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

AARP is a private nonprofit organization. It is not part of Medicare, Social Security, or any federal or state government. AARP does not distribute government benefits, determine who gets benefits, or process benefit applications. The organization lobbies Congress on issues affecting older adults, but it does not run the programs it advocates for.

AARP membership costs money — currently $16 per year for a standard membership. You do not need to be an AARP member to receive Medicare, Social Security, or other government benefits. AARP's main role is to represent the interests of its members through advocacy and to offer member discounts and services.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP is a private nonprofit organization run by a board and staff, not a government agency that administers benefits.
  • AARP membership is optional and costs money; you do not need it to receive Medicare, Social Security, or other government programs.
  • AARP offers member discounts on insurance, travel, and other services, but these are negotiated deals with private companies, not government programs.
  • AARP publishes educational materials and guides about Medicare, Social Security, and retirement planning, but does not make may be able to access decisions or process applications.
  • AARP advocates for policy changes in Congress and state legislatures, but the organization itself does not run the programs it lobbies for.

What AARP membership includes

AARP membership gives you access to discounts negotiated with private companies. These include discounts on car rentals, hotels, restaurants, and some insurance products. AARP also publishes AARP Magazine and maintains a website with articles on health, money, and caregiving. Members can join local AARP chapters and attend events in their community.

AARP also offers a tax preparation service called Tax-Aide, which provides free tax help to people with low to moderate income. This service is run by trained volunteers and is separate from AARP's membership benefits — you do not have to be a member to use it, though you do need to find a Tax-Aide location near you.

What AARP does not do

AARP does not enroll you in Medicare. Medicare enrollment is handled by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), a federal agency. You enroll through Medicare.gov, by phone at 1-800-MEDICARE, or at your local Social Security office. AARP publishes guides about Medicare options, but the organization does not process your enrollment.

AARP does not manage Social Security benefits. Social Security is run by the Social Security Administration (SSA), a separate federal agency. You explore for Social Security benefits through SSA.gov or at your local Social Security office. AARP provides educational materials about how Social Security works, but does not determine who receives benefits or how much they receive.

AARP does not distribute Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, or other means-tested government programs. These are administered by state and federal agencies. AARP may publish information about these programs, but the organization does not run them.

How AARP influences policy

AARP has a large advocacy team that lobbies Congress and state legislatures on issues like prescription drug pricing, Social Security, Medicare, and long-term care. The organization publishes position statements on these issues and mobilizes its membership to contact elected officials. AARP's advocacy has shaped major legislation, including changes to Medicare and Social Security over the decades.

However, AARP's role is to push for policy change, not to administer the programs themselves. When Congress passes a law that AARP supported, a government agency — not AARP — carries out that law. For example, AARP advocated for the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit, but Medicare (run by CMS) administers the program.

AARP publications and educational resources

AARP publishes guides, articles, and videos about Medicare, Social Security, retirement planning, caregiving, and health topics. These materials explain how programs work and what your options are. AARP's website includes a benefits calculator that estimates your Social Security benefit based on information you enter, but this is an educational tool, not an official calculation.

AARP also publishes a state-by-state guide to benefits and programs available to older adults. This guide lists programs run by state agencies, nonprofits, and private companies. It is a reference tool, not a way to enroll in programs. To actually enroll in a program listed in an AARP guide, you contact the program directly or the agency that runs it.

AARP insurance products and partnerships

AARP partners with insurance companies to offer supplemental insurance (Medigap), Medicare Advantage plans, long-term care insurance, and other products. These are sold under the AARP brand, but the insurance is underwritten and managed by the partner companies, not by AARP itself. AARP receives a commission when members purchase these products.

These insurance products are optional. You can purchase Medigap or Medicare Advantage through any insurance company, not just through AARP. AARP's role is to negotiate rates for members and to market the products. The insurance company handles claims, customer service, and benefit decisions.

How to tell the difference between AARP and government programs

If you are looking for information about a government program like Medicare or Social Security, go to the official government website first: Medicare.gov for Medicare, SSA.gov for Social Security, or Medicaid.gov for Medicaid. These sites have the most current and authoritative information. AARP's guides are useful for understanding your options, but they are not official sources.

If you need to enroll in a government program or file a claim, contact the government agency directly. Do not assume that AARP can process your enrollment or process. AARP can point you to the right agency, but the agency itself handles the transaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need AARP membership to get Medicare or Social Security?

No. Medicare and Social Security are government programs run by federal agencies. You enroll through Medicare.gov or the Social Security Administration, not through AARP. AARP membership is completely separate and optional.

Can AARP help me enroll in Medicare?

AARP publishes guides about Medicare enrollment and offers educational events, but does not process enrollments. To enroll in Medicare, contact Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE, visit Medicare.gov, or go to your local Social Security office.

Is AARP endorsed by the government?

AARP is not a government agency and is not endorsed by the government, though it works closely with government agencies on policy issues. AARP is a private nonprofit organization that lobbies for policies it believes benefit older adults.

What happens if I disagree with AARP's position on an issue?

AARP represents the interests of its members as an organization, but individual members may disagree with AARP's positions. You can contact AARP directly to share your views, or you can choose not to renew your membership. Your personal views on policy do not affect your ability to receive government benefits.

Does AARP get money from the government?

AARP receives some government contracts for programs like Tax-Aide, but the bulk of AARP's revenue comes from membership dues and commissions on insurance and other products sold to members. AARP is not funded primarily by taxpayers.