Which is better, AARP or AMAC? A Complete Comparison for Seniors

With millions of older adults belonging to a senior membership organization, comparing options is crucial. For many, the question of which is better, AARP or AMAC? comes down to more than just discounts; it's about aligning with an organization's mission and values. This guide provides an authoritative comparison to help you choose the right fit.

Quick Summary

The best choice between AARP and AMAC depends on individual needs, with the primary differentiator being political alignment and scale. AARP, a larger, nonpartisan organization, offers a wider range of benefits, while AMAC provides a conservative-focused alternative with similar, though smaller-scale, perks.

Key Points

• Organizational History and Size: AARP is a much larger, older organization with over 38 million members, while AMAC is a newer, smaller conservative alternative with several million members.

• Political Stance: AARP officially states it is nonpartisan but is often viewed as liberal, whereas AMAC openly and explicitly promotes a conservative political agenda.

• Benefits and Discounts: Both offer a range of travel, insurance, and health benefits, but AARP's larger scale often translates to a broader selection of partners and discounts.

• Advocacy Focus: AARP advocates for a wide array of issues affecting older Americans, while AMAC focuses its advocacy efforts on specific conservative policy positions, like Social Security reform.

• Membership Cost: The annual membership fees for both organizations are generally very similar, making cost a minor factor in the decision.

• Individual Choice: The best option depends entirely on a senior's personal values, priorities regarding benefits, and comfort with each organization's political stance.

Comparing AARP and AMAC: The Core Differences

Deciding between the Association of Mature American Citizens (AMAC) and the AARP is a common dilemma for those aged 50 and older. While both organizations offer benefits designed to help mature adults, their origins, advocacy priorities, and political stances set them apart. Your personal values and what you prioritize in a membership organization are the most important factors in making a choice.

Origins and Organizational Scale

Founded in 1958, AARP is a long-standing and massive nonprofit organization. Its mission is to empower people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. AARP boasts a membership of over 38 million, giving it significant influence in the marketplace and in Washington, D.C.

AMAC was founded much more recently, in 2007, as a direct conservative alternative to AARP. It has grown to several million members but remains substantially smaller than AARP. AMAC explicitly promotes conservative values and contrasts itself with AARP's perceived liberal leanings.

Benefits and Savings

Both AARP and AMAC offer a variety of benefits to their members, though the breadth and specific partners differ. It's often recommended to compare the specific discounts you'd use most before deciding.

Here is a general overview of the types of benefits each offers:

• AARP Benefits

  • Health and Wellness: AARP partners with UnitedHealthcare to offer Medicare Advantage, Part D, and Medigap plans. They also provide wellness resources, discounts on eyewear, and a driver safety program.
  • Travel and Leisure: Offers extensive discounts on hotels, car rentals, flights, cruises, and vacation packages. Also includes deals on dining and entertainment.
  • Finance: Provides access to financial planning resources, fraud prevention tools, and exclusive rates on banking products.
  • Insurance: Members can access discounted rates on auto, home, and life insurance policies.

• AMAC Benefits

  • Health and Wellness: Offers access to a Medicare advisory service that works with multiple top-rated insurance carriers. Provides discounts on dental, vision, and hearing care.
  • Travel and Leisure: Includes a travel center with discounts on hotels, car rentals, and cruises. Offers various local discounts for dining and entertainment.
  • Finance: Members can access financial planning services, retirement resources, and potential discounts on auto loans.
  • Insurance: AMAC provides access to vetted partners for auto, home, and various other insurance needs.

Political Stance and Advocacy Focus

This is perhaps the most significant distinction for many potential members. AARP officially maintains a nonpartisan stance and states it does not contribute to political candidates or parties. However, its policy positions on issues like healthcare and Social Security have led many conservatives to view it as a liberal-leaning organization. Its broad advocacy focuses on issues affecting all older adults, from fighting age discrimination to promoting affordable healthcare.

AMAC was founded to counter what it saw as AARP's political bias. The organization openly advocates for conservative principles, including specific plans for Social Security reform and opposition to programs like the Affordable Care Act. AMAC's advocacy efforts are directed at promoting its specific conservative agenda, often in stark contrast to AARP's positions.

A Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	AARP	AMAC
Founded	1958	2007
Stated Political Stance	Nonpartisan	Explicitly conservative
Membership Size	Over 38 million	Over 2 million
Membership Fee	Comparable annual rates ($16 as of 2024)	Comparable annual rates ($16 as of 2024)
Benefit Coverage	Very wide range due to large scale	Similar types, but smaller scale and different partners
Advocacy Focus	Broad senior issues (healthcare, aging, discrimination)	Conservative agenda (Social Security reform, specific policies)
Decision Factor	Primarily benefits and nonpartisan positioning	Primarily political values and conservative advocacy

How to Choose the Right Organization for You

Choosing the right organization boils down to evaluating your personal priorities. Here's a quick guide to help you decide:

1. Assess Your Priorities: Do you primarily want access to a vast network of discounts and a wide range of informational resources, or are you seeking an organization that specifically aligns with your conservative political and social views?
2. Compare Specific Benefits: Take a close look at the travel, insurance, and other discounts offered by each organization to see which best fits your lifestyle. As the membership fees are similar, some seniors even choose to join both.
3. Consider Advocacy Impact: Think about the issues most important to you. AARP uses its massive size to advocate for a broad range of senior issues, while AMAC uses its platform to push for a more focused conservative agenda.

Making the right choice for a senior organization is a very personal decision. By understanding the core differences between AARP and AMAC, particularly their size and political focus, you can find the one that best suits your needs and beliefs. For more information on aging well, explore other authoritative resources on healthy living and retirement planning, such as those provided by the National Institute on Aging's website.

Visit the National Institute on Aging

Ultimately, there is no single 'better' option. The best organization is the one that aligns with your specific needs, values, and desired benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary difference between AARP and AMAC?

The main difference is their political focus. AARP is officially nonpartisan, though perceived by some as liberal, while AMAC was founded as and promotes itself as a conservative alternative.

Which organization has more members?

AARP has a significantly larger membership base, with over 38 million members compared to AMAC's several million, which often affects their negotiating power for member benefits.

Is AMAC a legitimate organization?

Yes, AMAC is a legitimate membership organization for mature Americans that offers discounts and provides advocacy for its members based on conservative principles.

Can I join both AARP and AMAC at the same time?

Yes, there is no rule against joining both organizations. Many people do so to compare benefits directly or to access a wider range of discounts and services.

Do AARP and AMAC offer the same types of benefits?

While there is overlap in the types of benefits offered (e.g., insurance, travel discounts), the specific partners, depth of discounts, and exact offerings can differ significantly.

Do I have to be retired to join either organization?

No, neither organization requires you to be retired. Membership for both is open to individuals who are typically 50 years of age or older, regardless of employment status.

How should I decide between AARP and AMAC?

To decide, you should evaluate your priorities regarding benefits and political alignment. If you value broad discounts and nonpartisan resources, AARP might be a fit. If you prefer conservative advocacy, AMAC may be better. Comparing the specific benefits you would use is also helpful.