AARP is a membership organization that offers discounts, insurance products, and information for people 50 and older

AARP is not a government program. It is a nonprofit membership organization with about 38 million members. When you join, you pay an annual membership fee (currently $16 per year, though promotional rates are often available). In return, you get access to discounts on travel, dining, shopping, and entertainment; the option to purchase insurance products like supplemental health coverage and auto insurance; and access to AARP's magazine, website, and educational resources about retirement, health, caregiving, and money.

AARP also advocates on policy issues affecting older adults—things like Social Security, Medicare, and prescription drug costs—but membership itself does not change your government benefits or entitlements. You do not need to be an AARP member to receive Medicare, Social Security, or any other federal program.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP membership costs $16 per year and gives you access to discounts, insurance products, and educational materials, but does not affect your may be able to access for Medicare, Social Security, or other government programs.
  • The organization offers discounts through partner companies on hotels, rental cars, restaurants, and retail stores, though you typically need to show your membership card or use a code at checkout.
  • AARP sells supplemental insurance products—including Medigap, long-term care insurance, and auto insurance—underwritten by partner companies, not by AARP itself.
  • AARP's website and magazine contain information about retirement planning, health topics, caregiving, and financial decisions, written for a general audience without medical or legal jargon.
  • You become a member when you turn 50, though you can join earlier if a spouse or household member is 50 or older.

How AARP Discounts Work

AARP negotiates discounts with hotels, car rental companies, restaurants, and retailers. The discounts vary by company and change periodically. Common ones include 10 percent off at many hotel chains, discounts on car rentals from Hertz and Enterprise, and reduced rates at restaurants and entertainment venues.

To use a discount, you usually show your AARP membership card at checkout or online, or you enter a code on the company's website. Some discounts require you to book through AARP's travel portal or call a dedicated AARP phone number. The discount amount is not always the same as what you would get from other sources—sometimes a competitor's sale or a coupon code beats the AARP rate—so it is worth comparing before you book.

AARP also offers a rewards credit card that earns points on purchases, though the card itself is issued by a bank partner, not by AARP.

Insurance Products AARP Sells

AARP does not underwrite insurance itself. Instead, it partners with insurance companies that sell products under the AARP name. These include Medigap (supplemental coverage that fills gaps in Original Medicare), Medicare Advantage plans, long-term care insurance, auto insurance, homeowners insurance, and life insurance.

Because these are sold by partner companies, the rates, coverage, and terms depend on the insurer, not on AARP. You can shop for the same products directly from the insurance company without going through AARP, though AARP membership may give you access to group rates or simplified enrollment. If you are shopping for Medigap or Medicare Advantage, comparing quotes from AARP and from other brokers is a sensible step.

AARP also offers a prescription drug discount program (not the same as Medicare Part D) that gives members a discount card they can use at participating pharmacies. The discounts are typically 10 to 60 percent off the retail price, depending on the drug and pharmacy.

AARP's Educational Content and Resources

AARP publishes AARP Magazine (sent to members six times per year) and maintains a website with articles on health, caregiving, money, work, and retirement. The content is written for a general audience and does not require a medical or financial background to understand.

The organization also offers free online courses and webinars on topics like managing chronic conditions, caregiving for a spouse or parent, Social Security claiming strategies, and digital literacy. Some of these are available to members only; others are open to anyone. AARP's state offices sometimes host in-person workshops on tax preparation, fraud prevention, and health topics.

How AARP Differs From Government Programs

AARP is sometimes confused with Medicare or Social Security because it serves the same age group and sometimes discusses those programs. But AARP does not run Medicare, does not process Social Security claims, and does not determine your benefits. Those are federal programs run by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA).

If you need to enroll in Medicare, change your Medicare plan, or file a Social Security claim, you contact Medicare.gov or SSA.gov directly—or call the phone numbers on your Social Security card or Medicare card. AARP's role is to provide information about how those programs work and to advocate for policy changes, not to administer them.

Who Joins AARP and Why

AARP members range from people who join primarily for the discounts (especially on travel and dining) to those who join for the insurance options or the educational resources. Some join because an employer or organization they belong to offers a group membership rate. Others join because they want to support AARP's advocacy work on issues like prescription drug costs or age discrimination.

You do not have to join AARP to age well or to access Medicare and Social Security. Many people find the discounts worth the $16 annual fee; others do not use them enough to justify the cost. The decision depends on which discounts matter to you and whether you value the organization's publications and advocacy.

How to Join or 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, or have a spouse or household member who is 50 or older. The standard membership fee is $16 per year, though AARP frequently offers promotional rates (sometimes as low as $1 for the first year) to new members.

If you join and decide it is not for you, you can cancel your membership by phone, online, or mail. Most memberships renew automatically, so if you do not want to renew, you need to cancel before your renewal date. Canceling does not affect your Medicare, Social Security, or any other government benefit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need AARP to get Medicare?

No. Medicare is a federal program you become may be able to access for at 65 regardless of AARP membership. You enroll through Medicare.gov or by calling Social Security. AARP does not process Medicare claims or determine your benefits.

Can I use AARP discounts without a membership card?

Most discounts require you to show your card or enter a membership number at checkout. Some AARP discounts are available only through AARP's website or phone line. Check the specific discount terms before you assume you can use it without proof of membership.

Is AARP insurance cheaper than buying directly from the insurance company?

Not always. AARP negotiates group rates with partner insurers, which can lower premiums, but the same insurer may offer comparable rates directly or through other brokers. Always compare quotes from multiple sources before buying.

What happens to my AARP membership if I move to another state?

Your membership stays active. AARP is a national organization, and your membership card works everywhere. Some state offices offer local programs and events, but your core membership benefits do not change when you move.

Can I get a refund if I cancel mid-year?

AARP's refund policy depends on how long you have been a member and the reason for cancellation. Contact AARP directly at 1-888-687-2277 to ask about a refund for your specific situation.