Just canceled AARP membership

[many a good man]

125. Weird misconceptions here about AARP, IMHO

AARP has a really unique business model for an NGO. They have a for profit-wing that exists to generate revenue from royalties and advertising and then plows the profits into its non-profit social mission and lobbying wing.

They started out before Medicare by negotiating group health insurance discounts for retired teachers, then opened it everyone. Membership grew and now they offer discounts on dozens of different things. With over 30 million members they get a large advertising revenue stream from magazines.

They are consistently the most powerful voice on the Hill defending Social Security and Medicare. They have lobbyists in every state capital advocating for positions that align closely with the Democratic party. The provide free legal advice to the elderly, fund research into gerontology and issues like elder abuse, elder fraud, grandparent's rights and independent living.

AARP has to remain officially non-partisan for a few reasons. One is to maintain its legal status as a 501(c)(4) nonprofit social welfare organization. Appearing non-partisan enhances their credibility as advocate. The other is because membership is so large it encompasses the full spectrum of over-50 American politics. Any nakedly partisan misstep could cause millions to cancel membership from either the right or the left.

While hardly perfect, they are far from being the monster some here portray. AARP's official position is against Medicare Advantage, yet they allowed UHC to offer their MA plan to members. I wish they would dump UHC but I think they have a long term contract. I think everyone here would support almost all the issues they advocate for on a range of topics.

They recently got a new president and so far the response has been too muted. We need them to fight tooth and nail when the time comes. Once the bill is finalized I expect them to unleash an advertising blitz against any cuts.