What comes with an AARP membership
AARP membership includes discounts on travel, dining, and entertainment; access to their magazine and website resources; and the option to purchase insurance products like supplemental health coverage, auto and home insurance, and life insurance. The core membership costs $16 per year, though some people pay nothing if they join through a workplace or community program. Most benefits are available when ready after you join.
Not all benefits are discounts. AARP also runs educational programs on topics like Medicare, caregiving, and financial planning, and offers a tax preparation service called Tax-Aide in many communities. Some benefits require you to be 50 or older; others are available to household members of any age.
The membership itself does not change your Medicare coverage or government benefits. AARP is a membership organization, not a government agency, so joining does not affect your Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid status.
Key Takeaways
- AARP membership costs $16 per year and includes discounts at hotels, rental car companies, restaurants, and entertainment venues, though discounts vary by location and change throughout the year.
- Insurance products like supplemental health plans, auto insurance, and life insurance are sold through AARP but underwritten by separate insurance companies; AARP receives a commission on sales.
- Tax-Aide is a free tax preparation service run by AARP volunteers in many communities, available to people with low to moderate income regardless of AARP membership.
- AARP Magazine, the website, and educational webinars are included with membership and cover Medicare, caregiving, health, and financial topics.
- Membership does not change your Medicare coverage, Social Security benefits, or Medicaid status.
Travel and entertainment discounts
AARP negotiates discounts with hotel chains, car rental companies, airlines, and entertainment venues. Hotels like Choice Hotels, Wyndham, and Marriott offer 10 percent discounts or more on room rates when you book through AARP's website or call their AARP-specific reservation line. Car rental companies including Hertz, Avis, and Budget offer discounts that typically range from 10 to 25 percent, though the exact amount depends on the location and rental dates.
Restaurant and entertainment discounts are less consistent. Some chains like Denny's and Applebee's have offered AARP discounts in the past, but these change frequently and vary by location. The best approach is to check AARP's discount directory before you book or dine, because a discount that exists in one state may not be available in another, and offers rotate seasonally.
Discounts typically require you to show your AARP membership card or provide your membership number at booking. Some discounts are automatic; others require you to mention AARP when you reserve or check in.
Insurance products sold through AARP
AARP offers or endorses several insurance products, but these are sold and managed by separate insurance companies. AARP receives a commission when you purchase these products. Understanding the difference between AARP's brand and the actual insurance company matters because your policy, claims, and customer service come from the insurance company, not from AARP.
Supplemental health insurance (also called Medigap) is sold through UnitedHealthcare and covers costs that Original Medicare does not, such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. These policies are standardized by the federal government, so the coverage is the same regardless of which company sells it; the difference is in price and customer service. You can enroll in Medigap during your initial Medicare enrollment period or during the annual open enrollment period in the fall.
Auto and home insurance is underwritten by The Hartford. Rates and coverage vary based on your driving record, location, and home details. You can get a quote through AARP's website without committing to purchase.
Life insurance is available through New York Life and is typically term or whole life coverage. Rates depend on your age and health history.
Tax preparation and financial planning resources
AARP Tax-Aide is a free tax preparation service staffed by trained volunteers. It is available to people with low to moderate income, and you do not need to be an AARP member to use it. Tax-Aide operates in libraries, community centers, and senior centers in most states during tax season (usually January through April). You can find a location near you on AARP's website by entering your zip code.
Beyond Tax-Aide, AARP's website includes guides on Social Security, Medicare, retirement planning, and caregiving. These are written for a general audience and do not replace information from a financial advisor or tax professional. AARP also hosts free webinars on topics like managing debt, long-term care planning, and estate planning.
AARP's financial planning resources are educational only. If you need personalized financial information, you should speak with a certified financial planner or advisor who is not affiliated with AARP.
Magazine, website, and member communications
AARP Magazine is published six times per year and covers health, caregiving, travel, and lifestyle topics. It is mailed to members' homes and is also available online. The website includes articles on similar topics plus a searchable database of discounts and a section on Medicare and health insurance.
Members receive email newsletters on topics they select during signup, such as health, caregiving, or technology. You can change your email preferences at any time through your AARP account.
The magazine and website are written for a general audience and are not a substitute for medical information, legal information, or personalized financial guidance. Articles often link to more detailed resources or suggest speaking with a professional.
Membership cost and how to join
Standard AARP membership costs $16 per year for the first year and $24 per year after that. Some employers, unions, and community organizations offer group memberships at a reduced rate or no cost. You can check whether your employer or organization offers a group membership by entering your employer name on AARP's website.
You must be 50 or older to join AARP as a primary member. Household members under 50 can be added to your account at no additional cost and will receive some (but not all) member benefits.
You can join online, by phone, or by mail. Online signup is fastest and your membership typically becomes active when ready. If you join by phone, a representative can answer questions about specific discounts or insurance products before you commit.
What membership does not include
AARP membership does not change your Medicare coverage, Social Security benefits, or Medicaid status. Joining AARP does not enroll you in any insurance plan or government program. If you want to change your Medicare coverage, you must do that through Medicare directly during the annual open enrollment period (October 15 to December 7 each year) or during a may have access to life event.
AARP does not provide medical care, legal services, or financial information as part of membership. The organization publishes educational information on these topics, but personalized guidance must come from a licensed professional.
Discounts are not may provide and change frequently. A discount that was available last year may not be available this year, and availability varies by location. Always check the current discount directory or call ahead before you book or make a purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to buy insurance to be an AARP member?
No. Insurance products are optional add-ons. Your membership includes discounts, magazine access, and educational resources whether or not you purchase any insurance. AARP earns money by selling insurance, but you can use your membership without ever buying a policy.
Can I use AARP discounts if I'm under 50?
Most discounts require you to be 50 or older and show your membership card. However, household members under 50 can be added to an AARP account and may be able to use some discounts if they travel with the primary member or use the account number at booking. Check with the specific business about their policy.
How do I cancel my AARP membership?
You can cancel online through your AARP account, by phone, or by mail. Cancellation is effective when ready, though you will not receive a refund for the current year's membership fee. You can rejoin at any time.
Does AARP membership help me get Medicare or Social Security?
No. AARP is a membership organization, not a government agency. Joining does not change your Social Security or Medicare status. You must explore for Social Security and Medicare through the Social Security Administration and Medicare.gov, respectively.
Are AARP insurance rates cheaper than other companies?
Not necessarily. AARP-branded insurance is underwritten by separate insurance companies, and rates depend on your age, location, and health history. You should compare quotes from multiple insurance companies, including AARP's partners, to find the best rate for your situation.