Protecting and Strengthening Social Security
One of AARP's longest-standing and most important advocacy priorities is safeguarding Social Security. The organization views this program as a critical pillar of retirement security and financial stability for millions of older Americans.
Key aspects of AARP's Social Security advocacy include:
- Combating proposals that would undermine benefits: AARP has historically opposed efforts to privatize Social Security, arguing that such measures would put retirement savings at risk. They work to prevent cuts to earned benefits that could impact current and future retirees.
- Ensuring long-term solvency: AARP supports finding responsible and transparent solutions to address the program's long-term funding needs. This includes urging Congress to act and safeguard the program's future for generations to come, while also emphasizing that proposals should be fully transparent to the public.
- Improving service and accessibility: AARP pushes the Social Security Administration (SSA) for better customer service, including sufficient staffing and funding to address long wait times and delays. They also advocate against policies that create unnecessary burdens for seniors, such as proposed in-person verification rules.
Advocating for Affordable, High-Quality Health Care
Affordable and accessible health care is a top concern for older Americans, and AARP has been at the forefront of policy debates related to health security, particularly concerning Medicare and prescription drugs.
Prescription drug reform
Older Americans often face exorbitant costs for prescription drugs. AARP's efforts in this area have resulted in significant changes, including:
- Lowering drug prices: AARP successfully campaigned for legislation that allows Medicare to negotiate lower prices for some of the most expensive prescription drugs. These efforts challenge the pricing power of pharmaceutical companies and aim to provide relief for consumers.
- Capping out-of-pocket costs: For example, AARP-backed legislation resulted in a new $2,000 annual cap on out-of-pocket prescription drug costs for people on Medicare Part D plans. This helps protect millions from catastrophic health care expenses.
- Free vaccines: They also advocate for and support policies that make vaccines, including shingles and other important vaccinations, free for Medicare beneficiaries.
Protecting and improving Medicare
AARP defends Medicare as a guaranteed benefit for older Americans, seeking to expand coverage and reduce out-of-pocket costs. This includes advocating for expanded benefits such as vision, dental, and hearing coverage, and ensuring the program's financial stability.
Supporting Family Caregivers
As the number of family caregivers continues to grow, AARP provides extensive resources and advocates for policies to support these individuals, who often take on significant emotional and financial burdens.
Key support areas include:
- Information and resources: AARP provides guides, tools, and online forums to help caregivers navigate everything from legal and financial issues to stress management.
- Caregiver leave and tax credits: They advocate for state and federal policies that provide financial relief and support for family caregivers, such as paid family leave and tax credits for caregiving expenses.
- Hospital and discharge support: AARP supports legislation, such as the CARE Act, which requires hospitals to provide instructions and support to family caregivers when a loved one is discharged.
Promoting Livable Communities
AARP believes that people should be able to age in place, and this requires creating communities that are supportive and accessible for residents of all ages. Their advocacy for livable communities focuses on several key areas:
- Housing: Promoting affordable and accessible housing options, including aging-in-place modifications, a variety of housing types, and reducing regulatory barriers.
- Transportation: Advocating for safe and affordable transportation options to ensure seniors can stay active and engaged in their communities, even if they no longer drive.
- Environment: Fostering community features like public parks, accessible walkways, and access to essential services and amenities.
Fighting for Consumer Protection and Against Fraud
Protecting older adults from financial exploitation and fraud is a major focus for AARP. The organization offers resources to help prevent scams and advocates for stronger laws to hold criminals accountable.
The Fraud Watch Network
AARP's Fraud Watch Network is a resource for all Americans, not just members, to learn about and report scams. It provides alerts, a helpline, and a scam-tracking map. AARP also actively works with law enforcement to combat financial exploitation.
Comparison of AARP's Stance on Retirement Issues
To better understand AARP's position, it's helpful to compare their stance on key retirement issues with alternative approaches.
| Issue | AARP Position | Alternative View (Example) |
|---|---|---|
| Social Security | Protects and strengthens the current guaranteed benefit structure. Opposes privatization and benefit cuts. | Advocates for privatizing Social Security, potentially putting retirement income at the mercy of market fluctuations. |
| Prescription Drugs | Supports Medicare's power to negotiate lower drug prices. Advocates for capping out-of-pocket costs for seniors. | Prioritizes pharmaceutical company interests, opposes government negotiation, and favors less regulation on drug pricing. |
| Age Discrimination | Pushes for legislation to strengthen protections against workplace bias. Educates employers on the value of older workers. | Opposes strengthening anti-discrimination laws, arguing they may place an undue burden on businesses or stifle innovation. |
| Caregiving | Advocates for tax credits, paid leave, and financial support for family caregivers. | Views caregiving as a private family matter with limited government or employer responsibility. |
The Role of AARP in Public Policy
As a nonpartisan organization, AARP works with policymakers across the political spectrum to advance its mission. This involves extensive research, lobbying, and grassroots campaigns to mobilize its members and the wider 50-plus community. The organization's influence is significant due to its large and engaged membership base, which allows it to impact local, state, and federal policies. For more information on their public policy principles, you can visit the official AARP policy page.
Conclusion
For millions of Americans, AARP is a crucial advocate working to enhance the quality of life as they age. By focusing on core issues like health security, financial stability, and personal fulfillment, AARP helps ensure that those 50 and older have the support and resources they need. From Capitol Hill to local statehouses, AARP's advocacy efforts strive to address the needs of older adults and their families, making a lasting impact on policy and society. Through a combination of research, education, and political engagement, AARP continues its mission to fight for what matters most to its members.
