What AARP Membership Covers and How It Works

AARP membership gives you access to discounts, publications, and information resources, but it does not provide health insurance or direct financial payments. The core benefit is the AARP Magazine and the digital newsletter, which cover health, money, and lifestyle topics for people 50 and older. Members also receive discounts on car insurance, travel, prescriptions, and some retail purchases — the actual savings depend on which offers you use and which state you live in.

Membership costs $16 per year for a standard membership, though promotional rates sometimes run lower. You can join online, by phone, or by mail. Once you join, you get a membership card and access to the AARP website, where you can browse available discounts and read articles on topics like Medicare, Social Security, and caregiving.

AARP also runs local chapters in most areas, which hold events and workshops on topics like financial planning and health. Attending these is free for members, though some require you to register ahead of time.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP membership costs $16 per year and includes a magazine, discounts on insurance and travel, and access to educational articles and local events.
  • AARP does not provide health insurance, Medicare coverage, or direct financial payments — it is an information and discount resource.
  • Discounts vary by state and by merchant, so you should check the AARP website to see which offers are available where you live.
  • You can join online, by phone, or by mail, and membership begins when ready after payment is processed.
  • Local AARP chapters hold free workshops and events for members on topics like retirement planning and managing chronic conditions.

How to Join AARP and What Happens After

To join, you must be 50 or older. You can sign up on the AARP website (aarp.org), by calling 1-888-687-2277, or by mailing a paper form. Online is fastest — you provide your name, address, date of birth, and email, then pay by credit card or debit card. Your membership becomes active within a few days, and you will receive a membership card by mail within two to three weeks.

After you join, you will start receiving AARP Magazine in print and can log into your account on the website to view your membership details and browse discounts. You will also receive emails about new offers and articles. If you want to unsubscribe from emails, you can do that in your account settings at any time.

If you join by phone or mail, the process takes longer — usually one to two weeks for your membership to set up. You will receive a confirmation number when you join, which you can use to check your status online.

AARP Discounts: What They Are and How to Use Them

AARP negotiates discounts with hundreds of companies, but not all discounts are available in every state. The most common ones include discounts on car insurance (usually 5 to 15 percent off), hotel stays, rental cars, and prescription medications through the AARP Pharmacy program. You can also find discounts on restaurants, retail stores, and entertainment venues, though these vary widely by location.

To use a discount, you typically show your AARP membership card in person, or enter a code online at checkout. Some discounts require you to go through the AARP website to access them — for example, the AARP Travel Center books hotels and rental cars at discounted rates. Others, like the pharmacy discount, require you to use a specific program or card.

The amount you save depends on the offer. Car insurance discounts are usually the largest, but you still have to get a quote to see the actual price. Prescription discounts vary by medication and pharmacy. Before switching insurance or signing up for a new service just for the AARP discount, compare the total cost with what you would pay elsewhere.

Medicare and AARP: What AARP Does and Does Not Do

AARP publishes detailed information about Medicare and helps members understand their coverage options, but AARP itself does not sell Medicare insurance or make coverage decisions. AARP does offer a Medicare Supplement insurance plan (Medigap) through a partner company, which you can purchase if you are already enrolled in Original Medicare. This is optional — you do not have to buy it to be an AARP member.

AARP also runs the AARP Medicare Rx Plans, which are prescription drug coverage (Part D) plans sold through insurance companies. Again, these are optional products you can purchase, not automatic benefits of membership. AARP receives a commission when you buy these plans, which is how the organization funds its operations.

For information about whether you may have access to for Medicare, how to enroll, or what coverage you need, AARP's website has guides and tools, but the actual enrollment happens through Medicare.gov or by calling Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE. AARP can point you to the right place, but cannot process your Medicare process.

Canceling Your Membership and Getting a Refund

You can cancel your AARP membership at any time by calling 1-888-687-2277, visiting the website and updating your account settings, or mailing a cancellation request. If you cancel within 30 days of joining, AARP will refund your membership fee. After 30 days, the fee is non-refundable, though you can still cancel and stop paying for future years.

When you cancel, your membership card becomes invalid, and you lose access to discounts and the member website. You will stop receiving AARP Magazine, though you can request to keep receiving it as a non-member (it is available at newsstands and libraries). Any AARP insurance plans you have purchased separately will continue until you cancel those directly with the insurance company.

If you are unsure whether to cancel, you can pause your membership for a year instead of canceling permanently. Contact AARP to ask about this option.

AARP Publications and Online Resources

AARP Magazine is published six times per year and covers health, money, relationships, and lifestyle topics. It is included with membership and mailed to your home. You can also read articles on the AARP website without logging in — the site has sections on Medicare, Social Security, caregiving, retirement planning, and health conditions.

AARP also publishes the AARP Bulletin, a monthly newsletter with news and updates, and runs a podcast series on topics like aging and financial planning. Members can access all of these through the website or by email subscription.

The AARP website also has interactive tools, such as a Medicare plan comparison tool and a Social Security calculator. These are free to use and do not require membership, though members get early access to some new tools.

State and Local AARP Chapters

AARP has chapters in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, and many states have local chapters within cities or counties. These chapters hold workshops, support groups, and social events for members. Topics often include managing health conditions, planning for retirement, understanding Medicare, and caregiving. Most events are free for members, though some may ask for a small donation to cover materials.

To find your local chapter, visit the AARP website and search by state and zip code. You can also call the main AARP number and ask for your chapter's contact information. Chapters maintain their own websites and email lists, so you can sign up to hear about upcoming events in your area.

Some chapters also offer one-on-one counseling or support groups for specific topics, such as grief support or managing a chronic illness. These services are usually free or low-cost for members.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be retired to join AARP?

No. You only have to be 50 or older. You can be working full-time, part-time, or not working at all. AARP membership is based on age, not employment status.

Does AARP membership include health insurance?

No. AARP membership does not provide health insurance. AARP publishes information about Medicare and sells optional Medigap and prescription drug plans through partner companies, but these are separate purchases. You must enroll in Medicare through Medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.

Can I use AARP discounts without carrying my membership card?

It depends on the discount. Some merchants accept your membership number or a digital card shown on your phone. Others require the physical card. Check with the specific business or look at the discount details on the AARP website to see what proof of membership they accept.

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

Your membership stays active. AARP is national, so you remain a member no matter where you live. However, some discounts are state-specific, so you may have access to different offers in your new state. Log into your account and update your address so AARP can show you the discounts available in your new location.

Is AARP a government program?

No. AARP is a nonprofit organization, not a government agency. It is not affiliated with Medicare, Social Security, or any federal or state program, though it publishes information about these programs and advocates for policies affecting older adults.