On Rachel tonight.......ah where the HELL IS AARP??? Really.....

[a kennedy]

So glad I haven’t joined this horrible organization. Have you???

[FirstLight]

1. That's a damn good question!

They must have access to something because they were able to mail me membership stuff months before I turned 50.

But they would be the ones that would cover social security wouldn't they?

[BOSSHOG]

2. I haven't.

I belong to the Fleet Reserve Association designed for retired Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guardsmen. I like having an advocate on the hill.

[GreatGazoo]

3. AARP is an insurance marketing firm

Is there any organization that lobbies for seniors' rights?

[Ms. Toad]

7. Only if you fall for the Medicare Advantage crap.

Their Supplement plans are the cheapest I've found in every state I've checked. Mine is around $100/month - and gives me 100% coverage on all Medicare claims aside from the $257 deductible (which none of the new enrollee plans cover).

When I checked, the other identical plans - offered by other insurance companies - cost considerably more. But if you're gonna fall for a Medicare Advantage plan, you're opting into traditional (crappy) insurance with all of the denials, delays, etc.

[diane in sf]

40. UHC is jacking my monthly supplement payment to $250 in June after raising it to $210 in January after I paid

$154 a month all last year. I buy it through AARP. I will be checking on that.

[radical noodle]

45. I'm actually shocked that you pay so little

I don't think our premiums have ever been that low for our supplement.

[Ms. Toad]

47. My father, age 93, pays around $200.

Mine is around $100 for the most expensive plan offered to new enrollees (all I pay is the annual deductible). He has the second most expensive plan (everything is covered, except for an office co-pay and the annual deductible). I haven't checked in about a year, but he's past the AARP age-based increases, so it would only have gone up whatever the COLA amount is.

Ohio is one of the cheapest places to buy a supplement - and we're both in Ohio.

[radical noodle]

50. Good to know and I'm not in Ohio

Still the vast difference surprises me. We pay nothing at all, no deductible, no co-pay, and no arguments about will they/won't they take our insurance. Still I may need to check into another plan. We're plan F. On the other hand, my husband has used up way more than what we both pay every year, so there's that.

[Ms. Toad]

51. You're on the plan my mother is on.

It was available to my spouse, but the premium from every insurance company was more than $500 higher per year than the plan where you pay the deductible (currently around $250 per year). So it didn't make sense to pay $500 to save $250.

I considered my father's plan, but I've got two cancers and was about one mandatory visit a year away from spending more on office visits than the premium difference. I figured over time the number of visits would increase, plus the plan covers international care, and excess charges - not an issue in Ohio - but they are permitted in Texas. Which is one of the places I may need to go for cancer care. Dad's plan doesn't cover those.

My mother is with a different insurance carrier and this plan you're on). My father was unable to convince her to switch when she had a chance when they moved to Ohio. She's paying more like $5-600/month.

[radical noodle]

55. Yes, it's expensive for sure

When I was working, my job included taking care of the insurance plan for the office staff and owners (the other employees were on a union plan). Naturally, the owners wanted a gold-plated policy, so I was paying something around $1000 per month per person covered (we did spouses as well and paid 100% of the premiums and most of us were over 60). Plan F still seems cheap in comparison and also has better coverage than that plan had.

A friend of mine decided to choose a lower cost policy for herself because she judged her husband to be the one who most needed better insurance. Then she got cancer, followed by a multitude of other problems that were expensive and cost them a fortune. Insurance just seems like a crapshoot to me.

Like your mom, I'm reluctant to give up what works for me as long as I can afford what I have (and who knows how much longer that will be true with trump in office). I may still consider a different plan this year, just to see what the difference is.

Thanks for the info.

[Ms. Toad]

46. The supplement plans (no matter who you buy them from

have up to two annual price increases - an age-based increase, and a Cost of living adjustments. Both should come in January.

My spouse hit both a reduction in her age-related discount and the COLA. I've got another year before I hit the age-related price hike. My father's premium (age 93) is about double mine (age 68). If I recall correctly, the age-related discount is set at the time you enroll. You start out with a heavy discount, which decreases until it decreases to zero. When it drops to zero depends on the plan. I think ours hits zero in our 80s. (Some other insurance carriers continue to increase age-related charges until you hit 100 - or even older.) I'd check and see what my spouse's premium is, but SSA is down for the night.

Prices do differ by state - and Ohio, for some reason, is among the lowest for the supplement.

[Ms. Toad]

63. Coincidentally - I just got our rate information statements today

$115.03 for mine through December. $131.74 for my spouse. Changes to $143.72 and $163.76 in January. (The difference is that I'm getting an age-based 43% enrollment discount. My spouse is only getting a 35% enrollment discount - based on the differences in our ages.)

Are you sure yours is changing in June? Even though the rate information statement includes 12 months of rates, starting with June, the increase doesn't hit until January.

[mcar]

57. I've got my supplement through AARP too

[IrishBubbaLiberal]

23. Exactly, AARP pockets 10s of MILLION$ in kickbacks from United

It’s not anything I would ever support, or belong to.

They don’t advocate for Seniors, they advocate for predatory insurance companies

[JohnSJ]

4. Without any context, and just a rant where is AARP, what are you talking

about.

I belong to AARP, and I have no complaints.

What exactly do you want them to do about what?

the National Review doesn’t like them so they must be doing something right.

https://www.aarp.org/about-aarp/

[Tribetime]

35. I agree i've received two text today alone about them fighting against the new social security measures

Sorry I meant emails

[JohnSJ]

39. A lot of misrepresentations are being expressed here about AARP

[GoreWon2000]

61. AARP silence on the broad daylight dismantling of Social Security

has been deafening. I'm glad I've never joined.

[Ms. Toad]

5. They may not be doing enough, but they are not remaining silent.

https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2025/fighting-for-social-security-right-now.html

[JohnSJ]

6. Thank-you. They have long argued FOR social security and Medicare, and seniors

Yes, AARP actively lobbies on issues related to Social Security, advocating for its protection and ensuring its future viability, including fighting against cuts and advocating for adequate funding.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
AARP's Advocacy Focus:
AARP, a nonpartisan organization, lobbies for the interests of older Americans, and Social Security is a key focus area.
Protecting Social Security:
AARP works to protect Social Security benefits and ensure the program's long-term sustainability.
Specific Lobbying Efforts:
Against Cuts: AARP opposes any cuts to Social Security benefits, including the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA).
Adequate Funding: AARP advocates for Congress to fully fund the Social Security Administration (SSA) to improve customer service and ensure timely benefit payments.
Protecting Social Security Payments: AARP has been working to ensure that Social Security payments are protected and that beneficiaries receive the benefits they have earned.
Other Issues: AARP also advocates on other issues related to Social Security, such as the Windfall Elimination Provision and ensuring beneficiaries receive regular statements.

https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/social-security-advocacy.html

[a kennedy]

11. Sorry, just thought they'd be MORE VOCAL.....haven't seen ANYTHING from them as in any advertising

against the cuts this gawd damn muskmellon and cronies are trying to to do to MY SOCIAL SECURITY. 🤬 🤬 🤬

[JohnSJ]

12. There are a lot of groups lobbying against what this administration and republicans

in congress is doing, but the illustrious press gives less time to coverage from groups against what this administration is doing, then what the administration is doing.

[a kennedy]

13. I'm sure they have the $$$ to advertise, and I haven't seen one advertisement from them saying

DON’T MESS WITH SOCIAL SECURITY!! It would be nice.

[JohnSJ]

15. I get letters/emails etc all the time urging me to contact my representatives in Congress

against cuts to social security, Medicare,and other issues facing older Americans from AARP.

How many ads have you seen on TV by any group advertising against what this administration is doing?

You don’t believe AARP is doing enough then don’t join

[a kennedy]

16. You're right I haven't seen any group advertising against what this piece of shit is doing.....but

AARP is the largest entity that COULD DO SOMETHING AGAINST THIS and I haven’t seen one thing from them.

[JohnSJ]

18. Then don't join.

[a kennedy]

19. Not gonna.

Don’t be mad at me…..we’re both here on DU, we might not agree, but we’re still on the best side right??

[JohnSJ]

20. I am not mad at anyone here at DU

[Rebl2]

21. The only

Advertisement from aarp I have ever seen on tv is to join aarp. Their publications talk about saving social security quite often.

[snowybirdie]

54. Every time I

Contact my representatives, I receive a form letter months later bearing no relation to my original complaint. We. need big voices like AARP to speak for us and actually speak to them for us.

[Tribetime]

36. Ty I received it also

[Traildogbob]

8. Good on her

They are only a United Heath Care Advantage outlet.
Not at all interested in their little insulated cary bags, or other Jiina made trinklets for membership. But if they are up to help the SS battle, from pressure, bout damn time.

[JohnSJ]

22. No, the outlet has both medigap and advantage care plans, and

ANY insurance company that you buy a medigap plan from also tries to get you to go to a Medicare advantage plan. It is your choice.

[JohnSJ]

28. They offer both. Medicare advantage and Medicare supplemental plans. To

say they only offer Medicare Advantage plans is misleading.

All healthcare insurance companies that offer Medicare offer both advantage care and supplemental plans. It is up to the consumer.

It is hard for me to believe that Rachel would not point out that both advantage and supplemental plans are offered by United Healthcare through AARP.

All healthcare insurance companies that cover Medicare offer both supplemental and advantage plans.

[mcar]

58. Wrong

[gab13by13]

9. AARP runs a Medicare Advantage plan

That helps gut Medicare.

[JohnSJ]

26. No. It is an outlet for United Healthcare insurance that offers both

Advantage care and Medigap plans

It is the choice of the client.

So much misinformation is being spread in this thread.

Every health insurance company that offers medigap plans also offers Medicare advantage plans. It is the choice of the consumer what they want to do.

Medigap plans essentially cover what Medicare part A and B do not cover.

You have more choices where to go with a medigap plan, and premiums are significantly more than with a Medicare Advantage plan. Why so many here are against Medicare Advantage plans is because they hear stories of denial of coverage for certain procedures. As long as a procedure is approved by MedicareA/B, it must be covered by a medigap plan.

[Tribetime]

38. Their medicare advantage.Part C cost me zero dollars a month

[mcar]

59. Wrong

[Meowmee]

10. My parents were and it was ok then

My brother did and got his supplemental with them which was the one of the ceo who was killed etc. So far though, it has been ok. He can change it each year if it goes bad. It is not the advantage plan though.

I am debating on what will happen with me if we are still here. I'm not on medicare yet. I just went through a very stressful few days because my ins changed and my inr company had issues getting the new rx accepted. Finally today it was resolved and I can focus on other things instead of being on the phone with them and my doctor several x a day and losing even more sleep.

[msongs]

14. purpose of it is to fleece seniors. why would they care about fascism nt

[AkFemDem]

41. How do they fleece seniors?

Legitimately curious what I'm missing- I'm a member, the annual fee is super low, I got.a free trunk organizer seriously, I use it all the time.... I get discounts on travel deals. I don't personally use it for anything else but the discounts, but what fleecing do they do?

[Prof. Toru Tanaka]

53. We bought a new car back in 2011

and got a $1000 discount for being AARP members. We have been members for 15 years and get some discounts on meals and when we travel. Overall, my spouse and I are happy to be in AARP.

[BajaDoll]

17. Supplement Plan

I guess I got lucky. 11 years ago I joined and bought a "Plan F" supplement plan which is NOT an Advantage plan. It 100% covers anything, no restrictions or any out of pocket at all. It started out as a few hundred a month but now its 300+ but it got me through a 3 way bypass, prostate cancer gold implants, radiation, COPD treatment and three CPAP machine's and all supplies with 0 out of pocket! My wife still works so it's manageable even at the new premium. AARP was a wise decision for me but I have to admit I went in blind and got lucky.

Now I guess they call it Plan G and there is a co-pay but it's still way better coverage than their Advantage plan.

[JohnSJ]

27. That is exactly right. Big difference between an advantage plan and a

Supplemental or medigap plans.

Plan G replaces the F, and has more out of pocket deductibles, but still is superior to an advantage plan. if you want choice and want to insure a procedure covered under Medicare A/B is covered, go with a supplemental or medigap plan. Premiums are significantly more, but you are assured that a procedure will be covered.

AARP is an outlet for United Healthcare and offers both supplemental and advantage plans, as do all health insurance plans that offer Medicare coverage. They offer both, and so does AARP.

[Xavier Breath]

24. All of their solicitations arrive in the mail and depart in the recycling.

[IrishBubbaLiberal]

25. AARP Overcharges SENIORS, and pockets a percentage worth about $1B a year royalties

https://insuredandmore.com/is-aarp-owned-by-unitedhealthcare

How much money does AARP get from UnitedHealthcare? Under the AARP brand, UnitedHealth has been offering Medicare Advantage health benefits and Medicare Part D drug benefits since 1997. AARP receives a 4.95% fee for each plan sold and has received over $4 billion to date.

————-

https://www.bizpacreview.com/2021/12/04/effectively-overcharges-seniors-aarp-rakes-in-record-profits-selling-brand-royalties-but-members-suffer-1171310/


‘Effectively overcharges seniors’: AARP rakes in record profits selling brand royalties, but members suffer

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) raked in massive profits in 2020, mostly from royalties on branded health insurance policies, not memberships, according to company financial documents.

AARP’s 2020 Form 990 shows that the company recorded $1.6 billion in revenue with roughly $1 billion, or over 60%, coming from royalty revenue. Meanwhile, membership dues contributed under 20% of overall revenue.

“It charges so little for membership because it makes most of its money selling products to its members and taking a percentage of the cut — starting with insurance products sold by UnitedHealth,” Juniper Research Group Founder and Chief Executive Chris Jacobs told the Daily Caller News Foundation.

The House Ways and Means Committee investigated AARP in 2011, which was submitted to the Internal Revenue Service. The report highlighted key issues with AARP’s structure, specifically its royalty fee.


…. “The organization’s business effectively overcharges seniors who purchase insurance coverage from the organization — including Medicare supplemental policies, called Medigap insurance — to fund its own operations,” Juniper Research Group Founder and Chief Executive Chris Jacobs wrote in an August 2020 American Commitment report.

[JohnSJ]

29. Juniper is a right wing republican group trying to get rid of Medicare and single payer

I would be skeptical of anything coming from them.

https://www.independent.org/aboutus/person_detail.asp?id=4257


Those at fox love his dribble:

“ Chris Jacobs, the founder and CEO of Juniper Research Group, said Tuesday that "Medicare for America," the latest liberal proposal being pitched as a "moderate path," would "effectively end all private health care for many Americans."

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/democrats-moderate-healthcare-plan-would-effectively-end-private-practice.amp

AARP does not own United healthcare which is one of your links. That is FALSE.

https://insuredandmore.com/is-aarp-owned-by-unitedhealthcare

[yorkster]

30. Rachel showed an AARP ad that specifically

mentioned that they have heard from thousands of their members who are worried about the future of Social Security.
It basically was a statement of strong support for ss.
Could they be doing more? No doubt.
And I think Rachel said something like that, but she showcased the ad. which hopefully will nudge AARP along.

[a kennedy]

31. Right, and thank you for this.....it was a NUDGE.

[JohnSJ]

32. So it appears that some here may be misrepresenting what Rachel said as

an excuse to bash AARP.

[a kennedy]

37. Hello.....and right, Rachel just wanted the AARP to do, ya know, MORE THEN WHAT THEY ARE DOING FOR

the people they are trying to represent.

[JohnSJ]

43. There are posts in this thread making false statements about AARP, including

posts from right wing organizations who want to abolish Medicare, ACA, and are against single payer,

Some even accusing AARP of being a right wing organization, who owns UnitedHealth Care. Both statements are false.

They are an outlet for United Healthcare, but they do not exclusively offer just Advantage care plans, but both Supplemental and Advantage care plans.

All insurance healthcare insurance companies that offer Medicare coverage offer both.

All insurance companies do massive advertisements urging people to go with an advantage plan,

[UpInArms]

33. AARP is a rightwing organization

Has been forever …

I despise them

[JohnSJ]

34. No it isn't. It is non-partisan.

https://states.aarp.org/montana/aarp-does-not-endorse-candidates

[UpInArms]

48. Sorry you seem to not understand

10/21/09

Republicans on the House Ways and Means Committee are demanding answers from AARP for its supportive statements regarding healthcare proposals that seek about $500 billion worth of cuts to Medicare.

GOP Reps. Dave Reichert (Wash.), Ginny Brown-Waite (Fla.) and Wally Herger (Calif.) are pressing the AARP to reveal how much money the group makes from selling its endorsement for various insurance products, including Medicare supplemental policies.

“[The AARP’s support for the Medicare cuts] just doesn’t make any sense” until “you dig a little deeper and see that 38 percent of their revenues come from these royalties and if Medicare Advantage does go away, they may gain millions of dollars in additional royalties,” Reichert told The Hill.

… snip …

The AARP’s stamp of approval was key to passing the 2003 Medicare drug bill, and its endorsement would be a huge boost for Democrats.

Democrats in Congress, ranging from then-Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and -Rep. Rahm Emanuel (D-Ill.), expressed outrage when AARP endorsed the prescription drug bill.

Soon after the announcement, congressional Democrats argued that AARP backed the bill because of its partnership with UnitedHealth Group, which offers drug coverage.

https://thehill.com/homenews/house/52861-aarp-caught-in-partisan-crossfire-on-overhaul-of-healthcare/

[AkFemDem]

42. No it's not. Crazy misinformation in this thread.

[UpInArms]

49. See my answer above

…

I am not misinformed … perhaps you may be

[MsLeopard]

44. Haven't joined for the last 25 years

I’m about to turn 75. When I was close to turning 50 I began to get the endless AARP solicitations, and I joined because it presented as a legitimate, helpful organization for the age group. But, it took about 5 minutes to see it was an insurance sales force disguised as an association dedicated to helping the very people it solicited for funding. I never renewed, for years I got their emails and snail mails but never acknowledged them and now, finally and thankfully, I rarely hear from them anymore.

[lark]

52. Fuck them!

Husband joined for some discounts but I refuse! Those assholes do not represent me or the working class/poor. They appear to be oligarch driven too, their closeness to United Healthcare is also a red signal! They are not for the elderly, just the rich, fucks that they are!!

[mcar]

56. Took me about 90 seconds

Rachel’s team didn’t do their research. Or this OP is misrepresenting her segment.

https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2025/fighting-for-social-security-right-now.html

[Delmette2.0]

60. Nope. No way would I give AARP time or money.

[DFW]

62. I've been getting mail solicitations to join them for at least fifteen years

Their mail is always peppered with offers from insurance companies, domestic versions of the triple A, travel “deals” and discounts on things I’m likely never to buy.

It seems like something that was truly formed, way back when, as a genuine advocacy group, grew to the point where mass marketers recognized the large potential single audience, and started convincing them of the mutual benefits of this or that, some of which the AARP eventually went for, and became a big business before they ever realized it.

Maybe though, that’s not the way it went down at all, but it just seems that way to me over the years, with the increasing amount of “offers” that come with their unceasing stream of unsolicited mail. I say unsolicited because I never asked for any of these offers. I’m sure I’m old enough, but I AM NOT RETIRED. I never did retire (as in retired once and went back to work later). I have worked without interruption for the same outfit since 1975. If one is to take their name at face value, then I am not eligible for membership. I would have thought that if they had gone to the trouble to find out who I am, and when I was born, they could also find that I still work for a living, and by definition do not belong in an association of “retired persons.” Since it would stand to reason that their dozens of offers are for persons that ARE retired, I figure they do not apply to me, and I therefore ignore them.