American Association of Retired Persons

American Association of Retired Persons. The American Association of Retired Persons is a United States-based interest group focusing on issues affecting individuals over the age of fifty. Founded in 1958 by retired educator Ethel Percy Andrus and insurance executive Leonard Davis, it has grown into one of the most powerful lobbying organizations in the nation. The organization provides a wide range of member benefits, from insurance and financial services to advocacy on critical legislative matters like Social Security and Medicare.

History

The organization was founded in 1958 by Ethel Percy Andrus, a former high school principal from California, and Leonard Davis, who later founded the Colonial Penn insurance company. Its creation followed Andrus's earlier establishment of the National Retired Teachers Association in 1947. The group's early mission focused on securing affordable health insurance for older Americans, leading to a pivotal partnership with Continental Casualty Company. A major early victory was its advocacy for the Medicare program, which was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1965. Throughout the late 20th century, it expanded its influence significantly, opening its headquarters in Washington, D.C. and playing key roles in legislative battles over the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 and amendments to the Older Americans Act.

Organization and membership

The organization is headquartered in Washington, D.C., with additional offices in all fifty states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. It is governed by a volunteer board of directors and led by CEO Jo Ann Jenkins. Membership, open to anyone age fifty or older, exceeds 38 million, making it one of the largest membership groups in the United States. Members receive publications like AARP The Magazine and the AARP Bulletin, and the organization operates through a network of local chapters and a powerful volunteer corps. Its financial structure includes substantial revenue from royalties, advertising, and the sale of insurance and other branded products.

Advocacy and lobbying

The organization maintains one of the most formidable lobbying operations in Washington, D.C., frequently testifying before Congress and engaging with federal agencies like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Its core legislative priorities have long been the protection and strengthening of Social Security and Medicare. It also advocates fiercely against age discrimination, for lower prescription drug costs, and on issues like long-term care and retirement security. The group has been influential in passing legislation such as the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and regularly releases voter guides and mobilizes its membership during elections.

Products and services

Beyond advocacy, it functions as a service provider, offering members a suite of products often through partnerships with major corporations. These include health and life insurance plans, Medicare supplement insurance, and investment advice through AARP Financial Inc.. Members have access to discounts on pharmaceuticals, hotel stays, rental car services, and wireless plans. The organization also provides extensive resources on caregiving, driver safety courses, tax preparation assistance, and job training through the AARP Foundation. Its media arm produces content via AARP Studios and AARP Radio.

Criticism and controversies

The organization has faced sustained criticism from various political quarters. Conservatives, including groups like the Club for Growth, often accuse it of advocating for expansive federal programs and aligning too closely with the Democratic Party. Conversely, some progressives and unions like the AFL–CIO have criticized its support for policies like the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act, which they viewed as favoring pharmaceutical industry interests. Its substantial revenue from business partnerships, notably with UnitedHealth Group, has led to allegations of conflicts of interest between its advocacy mission and its commercial ventures. These critiques were amplified during debates over the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and reforms to Social Security.

Category:Organizations based in Washington, D.C. Category:Organizations established in 1958