The Senior Membership That Can Cut Health Costs For Retirees

Healthcare spending in retirement remains a major concern for many, and Fidelity reports that the average recently retired 65-year-old can expect to spend over $172,500 in out-of-pocket healthcare expenses in the years after they leave the workforce. Luckily, there are options that could lighten the load, such as supplemental medical insurance plans that could cover medical costs that Medicare doesn't. There are also ways to get discounts on certain medical services, and signing up for an AARP membership could be one of them. 

Formerly known as the American Association of Retired Persons, AARP is a nonprofit organization that works to advocate for older Americans' access to Social Security, quality and affordable healthcare, and lots of other forms of support. Alongside these efforts, the organization aids its members by providing them a wide catalog of benefits involving travel, insurance, and healthcare.

AARP's website lists 42 Health & Wellness member benefits as of February 2026, each offering discounted — and sometimes free — access to certain forms of healthcare, prescriptions, and hearing and vision services. There are also educational resources included, addressing topics such as physical fitness, nutrition, mental health, and avenues for making the most out of Medicare coverage.

While Original Medicare covers inpatient and outpatient care, prescription drugs aren't automatically included. This can be a major point of concern for seniors, with an AARP survey finding that 82% of Americans over 50 struggle to pay for the medication they need. AARP's prescription discount service provided by Optum Rx has the potential to change this reality by giving members access to discounts on FDA-approved prescription medicine outside of standard insurance coverage. While the card is open to everyone, AARP members get extra perks including larger discounts and delivery services.

One advantage of the AARP discount card is that it's accepted in over 66,000 pharmacies, including popular chains like CVS, Walgreens, Kroger, and Walmart. The exact savings vary by drug and pharmacy, so this might not be the ultimate solution for every retiree, but AARP reports it can save members and their dependents an average of 61% on their medications.

AARP also helps its members get routine care that isn't fully covered by Medicare, such as vision and hearing services. The nonprofit addresses this gap by providing its own benefits. The organization offers a selection of vision plans, which it claims can save members up to $350 per year compared to alternatives. AARP members can also access discounts between 20% and 50% on lenses and eyewear from LensCrafters and Target Optical. As for hearing, even uninsured AARP members can get a 50% discount on hearing aids and a free hearing exam.

AARP also offers benefits for the wellness side of healthcare that are often overlooked. AARP Personalized Nutrition provides a free recipe analyzer, webinars, and resources for improving gut health and managing your diet. On the other hand, AARP's Members Edition Pilates provides free virtual pilates classes, while Active and Fit Direct offers access to discounted gym memberships.

While they'll still need to pay a premium, AARP members looking for viable health insurance can also access Medicare plans alongside guides for how to maximize Medicare's value directly through the nonprofit. In partnership with UnitedHealthcare, AARP offers both Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D plans to its members. And while those forms of coverage can be invaluable resources to many retirees, seniors can still wind up on the hook for all kinds of healthcare expenses depending on their medical needs. Utilizing Medigap is one of the best ways for retirees to lower their Medicare costs, and AARP also offers its members access to a UnitedHealthcare Medicare Supplement plan for that exact reason.

All of these perks come at the cost of the $20 annual membership fee, though new members who agree to automatically renew their plan can get $5 off their first year. If you're strategic about utilizing membership discounts, the fee could potentially pay for itself before long. It's possible that AARP might not be the best fit for everyone, but the accessible pricing could make registering for a year worth the risk.