AARP Yes or No?

[LeeM]

So now that I am of age, I am getting many a letter from AARP trying to get me to join.

On the plus side, I understand they offer a discount at Outback where I go alot.

On the negative side with so many letters from them, many of which contain membership cards (must be costly to print) and so many ads they run on TV, it makes me think my dollars would be wasted on their advertising to get new members instead of them offering any real benefits. In addition, I checked out the insurance rates they offer and what I have is better. And I have AAA for hotel and other discounts.

So I ask you all - to AARP or not to AARP.

[Steve & Deanna]

As far as I am concerned, AARP is just a big insurance company. I dropped my affiliation with AARP years ago when they got 'political'. I still get mailings urging me to sign back up, buy their insurance, etc. etc. I can get the same discounts through AAA or merely asking for a senior discount. No thanks AARP.

[Golfingnut]

I have received some great tips and information from AARP. not a money saver, but worth the investment in my opinion.

[angiefox10]

It's $16 for a year. Try it and see if it fits you. If not, you can not renew next year.

We don't buy the insurance... We have enjoyed many of the discounts and feel we got our money back. I enjoy the magazines and often times will go on the online site to see what they are writing about.

[rubicon]

The AARP organization does not truly represent retired people. It has morphed into a political entity to serve itself. AARP sided with ObamaCare only because they were promised to be the one to replaced Medicare Advantage.

AARP insurance cost are expensive

I dumped them long ago and to this day they still have tried to recruit me again. Never and I mean never

[mulligan]

As far as I am concerned, AARP is just a big insurance company. I dropped my affiliation with AARP years ago when they got 'political'. I still get mailings urging me to sign back up, buy their insurance, etc. etc. I can get the same discounts through AAA or merely asking for a senior discount. No thanks AARP.

Lo and Behold....AARP is owned by the Hartford insurance company.

[2BNTV]

I entended AARP one more year but I don't like they bombard you with literature, except for their magazine.

The magazine is worth the subscriptoon, if you have the time to read it. :smiley:

[TheVillageChicken]

AMAC is an alternative if you lean right vs left.

[Golfingnut]

I entended AARP one more year but I don't like they bombard you with literature, except for their magazine.

The magazine is worth the subscriptoon, if you have the time to read it. :smiley:

Exactly. Not earth shattering, but informative with things going on in the country that affects seniors.

[BS Beef]

I vote no. Kinda creeps me out they know so much about me. Sending me the "offer" to join exactly on my birthday of eligibility.

I'm not following how Rubicon isn't "relaxed" :shrug:

[buggyone]

Just choose what K Street lobby group you want to give your money to so they can take Congressmen and others out to lunch and dinners.

Might be AARP, might be NRA, might be National Ass'n of Home Builders. Take your pick.

[alanmcdonald]

Help me if I'm wrong, but if you want to use The Villages Medical Centers don't you have to use the AARP/United Healthcare Medicare supplement?

I would think you need to be an AARP member to be able to buy that.

[Golfingnut]

Just choose what K Street lobby group you want to give your money to so they can take Congressmen and others out to lunch and dinners.

Might be AARP, might be NRA, might be National Ass'n of Home Builders. Take your pick.

I have not had a decent meal on K Street, have you?

[billethkid]

if they truly are in it for themselves they do happen to offer some very worthwhile products. Their Medicare supplement insurance is among the best in the industry.

I do not care for them be a political trumpet/parrot. But it is too easy to ignore that which I am not interested in.

As far as all the stuff they send in the mail...I always tear it in half and send it back in their postage paid envelopes....this way they get my feel and they get the benfit of the postage they paid being used:)

[Golfingnut]

Help me if I'm wrong, but if you want to use The Villages Medical Centers don't you have to use the AARP/United Healthcare Medicare supplement?

I would think you need to be an AARP member to be able to buy that.

No. The Villages health care clinics accept over 25 insurance carriers.

[red tail]

check out what they pay their executives. bunch of crooks preying on old fogies that don't know any better!

[red tail]

google aarp executive compensation and weep!!!!!

[Golfingnut]

That unfortunately is the norm with the greed we must live with. Big business will be the final killer of America.

[perrjojo]

The AARP organization does not truly represent retired people. It has morphed into a political entity to serve itself. AARP sided with ObamaCare only because they were promised to be the one to replaced Medicare Advantage.

AARP insurance cost are expensive

I dumped them long ago and to this day they still have tried to recruit me again. Never and I mean never

I don't often agree with Rubicon but on this one I agree 100%.

[perrjojo]

Help me if I'm wrong, but if you want to use The Villages Medical Centers don't you have to use the AARP/United Healthcare Medicare supplement?

I would think you need to be an AARP member to be able to buy that.

No, that is not correct.

[ilovetv]

AARP.....

"According to AARP's 2008 Consolidated financials, it was paid $652,000,000 in royalties from insurance companies that sold products referred by AARP.

AARP also received an additional $120,000,000 for the advertisements placed in its publications."

......Health insurance

Approximately seven million people have AARP branded health insurance, including drug coverage and Medigap, as of April 2007 and AARP earns more income from selling insurance to members than it does from membership dues.

In 2008, AARP plans to begin offering several new health insurance products: an HMO for Medicare recipients, in partnership with UnitedHealth Group; and a PPO and "a high-deductible insurance policy that could be used with a health savings account" to people aged 50–64, in partnership with Aetna. AARP will likely become the largest source of health insurance for Medicare recipients, and AARP estimates the new products will increase its health insurance customers to 14 million by 2014.

AARP is not an insurer and does not pay insurance claims. Instead, AARP allows its name to be used by insurance companies in the sale of insurance products, for which it is paid a commission like an insurance agent.

Senator Charles E. Grassley... Senate Finance Committee, said in 2008 that the "limited benefit" insurance plans offered by AARP through UnitedHealth provided inadequate coverage and were marketed deceptively. One plan offered $5,000 for surgery that may cost two or three times that amount.......

AARP - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AARP) AARP - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

"Tax-exempt organizations are prohibited generally from providing unreasonable compensation to executives, board directors, and, in some cases members. AARP generally compensates their executives more generously than similary situated non-profits surveyed.

For example, in 2009, then-AARP CEO William Novelli received $1,647,419 in total compensation, including a severance payment of $350,657......."

http://waysandmeans.house.gov/uploadedfiles/aarp_report_final_pdf_3_29_11.pdf

CEO Pay Watch: Stephen Hemsley of United Health Group

UnitedHealth Group Inc.

Stephen Hemsley, president, CEO

Total compensation: $34,721,122 for the year ended Dec. 31

Salary: $1,300,000

Non-equity incentive pay: $5,300,000

Other compensation: $287,443

Exercised stock options: $12,488,010

Value realized on vesting shares: $15,345,669

CEO Pay Watch: Stephen Hemsley of UnitedHealth Group | Star Tribune (http://www.startribune.com/business/204595621.html)

AARP: Advocacy Group or Crony Capitalists?
AARP: Advocacy Group or Crony Capitalists? | Capital Research Center (http://capitalresearch.org/2012/05/aarp-advocacy-group-or-crony-capitalists/)

[Xavier]

Lo and Behold....AARP is owned by the Hartford insurance company.

Not even close! Where did you get that little piece of information? Just show me the proof and I'll apologize with all humility.

Actually, AARP does a lot of good. I'm really happy to have some organization that cares about senior citizen matters. I don't always agree with them (but I usually do) and I take the time to let them know. I don't know if it does any good or not, but it makes me feel better. Their special interest group is us and nobody else. If you don't like all of the mail you can easily change your communication preferences. About all I get now is the magazine and a newsletter every now and then. I've used their Defensive Driving Course for a few decades of savings on my vehicle insurances. I've used the AARP Tax Service. I believe that, if your not swift enough to figure out all the legalize of supplemental insurance, AARP is a safe bet. They do most of the work for you. The same goes for Car Insurance etc. My Mom was completely blown away by all of the complicated stuff that was being thrown at her. I couldn't help her much from long distance so I suggested that she could feel safe with what AARP sponsored offerings. She took my advice and let me tell you that for her final medical problems that spanned the last two or three years of her life, we were there to help them out. I can't tell you how many times I thanked God for AARP. Their ONLY agenda is helping Senior Citizens! That doesn't always follow some political leanings, but I think it evens out in the long run. I got one of those chain-hate emails blasting everything about AARP and I immediately extended my membership by 5 years and did a "reply all" to the person who had sent me that email and everyone one else they sent it to.

I'm sorry for the long run-on paragraph. You can't lose with AARP in my humble opinion.

Xavier

[perrjojo]

That unfortunately is the norm with the greed we must live with. Big business will be the final killer of America.
I think this is off topic but exactly what does the word greed mean to you? In America we rate success of a business or individual based on earnings. This may be right or wrong but it is how it is. So is making a profit greed? I would not invest in a business that did not make a profit therefore I must invest in Greedy business? BTW, I know the Webster dictionary definition of greed.

[Indydealmaker]

I cancelled my AARP membership and stopped offering it as a perk for my employees when they came out in full gusto promoting the Affordable Care Act without having any idea what was contained in the legislation.

That is not an entity that I can trust, just as I would NEVER trust the opinions or ethics of any member of congress who signed such a trillion dollar spending bill without reading it first.

[gomoho]

Just say NO - too political and not enough interest in what is best for the retired folks in this country.

[Golfingnut]

I think this is off topic but exactly what does the word greed mean to you? In America we rate success of a business or individual based on earnings. This may be right or wrong but it is how it is. So is making a profit greed? I would not invest in a business that did not make a profit therefore I must invest in Greedy business? BTW, I know the Webster dictionary definition of greed.

To me greed is when enough is never enough.

[bachfan]

I have worked in the Medical field for 35+ years and still work for a large medical office in TV and as much as I don't
like AARP politically I knew when the time came for my husband to go on MC & a supplement it would be AARP. everyday we have patients that have no idea how their ins works, what it covers, or if they need ref or not or who is even in the plan. They buy these Advantage plans and then are upset when we ask for copays or referrals or tell them were not in network with the plan etc. With MC &AARP you know what your monthly payment is and you will be able to have the freedom to go anywhere and to anyone without strings and hassles and with most of the AARP plan you will owe nothing.

[Golfingnut]

I have worked in the Medical field for 35+ years and still work for a large medical office in TV and as much as I don't
like AARP politically I knew when the time came for my husband to go on MC & a supplement it would be AARP. everyday we have patients that have no idea how their ins works, what it covers, or if they need ref or not or who is even in the plan. They buy these Advantage plans and then are upset when we ask for copays or referrals or tell them were not in network with the plan etc. With MC &AARP you know what your monthly payment is and you will be able to have the freedom to go anywhere and to anyone without strings and hassles and with most of the AARP plan you will owe nothing.

Put me on your mailing list. You obviously use your head for something other than a hat rack.

Lou

[eweissenbach]

I have been an AARP member for 18 years, like their bulletin and magazine as well as their discounts. My father had AARPs Med Sup through United Healthcare when I managed his finances and it paid off without a problem, so when I qualified I too got their Plan F and have been more than pleased. The political argument is silly IMO.

[Golfingnut]

I have been an AARP member for 18 years, like their bulletin and magazine as well as their discounts. My father had AARPs Med Sup through United Healthcare when I managed his finances and it paid off without a problem, so when I qualified I too got their Plan F and have been more than pleased. The political argument is silly IMO.

boom

[rockyisle]

After helping my Mother navigate Medicare supplemental programs many years ago, I remember that the only organization that had her best interests at heart was AARP. Back then, they were the silver tigers - working to make sure that seniors were not forgotten. They built their organization state by state making sure seniors were informed on legislation and how it would impact them and then partnered with United Healthcare for supplemental insurance.

In the state of NH, you still cannot buy United Healthcare supplemental insurance UNLESS you are a member of AARP because NH doesn't offer it directly through insurance agents. Discriminatory and limiting - you bet. So my Mom belonged to AARP and had UH Plan F her entire life. Never saw one bill for services rendered.

When I turned 65 it was very easy for me to make the decision to have United Healthcare as my supplemental. NH still doesn't offer it through their programs - only way - Only way to buy it is to be a member of AARP.

What I "think" I know, is if it's good for AARP, it's going to be good for this senior. As for their compensation packages for their executives, I could care less - there are so many executives who make bundles each year... I say - Good for them... Heck, we live in TV where Gary Morse has more money than GOD... and we love living here... So what's the big deal?

[TexaninVA]

The AARP organization does not truly represent retired people. It has morphed into a political entity to serve itself. AARP sided with ObamaCare only because they were promised to be the one to replaced Medicare Advantage.

AARP insurance cost are expensive

I dumped them long ago and to this day they still have tried to recruit me again. Never and I mean never

Agree and same with me.

[buggyone]

I have not had a decent meal on K Street, have you?

McCormick & Schmick was at 16th and K. Excellent seafood and their Happy Hour from 5 til 6:30 was a lot of fun at very reasonable prices ( for Washington).

[ilovetv]

.......

....What I "think" I know, is if it's good for AARP, it's going to be good for this senior. As for their compensation packages for their executives, I could care less - there are so many executives who make bundles each year... I say - Good for them... Heck, we live in TV where Gary Morse has more money than GOD... and we love living here... So what's the big deal?

I don't care what the executives (or Morses) make, either. But my liberal friends who want the government to manage all healthcare in a national, single-payer system are outraged all the time, saying:

"The insurance companies are raking all the money out of healthcare spending".......

"The insurance companies are the evil culprit in all this, making too damn much money".......

"NOBODY should be making a profit on people's sickness and misery".

"The reason we should go to government single-payer system is because the insurance companies spend 30% of revenues on marketing and advertising. That is money that the government could use to insure the uninsured."

Example:
4) Can we afford single payer, if that means covering 47 million uninsured people?

Compared to other countries, the United States already pays enough to provide comprehensive coverage for everyone. However, coverage for everyone isn't realized because 31 percent of our health care spending goes for administration through the patchwork of private for-profit and not-for-profit insurance companies and health plans. Potential savings from eliminating the administrative waste and marketing expenditures of insurance carriers have been estimated at $350 billion per year.

GMHCC | Single Payer (http://www.gmhcc.org/single-payer.html)

"If the damn insurance companies weren't raking in so much in profits, there would be enough money to cover the uninsured people without raising everyone else's premiums and deductibles!"

"The insurance companies are driving the doctors and hospitals crazy and driving up their costs and fees, having to spend more time fighting with them on the phone to get them to pay for appropriate care, which is often denied!"

----------
So what does the government do with the current overhaul? They give United Healthcare even more business than they ever had.

AND, what are the marketing and advertising costs of ACA (so far) to reach the uninsureds in the country and advertise and convince them to sign up for ACA? Take a look:

"As [the new ACA] health care law moves from theory to reality in the coming months, its success may hinge on whether the best minds in advertising can reach one of the hardest-to-find parts of the population: people without health coverage.
The campaign won’t come cheap: The total amount to be spent nationally on publicity, marketing and advertising will be at least $684 million, according to data compiled The Associated Press from federal and state sources.
About 16 percent of Americans are uninsured, but despite years of political debate and media attention, more than three-quarters of them still know little about the law known as “Obamacare,” according to recent surveys."

http://washington.cbslocal.com/2013/07/24/obamacare-national-marketing-campaign-to-cost-nearly-700-million/

[Xavier]

I don't care what the executives (or Morses) make, either. But my liberal friends who want the government to manage all healthcare in a national, single-payer system are outraged all the time, saying:

"The insurance companies are raking all the money out of healthcare spending".......

"The insurance companies are the evil culprit in all this, making too damn much money".......

"NOBODY should be making a profit on people's sickness and misery".

"The reason we should go to government single-payer system is because the insurance companies spend 30% of revenues on marketing and advertising. That is money that the government could use to insure the uninsured."

Example:
4) Can we afford single payer, if that means covering 47 million uninsured people?

Compared to other countries, the United States already pays enough to provide comprehensive coverage for everyone. However, coverage for everyone isn't realized because 31 percent of our health care spending goes for administration through the patchwork of private for-profit and not-for-profit insurance companies and health plans. Potential savings from eliminating the administrative waste and marketing expenditures of insurance carriers have been estimated at $350 billion per year.

GMHCC | Single Payer (http://www.gmhcc.org/single-payer.html)

"If the damn insurance companies weren't raking in so much in profits, there would be enough money to cover the uninsured people without raising everyone else's premiums and deductibles!"

"The insurance companies are driving the doctors and hospitals crazy and driving up their costs and fees, having to spend more time fighting with them on the phone to get them to pay for appropriate care, which is often denied!"

----------
So what does the government do with the current overhaul? They give United Healthcare even more business than they ever had.

AND, what are the marketing and advertising costs of ACA (so far) to reach the uninsureds in the country and advertise and convince them to sign up for ACA? Take a look:

"As [the new ACA] health care law moves from theory to reality in the coming months, its success may hinge on whether the best minds in advertising can reach one of the hardest-to-find parts of the population: people without health coverage.
The campaign won’t come cheap: The total amount to be spent nationally on publicity, marketing and advertising will be at least $684 million, according to data compiled The Associated Press from federal and state sources.
About 16 percent of Americans are uninsured, but despite years of political debate and media attention, more than three-quarters of them still know little about the law known as “Obamacare,” according to recent surveys."

‘Obamacare’ National Marketing Campaign To Cost Nearly $700 Million « CBS DC (http://washington.cbslocal.com/2013/07/24/obamacare-national-marketing-campaign-to-cost-nearly-700-million/)



I personally would have favored Medicare for those under 65 as a premium program that would convert to the current program at 65, but you've got to take what the obstructionists allow. Now, wouldn't it be nice if they could work together to make The Affordable Care Act better and more efficient. Don't hold your breath! Thank God for AARP and those who care about the little people instead of just those few who don't need the help.

Xavier

[Carl in Tampa]

When it comes to AARP I am a single issue voter. NO!

I used to be a member. Then, several years ago they came out in favor of gun control legislation that was a move toward abolishing personal ownership of guns.

I wrote to the President of AARP and pointed out that as I became older it became even more important to me to be able to carry a firearm for self defense since I couldn't expect to successfully fight a mugger. Accordingly, I felt that an organization that represented older people should support having older people authorized to carry firearms.

The President wrote back and insisted that AARP would devote time, energy and lobbying effort in Congress to try to end personal ownership of guns.

I didn't wait for my membership to expire; I resigned immediately.

Regarding AARP discounts, in my travels, making hotel reservations on line, I have never found an AARP rate that beat AAA. And, besides, AAA gives you travel guides, road service for breakdowns, great rates on insurance, travel agents for cruises, discount tickets for attractions and lots more.

No to AARP forever!

:cus:

[l2ridehd]

I dropped AARP when they became a "political voice of their leadership" without regard to their members wishes. They never asked the membership how they felt about gun control, they just decided to lobby for it. They never asked the membership how they felt about ACA, they just decided to support it. I would have stayed if they polled the members and a majority supported some position and then they spent their lobby (read our) lobbying $$$$. But they used member money to support what the leadership wanted, not necessarily what the members wanted.

Maybe tomorrow they will decide that everyone should die by 75 or be terminated and use your money to support it. Pick any position you don't support and if they chose to support it, they will. They will never ask you what you think. They believe they know what is best for all of us. I don't think they do.

So never again will I join AARP.

[graciegirl]

I was going to say something flip, like, I'm not old enough and then I read the last couple of posts from people who I really respect.


I had no idea. I always wondered about the controversy swirling around AARP....and now I know.

[getdul981]

I was a member of AARP, but also dropped them when they became anti gun and they still send us the magazine. I don't even bother to read it. We get mail offering life insurance and I think, car insurance. We have United Healthcare as a supplement to our Medicare. Initially, it had no affiliation with AARP, but somewhere along the line, it has become affiliated. I would prefer that it was not affiliated with AARP, but I'm not going to change my supplemental because it seems to be what is best for us.

[graciegirl]

This thread may not have been meant to be political but it identifies the politics of the posters, I would say.

[eweissenbach]

I was a member of AARP, but also dropped them when they became anti gun and they still send us the magazine. I don't even bother to read it. We get mail offering life insurance and I think, car insurance. We have United Healthcare as a supplement to our Medicare. Initially, it had no affiliation with AARP, but somewhere along the line, it has become affiliated. I would prefer that it was not affiliated with AARP, but I'm not going to change my supplemental because it seems to be what is best for us.

The reason it is best for you is because AARP negotiated the package on behalf of its membership. I was with New York Life when we negotiated with AARP to underwrite their life insurance plans and they got concessions and provisions we did not offer through any other outlet. AARP does a great job negotiating on behalf of its members.

[kellyjam]

I joined AARP when I turned 50. It was through their magazine that I learned about Hip Resurfacing. I was scheduled to have a bilateral Hip Replacement at age 55 but thankfully was introduced to the resurfacing by the article in the magazine and had said operation later that year. Do I agree with all of their political leanings? No. But I also don't agree with the leanings of all newspapers that I read but I subscribe to them anyway because I am a physical paper junkie lol. I trust myself to read both sides of an issue and come to a reasonable conclusion. I would equate joining AARP to buying a subscription to a newspaper or magazine. It's a personal choice with no right or wrong.

[ilovetv]

When it comes to insurance company profits thru government sponsored insurance like Medicare and Tricare, I think we all would agree about such profitability, and it should not become a partisan topic.

My point is this: To say that the political leanings of AARP d.b.a. United Healthcare "do not matter" is to say that.....

...their lobbying money and power and push for single payer "government" healthcare "does not matter"......

.....even though THEY, AARP-UHC would likely be the "single payer", making unfathomable profits from it.

They're almost the public-sector plans' "single-payer" already, profiting off their sales of Medicare, Medicaid, federal, state and local government employee healthcare plans, and even Tricare plans for veterans.

Elizabeth Edwards, rest in peace, understood and voiced extremely well the problem with UHC in this interview, where she speaks about healthcare at the 2 minute mark.

She also stated a clear distinction that needs to be made between government-run and UHC-run, but that concept apparently died with her, bless her soul......

See video at 2-minute mark:

Elizabeth Edwards: President of United Health Care Made Almost $3 Billion a Few Years Ago"

Elizabeth Edwards - The Daily Show with Jon Stewart - 05/20/09 - Video Clip | Comedy Central (http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/wed-may-20-2009/elizabeth-edwards)

[TNLAKEPANDA]

I hate AARP's political position... I joined years ago and never renewed however I still have auto insurance through AARP Hartford. Hartford is a great company and no one beats their price.

[rubicon]

The power of advertising gets the best of many of us. We think not but it does. AARP has has hammered so hard on the fact that they represent the interests of retired persons but their actions speak otherwise.

Its the same with BBB. They mean well but they are totally ineffective.

Both organizations hurt in another sense in that they offer false positives; meaning most people are better off going it alone

When I left AARP I enrolled with AMAC. The moment I saw they were also advertising for insurance products I stopped

I am tired of being treated as if I just fell out of a tree by organizations such as this, politicians, corporation and the public sector. They do not even make an attempt to cover up their insincerity any longer

[eweissenbach]

The power of advertising gets the best of many of us. We think not but it does. AARP has has hammered so hard on the fact that they represent the interests of retired persons but their actions speak otherwise.

Its the same with BBB. They mean well but they are totally ineffective.

Both organizations hurt in another sense in that they offer false positives; meaning most people are better off going it alone

When I left AARP I enrolled with AMAC. The moment I saw they were also advertising for insurance products I stopped

I am tired of being treated as if I just fell out of a tree by organizations such as this, politicians, corporation and the public sector. They do not even make an attempt to cover up their insincerity any longer

AARP does not "advertise for insurance products". They use their massive membership to negotiate rates and provisions for their benefit. The New York Life plans offered through AARP are not offered through any other venue, they were specifically developed with input from AARP. You can belong to any organization you care to, but I think the political objections to AARP are overly reactionary. Interesting that several people say they like the AARP insurance programs (which were negotiated on members behalf) but don't like AARP. As they say - membership has its privileges.

[rubicon]

AARP does not "advertise for insurance products". They use their massive membership to negotiate rates and provisions for their benefit. The New York Life plans offered through AARP are not offered through any other venue, they were specifically developed with input from AARP. You can belong to any organization you care to, but I think the political objections to AARP are overly reactionary. Interesting that several people say they like the AARP insurance programs (which were negotiated on members behalf) but don't like AARP. As they say - membership has its privileges.

Hi coach: I beg to differ with you I have seen them advertise on television, in magazines, etc. usually in the form of endorsements such as with UHC
You can label it overly reactionary, plain stupid or whatever you like but when I recognized that my dues were being used to advance their agenda and not "the people's" interest it made it clear that I was wasting my money

Personal Best Regards:

[skyguy79]

I dropped AARP when they became a "political voice of their leadership" without regard to their members wishes. They never asked the membership how they felt about gun control, they just decided to lobby for it. They never asked the membership how they felt about ACA, they just decided to support it. I would have stayed if they polled the members and a majority supported some position and then they spent their lobby (read our) lobbying $$$$. But they used member money to support what the leadership wanted, not necessarily what the members wanted.

Maybe tomorrow they will decide that everyone should die by 75 or be terminated and use your money to support it. Pick any position you don't support and if they chose to support it, they will. They will never ask you what you think. They believe they know what is best for all of us. I don't think they do.

So never again will I join AARP.I totally agree with what you have stated and do even more after reading the following Forbes article. It's quite an eye opener:

How the AARP Made $2.8 Billion By Supporting Obamacare's Cuts to Medicare - Forbes (http://www.forbes.com/sites/aroy/2012/09/22/the-aarps-2-8-billion-reasons-for-supporting-obamacares-cuts-to-medicare/)

[ilovetv]

AARP does not "advertise for insurance products". They use their massive membership to negotiate rates and provisions for their benefit. The New York Life plans offered through AARP are not offered through any other venue, they were specifically developed with input from AARP. You can belong to any organization you care to, but I think the political objections to AARP are overly reactionary. Interesting that several people say they like the AARP insurance programs (which were negotiated on members behalf) but don't like AARP. As they say - membership has its privileges.

Does not advertise for insurance products??

"According to AARP's 2008 Consolidated financials, it was paid $652,000,000 in royalties from insurance companies that sold products referred by AARP.

AARP also received an additional $120,000,000 for the advertisements placed in its publications."

......Health insurance

Approximately seven million people have AARP branded health insurance, including drug coverage and Medigap, as of April 2007 and AARP earns more income from selling insurance to members than it does from membership dues.
......

...AARP will likely become the largest source of health insurance for Medicare recipients, and AARP estimates the new products will increase its health insurance customers to 14 million by 2014.

AARP is not an insurer and does not pay insurance claims. Instead, AARP allows its name to be used by insurance companies in the sale of insurance products, for which it is paid a commission like an insurance agent.

Senator Charles E. Grassley... Senate Finance Committee, said in 2008 that the "limited benefit" insurance plans offered by AARP through UnitedHealth provided inadequate coverage and were marketed deceptively. One plan offered $5,000 for surgery that may cost two or three times that amount.......

AARP - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AARP) AARP - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[Nipper]

I find AARP publications very informative and have saved money with that information. I also have my car insurance (because its the best price) through AARP and my supplemental health insurance for the past six years because it is an excellent plan. None of the publications are "political" --- nothing like the comments in this thread.

[ilovetv]

I find AARP publications very informative and have saved money with that information. I also have my car insurance (because its the best price) through AARP and my supplemental health insurance for the past six years because it is an excellent plan. None of the publications are "political" --- nothing like the comments in this thread.

I don't think anybody has said their insurance plans weren't well priced or were not good coverage/service.

What is being said in the thread is that:

- they make more (hundreds of) millions of dollars more from insurance advertising/sales/royalties than they do from membership dues;

- they profit in the hundreds of millions from government/taxpayer-sponsored insurance plans like Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, federal/state employee plans etc;

- those profits are always thought to be money that could be used to provide coverage to those who cannot get or afford it;

- those profits stand to increase hugely with the government giving them with United Healthcare even more "public" coverage contracts in the current reform. In fact, the "United Healthcare MEDICARE STORES" that opened here in TV illustrate that growth.

- it's the agenda in the background that's what's being discussed here....not "politics".

I don't think a single person here wants insurance companies to make even more profits at the expense of financing the programs that are supposed to get everyone covered affordably.

[Ron1Z]

No, Ever wonder why they don't offer a life time membership? I let my membership expire and joined the NRA, better discounts.

[rubicon]

By virtue of the fact that AARP inserts itself in the marketing/selling process of insurance it has in effect raised the cost of doing business and that cost is transferred to consumers.