What is AARP?
Before exploring which statements are false, it is helpful to establish a clear understanding of what AARP is. AARP is the nation's largest non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. It has a robust presence across the country, with offices in every state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Founded in 1958 by retired educator Ethel Percy Andrus, AARP began with a mission to secure affordable health insurance for retired teachers. It grew significantly over the decades, broadening its scope and influence. Its work today focuses on a wide range of issues, including health security, financial stability, and personal fulfillment for its members and the broader 50+ population.
The False Statement: AARP is a For-Profit Company
One of the most persistent and misleading statements about AARP is that it operates as a for-profit company. This statement is definitively false. AARP is legally designated as a 501(c)(4) non-profit social welfare organization. This means it is not operated to make a profit for owners or shareholders. While AARP does generate revenue from a variety of sources, including membership dues and advertising, its funds are used to support its core mission of advocacy and service.
An important distinction to make is between AARP itself and its subsidiaries. AARP Services, Inc., is a for-profit subsidiary that provides quality control and research for products and services offered through the AARP network. AARP also earns revenue from royalties by licensing its name and logo to commercial providers, such as The Hartford for auto insurance and UnitedHealthcare for certain Medicare plans. These partnerships generate revenue that helps fund the organization's non-profit initiatives, but they do not alter the fundamental non-profit status of the AARP organization itself.
Who Can Join AARP? Dispelling the 'Retired Persons' Myth
The full name of the organization was once the American Association of Retired Persons, but this was officially shortened to AARP in 1999 to reflect the diverse age range of its membership. A common myth persists that you must be retired to join. This is also false. Anyone aged 18 or older is welcome to join, with the understanding that certain benefits, such as age-specific insurance products, are restricted to older members.
This broad eligibility allows AARP to build a larger base and extend its advocacy and services to a wider audience, including people still in the workforce who are planning for their future. In fact, many members are still employed full or part-time.
Unpacking Insurance and Financial Products
Another potentially false statement relates to AARP's insurance offerings. Some might say AARP sets the rates for Medicare or other insurance plans. This is false. AARP itself is not an insurance company. Instead, it uses its name and brand in a licensing arrangement with established providers, like UnitedHealthcare and The Hartford. These partners sell insurance products that carry the AARP brand, and AARP receives royalties for the use of its name. AARP's role is to ensure these carefully selected, high-quality products and services meet its standards.
Benefits Beyond Insurance
Membership benefits extend far beyond insurance. AARP provides access to hundreds of discounts, programs, and resources for its members, including:
- Travel discounts on hotels, car rentals, and cruises
- Dining discounts at various restaurants
- Fraud prevention and consumer protection resources
- Educational resources on financial planning, health, and wellness
- Access to publications like AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin
Navigating AARP's Non-Partisan Stance
Some critics might falsely claim AARP is politically partisan, favoring one political party over another. This is also false. AARP describes itself as non-partisan and does not endorse political candidates or make contributions to political campaigns. Its history of lobbying and advocacy shows that it works with lawmakers from both sides of the aisle to advance policies that benefit Americans over 50. For example, AARP has worked with both Republican and Democratic administrations to shape healthcare policy, including support for Medicare Part D and the Affordable Care Act.
Its focus is strictly on the issues that matter most to older Americans, such as health security and financial stability, rather than partisan politics. This issue-based approach allows it to remain a credible and powerful voice in policy debates.
Comparison: Common Misconceptions vs. Reality
| Statement (False) | Reality (True) |
|---|---|
| AARP is a for-profit corporation. | AARP is a non-profit social welfare organization. |
| Membership is only for retired individuals. | Anyone 18 or older can join. |
| AARP sets premium rates for insurance. | AARP licenses its name to insurance providers, who set rates. |
| AARP is a partisan political organization. | AARP is non-partisan and works with all political parties. |
| AARP only focuses on entertainment. | AARP advocates on a wide range of issues, including health and financial security. |
Conclusion: The Importance of Knowing the Facts
In a world of misinformation, it is more important than ever to understand the facts about major organizations like AARP. The false statements that AARP is a for-profit entity or that it is exclusively for retired individuals are common but entirely incorrect. By understanding its non-profit, non-partisan nature and the breadth of its advocacy and member benefits, you can make more informed decisions about whether joining the organization is right for you.
For more information on AARP's mission, history, and impact, you can visit their official website at the About AARP section.
