Learn What AARP Offers Seniors Today

What AARP Is and How It Operates

AARP, formerly known as the American Association of Retired Persons, is a nonprofit organization founded in 1958 that focuses on issues and needs affecting people aged 50 and older. With a membership base exceeding 37 million people, AARP operates as both an advocacy organization and a membership group that provides resources, information, and services to its members. The organization is independent from the government, though it works with policymakers on issues related to aging.

The organization has a complex structure that includes multiple divisions. AARP Services, Inc. handles memberships and discount programs, while the AARP Foundation addresses charitable needs. The advocacy division lobbies on policy issues affecting older adults. Understanding this structure helps clarify what AARP does: it provides information, negotiates discounts with companies, conducts research, and advocates for policy changes—but it does not distribute government benefits or manage Social Security and Medicare programs directly.

AARP membership costs $16 annually for the first year, though introductory rates vary by region. The organization generates revenue through member dues, grants, donations, and partnerships with companies that offer discounts to members. This business model means many of the organization's offerings focus on helping members save money through partnerships with retailers, insurance companies, healthcare providers, and travel services.

One key point: membership in AARP does not change your relationship with government programs. You still work directly with Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and other federal or state agencies. AARP may provide information about how these programs work, but the organization does not manage your benefits or handle your government paperwork.

Takeaway: AARP is a membership organization that offers discounts, information, and advocacy—not a government agency. Understanding this distinction helps you know where to go for different needs.

Membership Benefits and Discount Programs

AARP membership includes access to a wide range of discounts negotiated with major companies across different industries. These discounts cover groceries, dining, travel, entertainment, automotive services, and more. For example, members may receive discounts at restaurants like Denny's and IHOP, at retailers including Home Depot and Walgreens, and at hotel chains like Choice Hotels and Marriott. The actual discount amounts vary by company and location—some offer 10% off purchases, while others provide specific dollar amounts off or special rates.

One commonly used benefit involves prescription medications. AARP has partnered with major pharmacy chains and mail-order services to offer discounts on prescriptions for members. This is separate from Medicare Part D prescription coverage but may complement it. Members can learn about pharmacy discounts through AARP's website or membership materials. The savings vary depending on the medication and pharmacy, so comparing prices at different locations remains important even with membership discounts.

Travel and leisure discounts represent another significant category of AARP member benefits. The organization has partnerships with hotels, car rental agencies, airlines, and tour operators. Members might find reduced rates on hotel stays, car rentals, or vacation packages. AARP also operates its own travel website where members can book trips at discounted rates. Savings on travel can be substantial—sometimes 10% to 25% off standard rates, depending on the provider and booking timing.

Insurance-related benefits include access to group health insurance plans, supplemental Medicare insurance, auto and home insurance, and long-term care insurance. AARP does not sell these products directly but instead partners with insurance companies. Members receive information about available plans and their features. It is important to note that joining AARP does not automatically provide insurance coverage—members must still purchase policies through AARP's partner companies.

Entertainment and fitness discounts are also part of membership. These may include reduced admission to movies, museums, sporting events, and fitness centers. Local amusement parks, theaters, and recreation facilities sometimes offer special rates to AARP members. The specific discounts available depend on where you live and what venues participate in AARP's network.

Takeaway: AARP membership provides access to negotiated discounts across dozens of companies and industries. Reviewing the full discount list when you join helps you identify savings relevant to your spending habits.

Information Resources on Health, Medicare, and Insurance

AARP produces substantial educational materials about Medicare, the government health insurance program for people 65 and older. These materials explain how Medicare works, including its different parts (Part A for hospital coverage, Part B for medical services, Part D for prescriptions), enrollment deadlines, and out-of-pocket costs. AARP's educational content walks through scenarios showing how costs work under different coverage choices. This information helps people understand their options without pressuring them toward particular decisions.

The organization also provides information about supplemental Medicare insurance, sometimes called Medigap. These private insurance policies cover costs that original Medicare does not pay. AARP's materials explain how Medigap works, what each type of plan covers, and how premiums vary by age and location. Similarly, AARP offers educational resources about Medicare Advantage plans, which are alternative ways to receive Medicare coverage through private insurance companies.

AARP publishes guides and articles about common health conditions affecting older adults, including heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and cognitive health. These materials explain symptoms, prevention strategies, and when to seek medical care. The organization also addresses topics like medication management, hearing loss, vision changes, and nutrition for older adults. These resources aim to promote understanding of health issues rather than providing medical diagnosis or treatment recommendations.

The AARP website includes a section dedicated to caregiving information. This covers topics for people caring for aging relatives or friends, including communicating with doctors, managing medications for someone else, dealing with long-distance caregiving, and finding local resources. Caregiving guides address emotional and practical challenges that family members face.

AARP also maintains a tax preparation program called Tax-Aide, which provides free tax preparation for people with low to moderate income, with special attention to older taxpayers. Trained volunteers operate sites throughout the country during tax season. Information about finding a Tax-Aide location and what documents to bring is available through AARP's website.

Takeaway: AARP publishes extensive educational materials about Medicare, health conditions, and caregiving. These resources help you understand complex topics, but you should consult healthcare providers and official government sources for medical decisions and enrollment in government programs.

Advocacy and Policy Work on Aging Issues

AARP's advocacy division monitors policy issues affecting older adults and advocates for positions on those issues. The organization publishes research studies examining topics like Social Security, long-term care, healthcare costs, and age discrimination. These research reports include data and analysis that inform public debate and policy discussions. For example, AARP has published research on the cost of long-term care in different states, the financial security of older adults, and healthcare expenses for people over 65.

The organization takes positions on federal and state legislation affecting older adults. AARP has advocated for policies including Medicare drug price negotiation, protecting Social Security, preventing age discrimination, improving nursing home quality, and expanding access to affordable housing. These advocacy positions reflect AARP's organizational priorities, though individual members may hold different views on specific policies. AARP publishes information about its positions through press releases, policy briefs, and position statements available on its website.

AARP's state offices work on issues affecting older adults at the state and local level. Issues might include state budget decisions affecting senior services, long-term care regulation, prescription drug pricing, and housing policy. State offices provide information about proposed legislation and opportunities for members to contact elected representatives about issues they care about.

The organization publishes AARP Magazine and other publications that include articles about policy issues, health information, and member stories. These publications reach millions of older adults with information about topics affecting their lives. The magazine has included investigations into topics like nursing home staffing, assisted living facility oversight, and healthcare fraud targeting older adults.

AARP also convenes discussions and forums bringing together policymakers, researchers, advocates, and older adults to discuss aging-related challenges. These events create spaces for dialogue about issues like Social Security reform, healthcare financing, and planning for an aging population. Information about AARP's current advocacy priorities and policy positions is available through its website, where visitors can also access research reports and position papers.

Takeaway: AARP engages in advocacy and research on issues affecting older adults. Understanding the organization's policy positions helps you evaluate its recommendations and determine which align with your own values.

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