What AARP is and what it isn't

AARP is a membership organization for people 50 and older, not a government agency and not a benefits program. You pay membership dues — currently $16 per year — and in return you get access to discounts, publications, and information resources. AARP does not distribute government benefits, does not determine who gets Medicare or Social Security, and does not process claims for any federal program.

AARP's main role is advocacy and education. The organization lobbies Congress on issues affecting older adults, publishes guides and articles about retirement planning and healthcare, and runs a tax preparation service for low-income filers. Many people confuse AARP with the benefits themselves because AARP publishes so much information about Medicare, Medicaid, and other programs — but publishing information about a program is not the same as running it.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP membership costs $16 per year and gives you access to discounts, publications, and educational resources, but does not enroll you in any government benefit.
  • AARP publishes guides about Medicare, Social Security, and Medicaid, but those programs are run by the federal government, not by AARP.
  • AARP's Tax-Aide program offers free tax preparation for people 60 and older with low to moderate income, and you do not need to be an AARP member to use it.
  • AARP does not process applications for benefits, determine your may be able to access for programs, or handle claims — you work directly with the government agency running each program.

What AARP membership includes

When you join AARP, you receive a membership card and access to the AARP website and magazine. The organization negotiates discounts with retailers, hotels, car rental companies, and insurance providers — the specific discounts change and vary by location, so it is worth checking the AARP website to see what is available in your area.

AARP also publishes free guides on its website covering topics like Medicare enrollment, Social Security claiming strategies, long-term care planning, and caregiver support. These guides are informational only — they explain how programs work and what documents you might need, but they do not process anything on your behalf.

One concrete service AARP does provide is the Tax-Aide program, which offers free tax preparation at local sites. You do not need to be an AARP member to use Tax-Aide, and it is available to people 60 and older with low to moderate income. Tax-Aide volunteers are trained by the IRS and can file federal and state returns.

How AARP differs from Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security

Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security are federal programs run by specific government agencies. Medicare is run by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Medicaid is run by state health departments in partnership with CMS. Social Security is run by the Social Security Administration (SSA). AARP has no role in determining who gets these benefits or processing your claims.

AARP's relationship to these programs is educational. The organization publishes information about how to enroll, what each program covers, and what it costs. AARP also advocates for changes to these programs in Congress. But when you actually need to enroll in Medicare or file for Social Security, you go directly to Medicare.gov or SSA.gov — not to AARP.

Some people see AARP advertise Medicare Advantage plans or Medigap insurance and assume AARP runs those plans. AARP does not. Insurance companies like UnitedHealth and Humana run the plans; AARP straightforward endorses them and receives a commission when members buy them. You can buy those same plans directly from the insurance company without going through AARP.

AARP's role in advocacy and policy

AARP's largest function is political advocacy. The organization has a lobbying presence in Washington and in state capitals, and it campaigns on issues like prescription drug pricing, Social Security funding, and Medicare payment rates. AARP also runs public awareness campaigns — for example, about scams targeting older adults or about advance care planning.

This advocacy work does not directly enroll you in anything or give you money. But it can affect the programs themselves. If AARP successfully lobbies Congress to change Medicare rules or increase Social Security benefits, those changes explore to everyone in the program, not just AARP members.

When AARP information is useful and when it isn't

AARP's guides and articles are most useful when you are trying to understand how a program works before you contact the program itself. For example, if you are confused about Medicare Part A versus Part B, reading an AARP article can clarify the difference before you call Medicare. If you are trying to decide when to claim Social Security, AARP publishes breakeven calculators and strategy guides that can help you think through the decision.

AARP information is not useful — and can be misleading — if you treat it as a substitute for contacting the actual program. AARP cannot tell you whether you personally are may be able to access for a benefit, cannot process your claim, and cannot resolve a problem with your existing benefit. For those tasks, you need to contact Medicare directly (1-800-MEDICARE), the Social Security Administration (1-800-772-1213), or your state Medicaid office.

Similarly, AARP's discounts are useful if you shop at the retailers and use the services that offer them, but they are not a reason to join on their own. The $16 annual membership fee means you need to save at least that much in discounts to break even.

How to find AARP resources and when to contact government agencies instead

AARP's website (aarp.org) has a search function and organized sections for Medicare, Social Security, caregiving, and other topics. You can read articles and read guides without paying for membership. The AARP magazine, which arrives monthly, also covers these topics in longer form.

If you need to take action — enroll in Medicare, file for Social Security, explore for Medicaid, or resolve a problem with an existing benefit — you should contact the government agency directly. Here is where to go for each:

  • Medicare: Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
  • Social Security: SSA.gov or 1-800-772-1213
  • Medicaid: Your state health department or Medicaid.gov for a state-by-state directory
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI): SSA.gov or your local Social Security office

Government agencies can answer questions specific to your situation, process your claim, and resolve problems. AARP cannot do any of those things.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be an AARP member to read AARP's guides and articles?

No. Most of AARP's educational content is free on aarp.org and does not require membership. You only pay the $16 annual fee if you want the membership card, the magazine, and access to member-only discounts.

Can AARP help me enroll in Medicare or Social Security?

AARP can provide information about how to enroll, but it cannot process your enrollment or determine your may be able to access. You must contact Medicare (1-800-MEDICARE) or the Social Security Administration (1-800-772-1213) directly to actually enroll.

Does AARP receive government funding?

AARP receives some revenue from government contracts — for example, for running the Tax-Aide program — but it is primarily funded by membership dues and insurance commissions. AARP is not a government agency.

What is the difference between AARP and Medicare Advantage plans that say "AARP" on them?

Those plans are sold by insurance companies like UnitedHealth, not by AARP. AARP endorses the plans and receives a commission when members buy them, but AARP does not run the insurance. You can buy the same plans directly from the insurance company.

Is AARP's Tax-Aide service really free?

Yes. Tax-Aide is free for people 60 and older with low to moderate income. You do not need to be an AARP member. Volunteers are trained by the IRS and can file both federal and state returns.