AARP is a membership organization that lobbies for older adults and offers discounts, not a government agency

AARP is a nonprofit group with about 38 million members, mostly age 50 and older. It does three main things: it pushes Congress and state legislatures to pass laws that affect older people, it runs programs and services for members, and it sells discounts on insurance, travel, and retail goods. AARP does not run Medicare, Social Security, or any federal benefit program — those are run by the government. AARP is separate from government, though it works closely with lawmakers.

The organization started in 1958 as a way to help retired teachers find affordable health insurance. It has grown into one of the largest membership groups in the United States. When you hear about AARP taking a position on a law or policy, that is the organization's leadership speaking on behalf of its members, not a government announcement.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP lobbies Congress and state governments on issues like Medicare, prescription drug costs, and Social Security — this is its main work.
  • AARP members can access discounts on car insurance, travel, hotels, and some retail goods through negotiated deals with companies.
  • AARP publishes free information about Medicare, retirement planning, caregiving, and health topics on its website and in its magazine.
  • AARP does not run government benefit programs and cannot tell you whether you may have access to for Medicare, Social Security, or Medicaid.
  • Membership costs money (currently around $16 per year), though some benefits like the magazine and website information are free to non-members.

How AARP influences laws and policy

AARP's main power comes from its size and its lobbying team in Washington, D.C., and in state capitals. When Congress debates changes to Medicare or prescription drug coverage, AARP testifies before committees and meets with lawmakers. The organization takes public positions on bills — sometimes supporting them, sometimes opposing them. Because AARP represents millions of voters, politicians pay attention.

AARP also runs campaigns to educate the public about issues it cares about. For example, it has run ads and online campaigns about prescription drug costs, Social Security, and long-term care. These campaigns are meant to pressure lawmakers and to inform older adults about what is happening in Congress.

It is important to know that AARP's positions do not always match what every member believes. The organization's leadership decides which issues to prioritize and which side to take. Some members agree with these choices, and some do not.

Discounts and member benefits

AARP negotiates discounts with insurance companies, hotels, car rental agencies, and retailers. Members can save on auto and home insurance through partners like The Hartford and Allstate. Travel discounts are available through hotels like Choice Hotels and through cruise lines. Some pharmacies and restaurants also offer small discounts to members who show their AARP card.

The value of these discounts varies. Some members save hundreds of dollars per year on insurance; others find the discounts modest. Before joining for the discounts alone, it makes sense to compare AARP's insurance rates with quotes from other companies. The discounts are not unique to AARP — other groups and direct shopping often yield similar or better prices.

Members also receive AARP Magazine, a print publication that arrives six times per year, and access to the AARP website, which has articles about health, money, and caregiving. The website has a section on Medicare and Social Security that explains how these programs work, though it does not process claims or determine your personal status.

What AARP does not do

AARP does not run Medicare, Social Security, Medicaid, or any other government benefit program. If you need to sign up for Medicare or check your Social Security statement, you contact Medicare.gov or ssa.gov directly, not AARP. AARP cannot tell you whether you may have access to for a benefit or help you complete a government process.

AARP also does not provide health insurance itself, though it partners with insurance companies that do. If you buy insurance through an AARP-branded plan, you are buying from the insurance company, not from AARP. AARP receives a commission from the sale, which is how it makes money on these partnerships.

AARP is not a government agency and is not funded by taxes. It is funded by membership dues, advertising in its magazine, and commissions from the companies whose discounts it offers. This means AARP has financial incentives in some of its positions — for example, it benefits when insurance companies that pay it commissions are successful.

How to use AARP's free information

You do not have to be a member to read AARP's website or to use its educational materials. The organization publishes guides about Medicare, caregiving, retirement planning, and health topics. These guides explain how programs work and what to watch out for. They are written in plain language and are free to read online.

AARP also runs a tax information program called Tax-Aide, which offers free tax preparation help to people with low to moderate income. This program is run by volunteers and is free whether or not you are an AARP member. You can find a Tax-Aide site near you through AARP's website.

If you call AARP's main phone line with a question, staff can point you to information on the website or tell you which government agency to contact. They cannot process applications or determine your personal status with any program.

AARP membership: cost and what you get

AARP membership currently costs around $16 per year for the first year and roughly $24 per year after that, though these prices change. You must be 50 or older to join. The membership includes access to the magazine, the website, and the discount programs.

Some people find the membership worth the cost because of insurance discounts or because they want to support AARP's advocacy work. Others find they can get better rates by shopping around. It is worth doing the math: compare AARP's auto insurance quote with quotes from other companies before you decide.

If you are not sure whether membership is right for you, you can read AARP's website and use its free resources without joining. This lets you see whether the information and discounts are useful to you before you pay.

How AARP differs from government programs

AARP is a private organization that advocates for older adults. Medicare, Social Security, and Medicaid are government programs run by federal and state agencies. The government programs are funded by taxes and are available to people who meet the legal requirements. AARP is funded by members and businesses and is available to anyone 50 or older who pays the membership fee.

When AARP takes a position on a government program, it is speaking as an outside group trying to influence policy, not as the agency that runs the program. For example, AARP might say that Medicare should cover a certain drug, but Medicare itself (run by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) makes the actual decision about coverage.

Understanding this difference matters because it tells you where to go for different things. If you need to enroll in Medicare or check your benefits, contact Medicare directly. If you want to read about how Medicare works or see AARP's position on a Medicare policy debate, AARP's website is a good source.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be an AARP member to get Medicare?

No. Medicare is a government program run by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. You become may be able to access at age 65 (or earlier if you have certain disabilities or end-stage renal disease) regardless of AARP membership. You sign up through Medicare.gov or by calling Social Security.

Can AARP help me with my Social Security claim?

AARP can point you to information about how Social Security works, but it cannot process claims or determine your benefits. To file a claim or get help with your specific situation, contact the Social Security Administration at ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213.

Is AARP insurance cheaper than other insurance?

Not always. AARP negotiates rates with insurance companies, but other companies and direct shopping often yield similar or better prices. Before joining AARP for insurance, get quotes from multiple insurers and compare the total cost, including the membership fee.

Does AARP speak for all older adults?

AARP represents its members' interests, but not all older adults agree with AARP's positions on every issue. The organization's leadership decides which policies to support or oppose. If you disagree with AARP's stance on something, you can contact your elected representatives directly.

Can I use AARP's website without paying for membership?

Yes. Much of AARP's website content, including guides about Medicare and health topics, is free to read. You do not need to be a member to access these educational materials. Membership gives you access to the magazine and discount programs.