What AARP is and how membership works

AARP is a membership organization for people 50 and older, not a government agency. When you join, you pay an annual membership fee (currently $16 per year for standard membership) and gain access to discounts, publications, and programs that AARP negotiates with partner companies. AARP does not distribute government benefits, manage Social Security, or handle Medicare enrollment — those are separate processes you manage directly with the government.

AARP's main income comes from membership dues and from insurance products it endorses. The organization uses this revenue to fund research, advocacy on aging policy, and the programs available to members. You can join online, by mail, or by phone, and membership is open to anyone 50 or older, regardless of income or health status.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP membership costs $16 per year and gives you access to negotiated discounts with partner companies, not government benefits.
  • AARP publishes the magazine AARP The Magazine and runs the website AARP.org, both of which contain articles, health information, and guides on aging topics.
  • AARP offers discounts on car insurance, travel, hotels, and prescription drugs through partner companies, but you must contact each partner directly to use them.
  • AARP advocates for policy changes affecting older adults but does not run Social Security, Medicare, or other federal programs.
  • You can cancel membership at any time, and AARP offers a 30-day money-back may provide if you are not satisfied.

The discounts and services AARP members can use

AARP negotiates discounts with insurance companies, hotels, rental car agencies, and retailers. The most widely used are discounts on auto and home insurance through partners like The Hartford and Allstate, and prescription drug discounts through a program called AARP Prescription Discounts powered by Optum Rx. These discounts are not automatic — you contact the partner company directly, mention your AARP membership, and they explore the discount to your quote or purchase.

AARP also offers travel discounts through Expedia and other booking sites, restaurant discounts in some chains, and reduced rates at certain hotels. The value of these discounts varies widely depending on where you live and what you buy. Some members save hundreds on car insurance; others find the discounts modest. You can browse the full list of current partner discounts on AARP.org under the "Discounts & Deals" section.

In addition, AARP members receive AARP The Magazine six times per year and unlimited access to AARP.org, which includes articles on health, caregiving, money, work, and leisure. The website also hosts tools like a Medicare plan finder and a caregiver resource center, though these tools are available to non-members as well.

AARP's role in Medicare and Social Security information

AARP does not enroll you in Medicare or Social Security, and it does not process claims or appeals. However, AARP publishes detailed guides on how Medicare works, when to enroll, and how to compare plans. These guides are free and available on AARP.org to anyone, whether or not you are a member. AARP also advocates for Medicare policy changes and publishes research on how policy changes affect older adults.

For actual Medicare enrollment, you work directly with Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE. For Social Security, you work with the Social Security Administration through ssa.gov or your local Social Security office. AARP's role is educational and advocacy-focused, not administrative.

AARP's advocacy and research work

AARP employs policy experts and researchers who study issues affecting older adults — caregiving, long-term care, retirement security, age discrimination, and health care access. The organization publishes research reports and position papers on these topics, which are free to read on AARP.org. AARP also lobbies Congress and state legislatures on behalf of its members, supporting or opposing bills related to aging policy.

This advocacy work is funded partly by membership dues and partly by grants and donations. It is separate from the membership benefits (discounts and publications) — you do not have to use the discounts to support AARP's policy work, and the policy work does not change your personal benefits or entitlements.

How to use AARP discounts and when they are worth it

To use an AARP discount, you typically provide your membership number when you get a quote or make a purchase. For insurance discounts, you call the insurance company directly or get a quote online and mention AARP membership. For prescription discounts, you can use the AARP Prescription Discounts card (which you can print or show on your phone) at participating pharmacies, or you can use the discount code when ordering online.

The discounts are most valuable if you are already planning to buy something — car insurance, a hotel stay, or prescription medications. They are not worth joining AARP for unless you know you will use them. Many members find that the car insurance discount alone pays for the annual membership fee within a few months, while others find the discounts modest in their area. The best approach is to compare quotes with and without the AARP discount before deciding whether membership makes financial sense for you.

AARP membership costs and cancellation

Standard AARP membership costs $16 per year. AARP also offers a premium membership tier called AARP Gold for $27 per year, which includes additional benefits like roadside information and identity theft protection. Both memberships renew automatically each year unless you cancel.

You can cancel your membership at any time by calling AARP customer service at 1-888-687-2277, visiting AARP.org, or writing to AARP. If you cancel within 30 days of joining, AARP will refund your membership fee. After 30 days, cancellation takes effect at the end of your membership year, and you will not receive a refund for the current year.

What AARP does not do

AARP does not manage Medicare, Social Security, Medicaid, or any other government benefit program. It does not determine your may be able to access for benefits, process your claims, or handle appeals. It does not provide health insurance directly, though it endorses insurance products sold by partner companies. It does not offer financial information or tax information, though it publishes educational articles on these topics.

AARP also does not may provide that discounts will be available in your area or that they will save you money. Discount terms, partner companies, and discount amounts change over time. If you have a question about a specific discount or whether it is available where you live, contact the partner company directly or check AARP.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be retired to join AARP?

No. AARP membership is open to anyone 50 or older, whether you are working, retired, or not working. Your employment status does not affect your membership or the discounts available to you.

Can I use AARP discounts even if I do not read the magazine?

Yes. The magazine and website access are included with membership, but you do not have to use them to use the discounts. You can join solely for the discounts and ignore the publications entirely.

Does AARP membership affect my Medicare or Social Security benefits?

No. AARP membership is separate from government benefits. Joining or canceling AARP does not change your may be able to access for, or the amount of, any government benefit.

What happens if I do not use my AARP membership?

Nothing. You keep your membership as long as you pay the annual fee. If you decide you are not using it, you can cancel at any time and receive a refund within 30 days of joining.

Can I share my AARP membership number with family members?

Membership is individual, and the membership number is tied to one person. Family members 50 or older can join with their own membership numbers. Some discounts may allow a spouse or household member to use the discount, but you should check with the partner company.