AARP is a membership organization for people 50 and older, offering discounts, publications, and information on health, money, and caregiving

AARP is not a government agency. It is a nonprofit membership organization with roughly 38 million members. When you turn 50, you become may be able to access to join. AARP publishes magazines and newsletters, runs a website with health and financial information, negotiates discounts with retailers and service providers, and advocates on policy issues affecting older adults.

Many people think of AARP mainly for discounts on hotels or car insurance. That is real, but the organization also produces detailed guides on Medicare, Social Security, caregiving, housing, and managing chronic illness. Some of that content is free to read online; some requires membership. Understanding what AARP actually does — and what it does not do — helps you decide whether membership makes sense for you.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP membership costs $16 per year and includes access to discounts, a monthly magazine, and online health and financial information.
  • AARP does not manage Medicare, Social Security, or government benefits; it publishes educational material about how those programs work.
  • You can read some AARP articles and guides for free on their website without joining.
  • AARP offers a tax preparation service called Tax-Aide at no cost to people with low to moderate income, available at local sites during tax season.
  • AARP advocates for policy changes but does not speak for all older adults — its positions reflect the organization's priorities, not necessarily yours.

What membership includes and what it costs

AARP membership costs $16 per year for the first year, then $24 per year after that. For that fee, you receive AARP Magazine (published six times per year), access to the AARP website and its health and money content, and may be able to access for discounts at hotels, restaurants, rental car companies, and other businesses. The organization also offers discounted rates on car and home insurance through partner companies.

Membership is not required to read some AARP content. The organization publishes free articles on its website about Medicare, Social Security, caregiving, and health topics. You can browse these without paying. However, some guides and tools — particularly detailed planning worksheets and certain calculators — are behind a membership paywall.

AARP also offers a membership tier called AARP Gold at a higher price point, which includes additional perks like roadside information and identity theft protection. The standard membership is sufficient for most people who want access to information and basic discounts.

How AARP differs from government programs

A common misunderstanding is that AARP runs Medicare, Social Security, or other federal benefit programs. It does not. AARP is a private organization that publishes information about those programs. When you need to enroll in Medicare or claim Social Security, you contact Medicare.gov or Social Security directly — not AARP.

AARP does partner with government agencies on some initiatives. For example, AARP Tax-Aide is a free tax preparation service that AARP volunteers staff at local sites during tax season. The IRS funds the program, but AARP recruits and trains the volunteers. If you have low to moderate income, you can find a Tax-Aide site near you through AARP's website and have your taxes prepared at no cost.

AARP also runs the Caregiving Resource Center, which offers information and support for people caring for aging relatives or spouses. This is educational material, not a service that provides direct care or pays for care. The organization advocates for caregiver support policies, but it does not manage government caregiver programs.

AARP publications and where to find information

AARP publishes several regular sources of information. AARP Magazine arrives six times per year and covers health, money, travel, and lifestyle topics aimed at people 50 and older. AARP Bulletin is a shorter monthly newsletter focused on news and policy updates. Both come with membership.

The AARP website (aarp.org) hosts articles, guides, and interactive tools on Medicare, Social Security, caregiving, retirement planning, health conditions, and family relationships. Some articles are free to all visitors; others require you to log in with a membership account. The site also has a section called AARP Health that explains common conditions, medications, and when to see a doctor.

AARP also publishes books and detailed guides on specific topics — for example, a guide to Medicare enrollment or a workbook for family caregivers. Some of these are sold separately; others are included with membership or available free online.

Discounts and services available to members

AARP negotiates discounts with national chains and service providers. Common discounts include reduced rates at hotel chains (Hilton, Marriott, Wyndham), car rental companies (Hertz, Avis, Budget), and restaurants (Denny's, Applebee's). The discount amount varies by business and changes over time. You typically show your AARP membership card or provide your membership number when booking or checking in.

AARP also offers discounted rates on auto and home insurance through partner companies. These are not AARP insurance products — AARP does not sell insurance itself. Instead, it has negotiated group rates with insurers like The Hartford and State Farm. You still explore directly to the insurance company, but your AARP membership may may have access to you for a discount on the premium.

Members also have access to AARP's online community forums, where you can ask questions and connect with other members. The organization runs local chapters in many areas that host events, workshops, and volunteer opportunities.

What AARP advocacy means and does not mean

AARP is known for taking public positions on policy issues — Medicare reform, Social Security, prescription drug pricing, age discrimination, and caregiving support. The organization testifies before Congress, runs advertising campaigns, and works with lawmakers on legislation. This advocacy reflects AARP's institutional priorities, which are shaped by its board and staff.

It is important to understand that AARP's positions do not represent all older adults. Members and non-members alike may disagree with the organization's stance on any given issue. AARP is one voice in policy debates, not the voice of all people 50 and older. If you join, you are joining an organization whose views you may not always share.

AARP does not lobby on behalf of individual members' personal concerns. If you have a specific problem with Medicare or Social Security, AARP's advocacy work will not solve it. You would need to contact the relevant government agency or, in some cases, seek help from a legal aid organization or patient advocate.

How to join and what to do if you have questions

You can join AARP online at aarp.org or by calling 1-888-687-2277. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, address, and email. Membership begins when ready after you pay. You can also join by mail if you prefer not to use the website or phone.

If you receive a direct mail offer from AARP, it usually includes a discount code that reduces the first-year membership fee. These offers are common and legitimate. You can use the code when joining online or by phone.

If you have questions about what membership includes, what a specific discount covers, or how to access a particular tool or article, AARP's customer service team can help. You can reach them by phone at 1-888-687-2277 or through the website's contact form. Response times vary depending on how busy the organization is.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be retired to join AARP?

No. You only need 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.

Can I cancel my membership anytime?

Yes. You can cancel at any time by calling 1-888-687-2277 or through your account on the AARP website. If you cancel within 30 days of joining, AARP will refund your membership fee. After 30 days, the fee is not refunded, but you can stop your membership without penalty.

Does AARP help me sign up for Medicare or Social Security?

AARP publishes guides and articles explaining how Medicare and Social Security work, but it does not process applications or enroll you in those programs. To enroll in Medicare, go to Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE. To claim Social Security, visit ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213.

What if I disagree with AARP's position on a political issue?

AARP's advocacy reflects the organization's priorities, not necessarily the views of all members. You can disagree with AARP's stance on any issue and still be a member. If you want to share feedback about the organization's positions, you can contact AARP directly through its website.

Is there a way to read AARP content without paying for membership?

Yes. Many AARP articles and guides are free to read on aarp.org without logging in. Some detailed tools and worksheets require membership. You can browse the free content first to see whether paid membership would be worth it for you.