AARP is a membership organization for people 50 and older, not a government agency
AARP is a nonprofit membership organization with roughly 38 million members. It is not part of Social Security, Medicare, or any government program. AARP publishes information, runs advocacy campaigns, offers discounts through partner companies, and provides some services directly to members — but it does not distribute government benefits or determine who receives them.
The confusion happens because AARP's website, aarp.org, contains a lot of information about government programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. That information is educational; it explains how those programs work. But AARP itself is separate from them. If you need to actually enroll in Medicare or file for Social Security, you go to Medicare.gov or ssa.gov, not AARP.
Understanding this distinction matters because it changes where you go to get things done. AARP can tell you what Medicare covers. Medicare.gov is where you actually sign up.
Key Takeaways
- AARP is a membership organization for people 50 and older, not a government agency, and does not distribute government benefits.
- AARP.org contains educational information about Medicare, Social Security, and other programs, but enrollment happens on the government websites themselves.
- AARP membership includes discounts at retailers and service providers, access to member-only content, and a magazine.
- AARP runs state and local offices that can connect you to community resources, but these are referral services, not benefit programs.
- The AARP helpline (1-888-687-2277) answers questions about membership and directs you to the right government or community resource.
What AARP membership includes
AARP membership costs $16 per year for a single membership or $27 for a household membership covering two people at the same address. The membership includes access to AARP Magazine, a monthly publication; the AARP Bulletin, a newsletter; and discounts at participating retailers and service providers — hotels, rental car companies, pharmacies, and others. The specific discounts vary by location and change over time, so the AARP website lists current offers.
Members also get access to member-only content on aarp.org, including articles, tools, and planning resources on topics like retirement, caregiving, health, and housing. Some of this content is free to non-members; some requires a login. AARP also offers some insurance products directly to members, including supplemental health insurance, auto and home insurance, and life insurance — these are sold through partner companies but marketed to AARP members.
Membership does not include government benefits, tax preparation, or legal services, though AARP sometimes partners with organizations that offer these things at a discount to members.
How to find information about government programs on AARP.org
AARP.org has sections dedicated to Medicare, Social Security, Medicaid, and other government programs. These sections explain how each program works, what it covers, and common questions. You can search by topic or browse by program. The information is written for a general audience and updated regularly, but it is not personalized to your situation.
If you need information specific to your circumstances — your income, your health conditions, your state of residence — you will need to go to the government website itself or contact the program directly. For example, AARP can explain what Medicare Part D is and how it works. To find out which Part D plans are available to you and what your costs would be, you go to Medicare.gov and use their plan finder tool.
AARP also publishes guides and checklists on topics like "Medicare and You" and "Social Security: What You Need to Know." These are free to read from aarp.org and can be printed or read on screen.
AARP's state and local offices and community connections
AARP has offices in every state and many local communities. These offices run programs and connect members to local resources — senior centers, meal programs, housing options, caregiver support, and legal aid. The services vary by state and location. Some state offices run their own programs; others mainly refer people to existing community organizations.
To find your state office, go to aarp.org and search for your state, or call 1-888-687-2277. The state office can tell you what programs and resources are available in your area and how to reach them. This is a referral service; AARP is not providing the services themselves, but connecting you to organizations that do.
AARP also advocates for policies affecting older adults at the state and federal level. This is separate from the services and information AARP provides to members. You may see AARP taking positions on legislation or regulations; that is the organization's advocacy work, not a service to members.
What AARP does not do
AARP does not enroll you in Medicare, Social Security, Medicaid, or any other government program. It does not file your taxes, prepare your will, or provide legal information. It does not manage your money or make investment decisions. It does not diagnose health conditions or prescribe treatment. It does not place people in nursing homes or assisted living facilities, though it publishes information about housing options and can refer you to placement consultants.
If you see an advertisement or email claiming AARP will help you get government benefits, verify it directly with AARP before responding. Scams sometimes use AARP's name to seem legitimate. The real AARP will never ask for your Social Security number, bank account, or Medicare number unsolicited.
How to contact AARP and get help
The main AARP helpline is 1-888-687-2277. This number answers questions about membership, directs you to your state office, and can help you find information on aarp.org. It does not process government benefit applications or provide personalized financial or legal information.
You can also visit aarp.org directly and use the search function or browse by topic. The website has a "Contact Us" page with phone numbers for specific departments — membership, state offices, and others. Email is available for some inquiries, though phone is usually faster for urgent questions.
If you need to enroll in a government program or file a claim, contact the program directly: Medicare.gov for Medicare, ssa.gov for Social Security, or your state Medicaid office for Medicaid. AARP can point you to these resources, but cannot complete the transaction for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AARP the same as Medicare?
No. AARP is a membership organization; Medicare is a government health insurance program. AARP publishes information about Medicare and advocates for Medicare policies, but does not run Medicare or enroll people in it. You enroll in Medicare through Medicare.gov or by calling Social Security.
Do I have to be an AARP member to read information on aarp.org?
Most of the information on aarp.org is free to read without membership. Some articles and tools are marked "Members Only" and require you to log in with an AARP account. You can create an account for free; membership is optional and costs $16 per year.
Can AARP help me figure out if I may have access to for a government program?
AARP can explain how a program works and point you to the right place to explore, but cannot determine your personal may be able to access. Each program has its own rules based on income, age, disability status, and other factors. You find out whether you may have access to by contacting the program directly or using their online tools.
What if I think I was scammed by someone claiming to represent AARP?
Report it to AARP directly at 1-888-687-2277 and to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Real AARP staff will never ask for your Social Security number, Medicare number, or bank details unsolicited. If you gave out personal information, contact your bank and monitor your accounts for fraud.
Does AARP help with housing or nursing home placement?
AARP publishes guides about housing options for older adults and can refer you to local placement consultants or housing counselors through your state office. AARP does not place people directly or run housing facilities. Your state office can connect you to organizations that do placement work in your area.