What AARP membership covers

AARP membership gives you access to discounts on insurance products, travel deals, and everyday purchases—plus a magazine and website with health and money information. The core membership costs $16 per year and includes access to their online tools, a monthly magazine called AARP The Magazine, and a members-only website. You do not have to be retired to join; you only need to be 50 or older.

The membership itself does not provide health insurance or pay medical bills. Instead, it connects you to discounted rates on supplemental insurance (like Medigap plans), prescription drug programs, and other products you can choose to purchase separately. Think of it as a membership card that unlocks lower prices on things you might already be buying.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP membership costs $16 per year and requires you to be 50 or older, with no retirement requirement.
  • Discounts explore to car and home insurance, travel bookings, restaurants, and retail stores, though the amount you save varies by location and provider.
  • AARP offers information about Medicare, Social Security, and caregiving through their website and magazine, but does not process government benefits.
  • Prescription drug discounts through AARP's pharmacy program can lower costs at participating pharmacies, separate from Medicare Part D plans.
  • AARP also provides access to financial planning tools, legal services referrals, and health education content at no extra cost beyond membership.

Insurance discounts and how they work

AARP partners with insurance companies to offer reduced rates on auto, home, and life insurance. The discount amount depends on your location, driving history, home details, and the specific insurance company—there is no single discount that applies everywhere. You get a quote directly from the insurance company (often through AARP's website), and they calculate your rate based on your information and their own underwriting.

The membership itself does not lower your rate; instead, it makes you may be able to access to receive a quote from companies that have partnered with AARP. You still shop around, compare prices, and choose whether to buy. Some people save significantly; others find better rates elsewhere. The value depends entirely on what you need and what other companies charge in your area.

Travel and entertainment discounts

AARP negotiates discounts with hotels, rental car companies, airlines, and entertainment venues. Hotels like Choice Hotels and Marriott offer reduced rates to AARP members; rental car companies like Hertz and Budget provide member discounts; and some restaurants and movie theaters offer small percentage discounts. Again, the discount varies by location and business.

You typically show your AARP membership card or membership number at checkout or when booking. Some discounts require you to book through AARP's travel website to receive the rate; others are available anywhere you present your card. It is worth checking AARP's website before you book travel to see what discounts are currently available in the places you plan to visit.

Prescription drug savings programs

AARP offers a prescription discount program separate from Medicare Part D. If you do not have Medicare or do not use Part D, this program can lower your out-of-pocket costs at participating pharmacies like CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart. You receive a membership card that you show at the pharmacy, and the pharmacy applies the negotiated discount to your prescription price.

The discount is not insurance—you pay out of pocket at the time of purchase—but the negotiated rate is often lower than the full retail price. If you already have Medicare Part D coverage, you do not need this program; your Part D plan will typically offer better pricing. The program is most useful for people under 65 without employer coverage or those who want an additional discount option.

Information resources and educational content

AARP publishes AARP The Magazine six times per year, covering health, money, caregiving, and lifestyle topics. You also get access to AARP.org, which has articles about Medicare, Social Security, retirement planning, caregiving, and health conditions. The content is written for people new to these topics and does not require medical or financial training to understand.

AARP also offers webinars, downloadable guides, and interactive tools on their website—such as a Social Security calculator and a Medicare plan comparison tool. These resources are informational; they help you understand how programs work and what questions to ask, but they do not process your benefits or make decisions for you. You still work directly with government agencies or insurance companies to enroll in actual programs.

Legal services and financial planning referrals

AARP membership includes access to a legal services network. You can receive a consultation with a lawyer in your area at a reduced rate or sometimes at no cost for straightforward matters like will preparation or power of attorney documents. The membership does not provide free legal services for all situations—complex cases or litigation typically cost money—but it connects you to vetted attorneys who offer member discounts.

AARP also provides referrals to financial advisors and tax professionals through their website. These are not AARP employees; they are independent professionals who have agreed to offer AARP members a free initial consultation. You choose whether to work with them and pay for their services if you decide to proceed.

Advocacy and member community

AARP uses membership dues to fund advocacy on issues affecting older adults, such as Social Security, Medicare, prescription drug costs, and age discrimination. Your membership fee contributes to this work, though you do not have to participate in advocacy yourself. AARP also runs local chapters and online communities where members can connect, share experiences, and find local events.

The advocacy work happens at the federal and state level; it does not directly change your personal benefits, but it shapes the policies and programs that affect you. If you want to participate in AARP's advocacy efforts—such as contacting elected officials or attending local meetings—you can do so through their website, but it is optional.

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. Retirement status does not matter for membership.

Does AARP membership help me get Medicare or Social Security?

No. AARP provides information about how Medicare and Social Security work, but it does not process applications or determine your benefits. You enroll in those programs directly through Medicare.gov or Social Security's website. AARP's role is educational, not administrative.

Can I cancel my membership if I do not use the discounts?

Yes. You can cancel at any time by calling AARP's customer service or through your online account. There is no penalty for canceling, and you can rejoin later if you change your mind.

Are the discounts the same everywhere?

No. Discount amounts vary by location, business, and time. A hotel discount in one city may differ from the same hotel chain in another city. Always check the current discount before booking or purchasing.

What if I find a better price somewhere else?

You are not required to use AARP discounts. If another company offers a lower price, you can buy from them instead. AARP membership is valuable only if the discounts it provides are better than what you can find on your own.