AARP is a membership organization for people 50 and older, with programs focused on health, money, and daily living

AARP (originally the American Association of Retired Persons) is a nonprofit organization with roughly 38 million members. You do not have to be retired to join — you only need to be 50 or older. The organization runs educational programs, negotiates discounts with businesses, publishes magazines and websites, and advocates for policies affecting older adults.

AARP makes money from membership dues (currently $16 per year) and from partnerships with insurance companies and other businesses. This funding model matters because it shapes what AARP does: some programs are free to members, some are discounted, and some are products AARP sells on behalf of partner companies.

AARP is not a government agency and does not run Medicare, Social Security, or other federal programs. It is a private organization that provides information about those programs and sometimes helps members navigate them.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP membership costs $16 per year and is open to anyone 50 or older, whether retired or still working.
  • The organization offers discounts on hotels, rental cars, insurance, and other products through partnerships with businesses.
  • AARP publishes free educational content on Medicare, Social Security, caregiving, and financial planning on its website and in its magazine.
  • AARP advocates for policies in Congress and state legislatures but does not run government benefit programs itself.
  • Some AARP products — like supplemental insurance and long-term care insurance — are sold through partner companies and require separate enrollment.

What You Get as an AARP Member

The core membership benefit is access to discounts. Hotels like Choice Hotels and Hilton offer 10 percent discounts to AARP members. Car rental companies including Hertz and Avis do the same. Restaurants, movie theaters, and retailers like Best Buy and Walgreens participate in the program, though the discount amount varies by business.

Members also receive AARP Magazine (published six times per year) and access to AARP.org, which has articles on health conditions, Medicare, Social Security, caregiving, and money management. The website includes tools like a Medicare plan comparison calculator and a Social Security benefits estimator. These tools do not make decisions for you — they show you what different scenarios might look like.

AARP runs local chapters in most states and counties. Chapters host events, classes, and volunteer opportunities. Some chapters offer tax preparation help through AARP's Tax-Aide program, which is free to low-income taxpayers.

Insurance Products AARP Sells

AARP partners with insurance companies to offer supplemental health insurance, long-term care insurance, life insurance, and auto and home insurance. These are not included in membership — you pay a separate premium to the insurance company if you want them.

The supplemental health insurance (often called Medigap) helps cover costs that Medicare does not pay. AARP does not underwrite the policies; it negotiates rates with companies like UnitedHealthcare and Cigna. You explore directly to the insurance company, not to AARP, and the company decides whether to cover you based on your health history.

Long-term care insurance covers nursing home, assisted living, or in-home care costs. This is a separate product with its own underwriting process and premium. AARP markets these policies but does not sell them directly.

How AARP Influences Policy

AARP employs lobbyists and policy staff who testify before Congress and state legislatures on issues affecting older adults. The organization has taken positions on Medicare drug pricing, Social Security, nursing home regulations, and age discrimination in employment.

AARP's policy positions sometimes align with Democratic priorities and sometimes with Republican ones, depending on the issue. The organization is not formally affiliated with either party, though its positions on specific bills can be controversial among members with different political views.

AARP's advocacy does not change your individual benefits or rights — it influences the laws and regulations that govern programs like Medicare and Social Security. If you disagree with AARP's position on a policy issue, you can contact your own elected representatives directly.

How AARP Differs from Government Programs

AARP is not Medicare, Medicaid, or Social Security. It does not enroll you in those programs, determine your benefits, or process your claims. If you have questions about your Medicare coverage or Social Security payment, you contact Medicare or Social Security directly — not AARP.

AARP can point you toward information about those programs and explain how they work. The organization also publishes guides on topics like how to appeal a Medicare denial or how to report fraud. But AARP itself does not make decisions about your benefits.

Some people confuse AARP with the Older Americans Act programs (like Meals on Wheels or senior centers), which are run by the Administration for Community Living, a federal agency. AARP advocates for funding those programs but does not run them.

Membership Cost and How to Join

AARP membership costs $16 per year for the first year and $24 per year after that. You can join online at AARP.org, by phone at 1-888-687-2277, or by mail. You need to provide your name, address, and date of birth to prove you are 50 or older.

Some employers and unions offer group AARP memberships at a discount. If your employer or union participates, you may pay less than the standard rate. Check with your benefits office or union representative to see if that option is available to you.

You can cancel your membership at any time. AARP does not require a contract or commitment beyond the annual membership fee.

When AARP Membership Makes Sense

AARP membership is worth the cost if you use the discounts regularly or find the educational resources helpful. If you travel frequently and stay at hotels that offer AARP rates, the membership can pay for itself in one or two trips. If you rent cars several times a year, the discounts add up.

The membership is also useful if you are learning about Medicare, Social Security, or caregiving and want reliable, plain-language information. AARP's website and magazine are free to read once you join, and the content is generally accurate and updated regularly.

If you do not travel, do not use the partner businesses, and do not need the educational resources, membership may not be worth the cost. You can read much of AARP's content without joining — the organization publishes articles on its website that anyone can access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be retired to join AARP?

No. You only need to be 50 or older. Many AARP members are still working. The organization changed its name from the American Association of Retired Persons to AARP in 1999 to reflect that membership includes working adults.

Does AARP membership include Medicare coverage?

No. AARP membership and Medicare are separate. You enroll in Medicare through Medicare.gov or by contacting Social Security. AARP can help you understand Medicare options, but it does not enroll you or provide the coverage itself.

Can I get a refund if I do not use my membership?

Yes. AARP offers a 30-day money-back may provide if you are not satisfied with your membership. After 30 days, you can cancel at any time, but you will not receive a refund for the portion of the year you have already paid.

Does AARP sell my personal information?

AARP publishes a privacy policy on its website that explains how it uses member data. The organization does share information with partner companies (like insurance providers) to deliver discounts and products. You can review the full policy at AARP.org to see what data is shared and with whom.

What if I disagree with AARP's position on a political issue?

You can contact AARP directly to share your view, and you can also contact your own elected representatives. Membership in AARP does not mean you agree with every policy position the organization takes. Many members join for the discounts and educational resources, not for the advocacy.