Why is the AARP so powerful?

Asked by: Mireille Boehm  |  Last update: November 11, 2022
Score: 4.7/5 (69 votes)

AARP is one of the strongest lobbying groups in America, and because of its efforts, it often receives attention for exerting its influence in Washington, D.C., and in state capitals. Its non-profit operations also receive millions of dollars per year in the form of federal grants.

What is so great about AARP?

At $16 a year, AARP provides access to hundreds of benefits that help you live your best life. From health and financial tools, volunteering opportunities, travel and restaurant discounts, to everything in between, if it has to do with enriching the lives of people 50-plus, this is what AARP is all about.

Does AARP get money from the government?

In addition, the AARP receives millions per year from the federal government in subsidies for its work to provide education to seniors on issues related to health care, financial planning and retirement. The AARP is technically a nonpartisan advocacy group, and has lobbied legislators of both major parties.

What is AARP trying to represent?

About Our Policy. AARP represents the needs of nearly 38 million members with lifestyles and political views as diverse as any group in the United States. Developing public policy recommendations that serve such diversity is a formidable task.

What does AARP do with their money?

AARP Foundation works to end senior poverty by helping vulnerable older adults build economic opportunity and social connectedness. As AARP's charitable affiliate, we serve AARP members and nonmembers alike.

Why It Makes Financial Sense to Join AARP

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Why you should not join AARP?

Unless one is on a very severe monthly budget, the cost of an AARP membership is not liable to be a valid reason to not join. It only costs $16 for the first year to join, and then after that, membership renews at $12/year. For the amount of benefits, discounts, and perks one receives, that's simply impossible to beat.

Is AARP worth having?

There can be some great benefits to getting older, including the discounts and promotions that many companies offer to senior citizens. AARP caters to older people who are looking for benefits and a sense of community. The organization offers an annual membership that provides access to senior discounts and offers.

What problems does AARP care?

The AARP Public Policy Institute focuses on issues importance to older adults: Social Security; health issues; Medicare, Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act; work and retirement; long-term services and supports and family caregiving; consumer protection; livable communities.

What tactics does AARP?

-Strategies used by the AARP to gain support include:
  • lobbying.
  • electioneering.
  • appealing to the public.

Is AARP membership declining?

Similar to most other civic-minded service organizations, AARP chapters are declining in numbers due to lack of members. New, younger members are not replacing enough older members. It's a common and growing problem with these groups.

Why did AARP support Obamacare?

Cuts to Medicare Advantage could earn AARP over $1 billion

Obamacare's cuts to Medicare Advantage will drive many seniors out of that program, and into traditional government-run Medicare, which will increase the number of people who need Medigap insurance. That means more royalty profits for the AARP. Reps.

What is the salary of the CEO of AARP?

The base salary for CEO in companies like AARP Foundation range from $493,448 to $841,110 with the average base salary of $652,830.

Who is behind AARP?

Our founder Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus' motto was “To serve, not to be served.” We know that people over 50 want to lend a hand. Our founder Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus' motto was “To serve, not to be served.” We know that people over 50 want to lend a hand.

Is AARP worth it at 50?

Is AARP worth it? For most people age 50 and older, it's a great deal, as long as you're comfortable with the group's lobbying efforts and can stand the junk mail. Just one night in a hotel or a couple of dinners out per year can cover the cost of membership and then some.

Does Walmart give AARP discounts?

Unfortunately, Walmart does not offer a discount to senior citizens. One of Walmart's biggest competitors, Target, also does not provide a discount to older adults.

What's the difference between AAA and AARP?

AARP vs AAA: Discounts

AAA offers more discounts to car insurance policyholders than AARP, including for telematics, new vehicles and annual mileage. Overall, however, both insurance companies offered similar discounts. The discount frequently differs based on location, driver profile and other variables.

What does AARP lobby against?

AARP addresses issues affecting older Americans through lobbying efforts at the state and national governmental level, an activity permitted by its 501(c)(4) status. The organization says that it is non-partisan and does not support, oppose or give money to any candidates or political parties.

How much does the AARP spend on lobbying?

Lobbying. AARP has a long history of lobbying at the federal, state, and local levels, though the totals it has spent on traditional lobbying have declined from a peak of $36 million in 2005 to $8.2 million in 2018.

What legislation does AARP support?

The Older Americans Act was reauthorized in 2016 with AARP's strong support. AARP CEO Jo Ann Jenkins said the law “is crucial to millions of vulnerable older Americans, providing vital programs and services as well as respite to family caregivers.”

What 4 generations does AARP span?

Learn More About This Survey. To better understand the multi-generational labor force (Millennials ages 18-34, Gen-Xers ages 35-54, and Baby Boomers ages 55-69), AARP conducted a national online survey of 1,797 adults who are currently working or looking for work.

Does AARP sell my information?

AARP takes very seriously its responsibility to keep your personal information confidential and private. We do not sell or rent any of our members' personal information to telemarketers, mailing list brokers, or any other companies that are not offering AARP-endorsed services or benefits.

What is the AARP motto?

While comprised of different legal entities, AARP speaks with one voice — all united by a common motto: "To serve, not be served." Annual reports include letters from leaders, highlights of the year, examples of ways in which AARP improved the quality of people's lives, plus financial summaries and more.

Is AARP free?

The standard AARP membership fee to join or renew is $16 per year. You can save on membership fees by signing up for Automatic Renewal, which costs $12 for the first year, or by choosing a longer term of membership.

What does AARP believe in?

AARP believes strongly in the principles of collective purpose, collective voice and the collective power of the 50+ population to change the market based on their needs. These principles guide our efforts.

Is AARP a government agency?

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that empowers retired people to choose how they live as they age.