AARP's advocacy is driven by its mission to empower older Americans to choose how they live as they age. While the organization is nonpartisan and works with policymakers from both sides of the aisle, it staunchly opposes certain types of legislation and business practices. AARP’s positions are shaped by research from its Public Policy Institute, which focuses on issues affecting the 50-plus community.
Efforts against cuts and privatization of Social Security
AARP has a long history of protecting Social Security as a vital retirement safety net. The organization has consistently lobbied against any efforts to weaken the program or privatize it, which would subject a portion of retirement benefits to market fluctuations. Instead, AARP advocates for strengthening the program to ensure its solvency for future generations. For example, during the mid-2000s when President George W. Bush proposed Social Security reform, AARP launched a vigorous campaign in opposition, ultimately helping to thwart the proposals. More recently, AARP continues to lobby Congress to fully fund the Social Security Administration to prevent cuts and improve customer service.
Opposition to high prescription drug costs
The high cost of prescription drugs is a major concern for many older Americans, and AARP has made lowering these costs a key advocacy priority for decades. The organization advocates against legislation that protects pharmaceutical companies' ability to set high prices without negotiation. AARP has supported bills, including provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, that enable Medicare to negotiate with drug manufacturers for lower prices and cap out-of-pocket spending for beneficiaries.
Prescription drug cost advocacy timeline
- 1962: AARP founder Ethel Percy Andrus testifies during Senate hearings on pharmaceutical pricing practices.
- 2019: Launches a multi-million dollar campaign called "Stop Rx Greed" to fight against high drug prices.
- 2022: Successfully lobbies for drug pricing reform in the Inflation Reduction Act.
Fighting against age discrimination and bias
AARP believes that age should not be a barrier to employment or social participation. The organization fights against age discrimination in the workplace, which can affect workers aged 40 and over. AARP supported the Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act (POWADA), which aimed to restore protections weakened by a 2009 Supreme Court decision. AARP also works to combat societal age bias by partnering with organizations like Getty Images to promote more positive and realistic portrayals of older adults in media.
Combating consumer fraud
Older Americans are often targeted by scams, and AARP works actively to protect consumers from financial fraud. Through its Fraud Watch Network, AARP educates the public on how to spot and avoid scams. In collaboration with law enforcement agencies like the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, AARP has launched campaigns such as "Operation Protect Veterans" to specifically warn military veterans about fraudulent schemes.
Comparison of AARP's Policy Stances vs. Criticisms
AARP’s policy positions are not without opposition, and the organization has faced criticism from various groups, including some of its own members and conservative rivals. A comparison helps to understand the different perspectives.
| Feature | AARP’s Position | Criticisms and Alternative Views |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | Supports strengthening Medicare and Medicare drug negotiations. Opposes cuts to Medicare benefits. | Some opponents, including rival organizations like the 60 Plus Association, see AARP's stance as favoring big government intervention. AARP has also been accused of conflicts of interest related to its royalty payments from health insurance providers. |
| Social Security | Advocates for protecting and strengthening guaranteed Social Security benefits. Opposes privatization. | Critics argue AARP is too focused on a federal approach and has opposed market-based reform proposals. Others have questioned whether AARP's leadership truly represents the diverse political views of its members. |
| Membership & Business Model | AARP is a nonpartisan, non-profit with a mission to help older adults, funded partly by member dues and royalties. | Accusations that AARP is a marketing and sales firm first, with advocacy as a secondary focus, given its significant revenue from insurance products. Concerns that the organization's commercial interests may conflict with its advocacy positions. |
| Advocacy Style | Works with all parties to advance policies that benefit people 50+. | Has been accused of being too liberal and aligned with Democratic policies by some conservative groups. Some members have even left the organization in protest over certain policy endorsements, like the Affordable Care Act. |
Concerns over AARP's commercial interests
One of the most persistent criticisms leveled against AARP is the potential conflict of interest between its advocacy and its business partnerships. AARP earns hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue from licensing its name to companies that sell financial and insurance products, such as supplemental Medicare (Medigap) plans. This has led to accusations that AARP prioritizes its financial interests over the best interests of its members, a claim the organization denies. For example, critics point to instances where AARP has endorsed legislation that could potentially increase demand for its partner's products.
Conclusion
AARP stands against threats to the financial and health security of older Americans, primarily focusing on protecting Social Security and Medicare, lowering prescription drug costs, and combating age-related discrimination and fraud. While its advocacy efforts are often praised for defending the interests of its members, the organization also faces criticism regarding its commercial partnerships and its nonpartisan stance. By examining both its stated positions and the concerns raised by critics, one can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the complex landscape in which AARP operates. For more information, the AARP Public Policies page offers a detailed look at the organization's official positions.
