benefits.

How much does AARP membership cost?

AARP membership typically costs around $16 for the first year and $24 per year after that, though the exact price varies by state. You can find the current price for your state on AARP.org. Some people join for the discounts on travel and dining; others join to support the organization's advocacy work.

Can I read AARP articles and guides without paying?

Yes. Most content on AARP.org is free and does not require membership. You can read guides about Medicare, Social Security, caregiving, and other topics without paying anything. Some member-only content exists, but the majority of the site is open to everyone.

What is the difference between AARP and Medicare?

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people 65 and older. AARP is a membership organization for people 50 and older. Medicare is a government program that pays for medical care. AARP is a private organization that offers discounts and publishes information. They are completely separate.