Just canceled AARP membership

[SheltieLover]

Phone number: 800-514-4564

It only took about 2 minutes, including a brief wait time.

The lady was very nice and, although she didn't ask, I told her why I canceled:

With the current admin's attacks on Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, AARP should be on every news station DAILY screaming for this to stop. They are not. Instead, they are selling "Medicare Advantage" programs through United Health Care!

I also told her I am sick to death of receiving about 6 snail mail ads for life insuranc every week.

She said she would note my address as "undeliverable" to stop the mailings.

If you've not alredy canceled, you might want to consider it. They do not appear to be doing a damned thing for seniors imo!

[XanaDUer2]

1. TY!

Aarp used to be militant about these topics.

[SheltieLover]

5. YW!

Sad, but true that they are not in our corner. May as well save the $20/yr.

I also told her "I do not want to receive mailings or emails trying to get me to come back to AARP because it will not happen in this lifetime. AARP has betrayed seniors!"

[Deep State Witch]

7. Seriously!

My parents were active in the AARP on the state level, and my Dad would occasionally come to DC for lobbying for lowering the cost of prescription drugs for seniors back in the '00's. They would be mad that AARP wasn't taking a more active stance against cuts to SS and Medicare.

[SheltieLover]

10. AARP should be emailing members at least once per week to tell them to call their congress whores and demand SS &

Last edited Fri May 30, 2025, 12:42 PM - Edit history (1)

Medicare be left alone.

Nada. Zip.

I've been a member for a year and the only thing they seem to be "concerned" with is flooding my snail mail with life insurance proposals.

Really sad.

On edit: no offense to sex workers intended.

[Henry203]

131. Their dental is the only plan for seniors that covers implants.

[SheltieLover]

132. Nice if UHC actually pays for the implants.

I'll keep my standard Medicare & Gap.

[Henry203]

136. Not true

I have Mutual of Omaha which is the least expensive supplemental.
When I first signed up. M of A was $112.
UHC was $155
Blue was $175.
When blue called me I read those numbers to him and said people sign up to blue because they are lazy and don’t do their homework. He said you are right.
AARP dental is through delta dental.

[SheltieLover]

143. My Farm Bureau policy was hundreds per month less than all other options

Farm Bureau was $125 at the time and all others were nearly $400/mo for identical, Plan F coverage.

[Henry203]

146. Mutual of Omaha

Was $112. The point is some of AARP is bad and some of it is good. You are probably right about their association with UHC but the agreement they made for dental is very good for seniors.
I looked at Delta dental direct and compared what you could get through AARP and the plan from AARP is much better.
It is the one reason why I keep it. My implant before the crown is only $800 vs typically $ 2000 with out insurance. It saves a good $1200.
That is a good deal. They also upped the amount to $2,000 this year for coverage.

[SheltieLover]

147. Enjoy your dental. I'm done with AARP.

[RobinA]

49. Have There Been

cuts in SS and Medicare? You can't fight what hasn't happened.

[BradBo]

69. You certainly can voice up about the threat. And their part of the Medicare Advatage grift. AARP are basically crooks.

[Conjuay]

124. AARP is just another cooperate shill. N/T

[FarPoint]

2. Absolutely perfect message to AARP

[SheltieLover]

6. Thx!

I was careful to tell the nice young lady that this is not personal against her. It's the organization.

I must say she did not sound surprised at all.

[melm00se]

52. Having managed a customer service call center

Agents develop a really thick skin fast or they never make it.

[SheltieLover]

59. I know

Decades ago I did phone room volunteer work.

I just never want to leave reps with a lousy feeling from our interactions.

They're just trying to get by. They don't set the policies.

[kerry-is-my-prez]

70. I used to work with investment accounts with traders, brokers, etc.

Mostly from New York - I lived in Chicago. It took me about a year to get used to the New Yorkers - who would “eat you for lunch.” I felt like an “abused spouse” for the first months. I eventually got used to them and realized they were just in a hurry and freaked out by potentially losing interest/comissions on large amounts of money (as much as $100 million). They didn’t care if you got nasty back at them or swore at them and didn’t care about politeness. It was nothing personal. They were messy and unworried about being “exact.” They were very quick calls. The Boston people were the ones who were the worst because they expected you to kiss their ass, were detail-oriented AND they wanted perfection. But the nightmare client was a demanding woman from Indiana who took up a lot of my time. I got to the point where I got rid of her and the Boston people and took on all New Yorkers when they realized how swamped I was and wanted to make things easier for me. I was the only one in my department who liked the New Yorkers. The Californians were very laid back and would go to the beach instead of going to work and it was acceptable there for them to not show up or to come in late.

[UpInArms]

3. The AARP has always been a shill group for republicans

They disgust me

[SheltieLover]

8. I didn't realize it when I joined almost a year ago.

Live and learn...

[UpInArms]

26. They hide it well

But when you check under all the fluff …it isn’t pretty

[SheltieLover]

60. I am appaled by du members who are required to be members because of medicare

No doubt uhc disadvantage plans!

[rurallib]

22. Somehow I was given think they were somehow tied in with United Health

not sure why.

Anyway I have never seen them as being on my side. Rather another schemer to get money.

[BonnieJW]

25. I have United Healthcare through AARP

It's not advantage. I've heard so many bad things about UHC, and I would like to switch to a different Supplemental in the fall.

Are any of you happy with your Supplemental insurance? Please share.

[rurallib]

29. I have BC/BS -no real reason why I picked them

other than some vague familiarity from when I was a kid. We have had no problems. They have made payments for my wife's stay in a nursing home and a heart fibrillation for me without question.

I think their premiums are in line with others. We are at an age where they are Bothe $300 - 400 / month.
I know little about insurance other than someone told me long ago to stay away from united.

I am still working for universal HC. Still don't trust any for profit insurance company.

[nilram]

38. IMO, they're the least bad of the big ones.

There may be more local ones in particular areas that are worth considering, but I'll be preferring BCBS as I sign up for a supplemental (shortly). Through various employer changes, I've had various health insurance companies, and they were generally the easiest to deal with.

[Henry203]

98. Mutual of omaha is the least expensive option for

Supplemental. The only dental insurance that covers implants is delta dental through aarp.

[Henry203]

145. Blue cross is the most expensive

Of the supplements. Mutual of omaha is the least expensive same plan

[lonely bird]

61. I have that supplemental plan

I haven’t had any problems. Just because United Healthcare is fucking around I think I will change at the next enrollment period. They did raise my premium by about $20 a month.

[LauraInLA]

65. A few years ago my mother had United American, recommended by a longtime friend insurance agent.

I don’t know what they’re like now, but they were tops then!

[Habibi]

99. I have the UHC supplement plan, and, while it's expensive,

I've never had a problem getting my many medical bills covered. I have cancer, so that is a big issue. It seems UHC follows the rules in their supplement plans, but not their Advantage plans.

I also get a free gym membership with my plan, which none of the other supplement plans in my area offer.

[vapor2]

116. I have Cigna and so far so good but UHC is the worst

[nilram]

40. They're "tied" by a marketing program. AARP is mostly a marketing scheme.

If you've got a product you want to sell to a big market, get into a mailing from AARP.

[LittleGirl]

34. I had a membership for a couple of years

After I turned 55. But none of the discounts they offered were of any use for us. We never renewed and your post is spot on. They should be making news about their contempt about these cuts.

[AKwannabe]

74. Truth! nt

[Silent Type]

4. Well, they did send a "clear message that SS must be protected" letter. I'm not a member either.

"The Social Security Administration (SSA) is making big changes to how it operates, including cuts to its workforce and the closure of many of its regional offices. A proposal to scrap over-the-phone application services was recently abandoned, thanks in part to fierce opposition from AARP. But uncertainty about future changes at the agency remains.

"AARP is sending a clear message that Social Security must be protected. We’re tracking new SSA initiatives and taking action when needed to ensure that all older Americans can safely access the benefits they’ve earned and get questions answered in ways that are best for them.

"“AARP will continue to lift the voices of our members and all older Americans as SSA works to improve its service delivery,” AARP’s Nancy LeaMond, executive vice president and chief advocacy and engagement officer, wrote in an April 28 letter to SSA Acting Commissioner Leland Dudek. “We value our shared commitment to ensuring that every person who relies on Social Security is treated with dignity, fairness, and respect — and we look forward to continuing this dialogue in the months ahead.”

"On Thursday, May 1, AARP will host a tele-town hall on Social Security, where you can ask questions and hear more about the steps AARP is taking to protect the program. . . . . . ."


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

[SheltieLover]

9. Sort of like a limp-dick finger wag & sternly worded warning from a judge to magats, right?

That is not enough imo.

[choie]

33. That is weak and lily-livered.

[Ritabert]

11. The problem is that my supplemental insurance is their United Healthcare plan

I'm stuck until October when I can shop around.

[SheltieLover]

13. Call your local senior center &/or council on aging

They were able to give me quotes to the penny.

Farm Bureau gap was $125/mo & most others were nearly $400/mo for identical coverage!

Good luck!

[Ritabert]

28. Thanks.

[SheltieLover]

89. Yw!

[JohnSJ]

93. I would be very careful especially if you are switching to a different insurance company medigap plan to make

sure you are getting the exact same coverage and flexibilities that you currently have.

[Ritabert]

102. Exactly. I will do due diligence.

UHC is getting very expensive though. They upped it $50 per month for the two of us and we're already paying big bucks.

[JohnSJ]

105. +++

[JohnSJ]

87. Farm Bureau Gap? Is it F or G Medigap? Premiums also go up as you get older for medigap plans.

For a Medigap F plan, the best plan available, about 283.00 per person, and their is no out of pocket expenses.

https://www.medicaresupplement.com/articles/average-cost-of-medicare-supplement-plan-f/

Those who are on an F or G plan better be very careful before switching. They don't offer F anymore, and with F there are no out of pocket expenses, so I wonder if someone is on an F plan if they can get on an F plan, or would they push them onto a G plan because the F plan is no longer available except for those grandfathered in.

https://www.medicaresupplement.com/articles/average-cost-of-medicare-supplement-plan-f/

[SheltieLover]

90. Mine is Plan F, pays everything. Premium increases about $10/yr

[JohnSJ]

100. Same here, and currently increases about 10/year, and I never receive a bill, and can go anywhere I want

that accepts Medicare.

They stopped offering Medigap F around 2020, and G was the replacement with more out of pocket deductibles.

Current Premiums depend on age, and my current premium is about 283/month/person. Doesn't include dental or eyeglasses.

I am not going to cancel AARP. I am not unhappy with the coverage I am getting from UHC, but it isn't an Advantage Plan.

As far as why isn't AARP advertising against possible cuts to Medicare and Social Security, I have seen the television ads, online campaigns, and solicitations where to write Congress opposing any cuts.

From my perspective I don't have any problem with AARP and UHC, but I can understand if some people do.

That being said, most every insurance company tries to persuade their customers to to go with a medicare advantage plan if they are on medicare. Aetna, Cigna, Humana, etc.

If you are only paying 125/month for a supplemental F or G medigap plan, that is a good rate, but even at that rate, for people who are living on just social security, and who took their social security benefit at 62.5, 125/month might still be too expensive even for them, adding food and boarding costs, which is why many still need Medicare Advantage plans, because they cannot even afford the 125/month, and having some coverage is better than nothing.

This is why the whole system needs to be revamped, but that isn't going to happen anytime soon, if ever.

Medicaid income limits need to be increased, some sort of Medicare for all incorporated because it needs more healthy than non-healthy people in the pool to keep the premiums down, etc.

None of this is going to happen though. Too many special interests involved.

[SheltieLover]

101. Thx for sharing

[JohnSJ]

104. In the end we each have to base our decisions on what we think is best with our own situation, and under

the current regime that is getting harder everyday.

[SheltieLover]

106. Yup

[FirstLight]

12. Good point!!!

I agree, they are NOT doing shit for people...and United Healthcare? yeah, fuck that.

[SheltieLover]

14. I couldn't agree more!

Scam like mosg things in the United States of Extortion!

[slightlv]

15. Mom and dad were members

For years. Good advocacy back then.. no one I my generation has joined cos they just seem to be MA pushers.

Also, notice how young you can be now and still get membership? I thought it was now like 40-50 you. It's like they're totally blowing off those for whom the organization was created. Anyone else getting the feeling a bunch of people wish we'd just hurry up and die? ... SMDH

[SheltieLover]

18. My folks were members too

Yup. Hurry up & die so repugs can pocket what we paid into SS & Medicare.

[Runningdawg]

16. I joined 2 weeks ago when I turned 65, waste of money.

First thing I did was inquire about life insurance. That 9.99 forever BS is just that.
Im healthy a non smoker, 65 and each year my premium WILL rise.
Preimum now is 39$ and will rise 20% per year.
If I die in the next two years, nothing is covered.
Insurance (all of it) is the biggest scam this nation has ever seen.

I looked at every plan they offered and this is the best they could do. Screw em.

[SheltieLover]

19. Wait till you are nearly 70.

Your mailbox will be flooded with life ins bs.

Yup. Big scam all right.

[DENVERPOPS]

35. The net, net is

that AARP is, and always has been, a giant Corporation of Insurance, with a smoke screen front about who they really are and who they truly care about...........If you look through there newsletters etc with a careful analytical eye, it is more than obvious they are right of center. They are very careful on what they cover in their 'news' articles and what they don't cover................very subtle............

[Henry203]

129. Their dental is the only one

That covers implants.

[Bayard]

17. I canceled months ago

They still took the automatic payment out of my account. I called and raised hell. They refunded it, but I still keep getting their emails.

[SheltieLover]

20. Call & tell them to stop emails

Lady was able to note my address "undeliverable."

[SidneyR]

21. I would cancel

but AARP is bundled with my United Health Care medigap supplement plan. I have to be an AARP member to keep the plan.

[Auggie]

23. Good idea. Data gathering and burgeoning A.I. firm Palantir counts AARP as one of its clients.

DU thread on Palantir here: https://www.democraticunderground.com/100220345003

Palantir investors are making a fortune from data gathered from you by institutions like AARP.

[NJCher]

24. Bravo, you

for bringing this up.

[CarlSpackler]

27. AMAC?

Is the Association of Mature American Citizens (AMAC) a better option?

[SeattleVet]

39. Absolutely NOT!!!! AMAC was formed as the 'conservative alternative to AARP'.

They are as right-wing nutcase as possible, and then some.

[AZLD4Candidate]

30. I'll never join it when I am eligible. AARP is a farce.

[bromeando]

31. AARP

I canceled years ago. The magazine was mostly ads.

[choie]

32. I work for a non profit in NY that focuses on older adults

and I provide assistance with benefits. We also do a lot of advocacy on the federal, state and local level. As a non profit in AARP's sphere (although no where as influential, far reaching and large) I join you in being very disappointed in AARP's refusal to advocate against these cuts. Clearly it's for political reasons, yet shows a distinct lack of courage. They certainly don't shy away from touting Medicare Advantage plans. It's a shame that they have done such a diservice to older adults, especially those who rely on benefits. I hope others recognize this and act accordingly.

[bluescribbler]

36. That's why I never joined.

IMHO, they sold out the seniors during the debate over Medicare part D.

[neohippie]

37. I joined and then never renewed

I quickly noticed that many of their offerings were not really good deals, it was a waste of money to be constantly sent advertising for things that I could buy for less money on my own. It was like paying to be on a junk mail list

And yes they don't seem to be advocating for seniors the way that they should be

[barbtries]

41. never joined. nt

[DFW]

42. One time, instead of ignoring their mail, I wrote them back:

“I don’t need any more insurance, and I don’t qualify for your club, since I am not retired.”

Their lengthy, detailed response was………

Hah! Are you serious? They ignored my note and continued to send me their regular junk mail, which, if you think about it, is pretty much as clear an answer as any other.

[lark]

43. Husband and I have cancelled too.

He pushed me to join him in AARP because he thought we'd get good discounts. That has proven not to be true and with their insane silence on Medicare, well we both cancelled a few months ago.

[Clouds Passing]

44. Will do. I'm not a member but I will requset to be removed from their mailing list. Too much selling

Thanks SL

[SheltieLover]

46. The barrage of ads from them is never endong

[Clouds Passing]

75. So much recycling to separate and shred

[SheltieLover]

91. Yup. Really pisses me off.

[twodogsbarking]

45. Card came in the mail addressed from The Presbyterian Retirement Home. It said "You Belong Here".

It was addressed to my wife, not me. I found it more amusing than she. One son is visiting tomorrow. Can't wait to show him and hear his reply.

[SheltieLover]

47. Well, that is quite presumotuous, isn't it?

They'd prob poison me in a religiois community as I don't buy into man made religious "rules."

[tazcat]

48. Thanks sooo much for tele #!

Just called to cancel mailings have been getting since in my 20"s! Lady was super nice and we had a few laughs!

[SheltieLover]

55. Yw!

Did you tell her about their lack of action to protect seniors & their pushing UHC disadvantage plans?

[Just Jerome]

50. Would that I could,

but it’s a requirement of my Medigap.

[SheltieLover]

56. UHC no doubt

You can switch later this year if you choose to.

[SCantiGOP]

51. They are a force for good, overall

Just because you are not seeing them on TV every day is no reason to trash their efforts.

[AKwannabe]

76. Wrong

Republican PAC

Disguised

[C_U_L8R]

53. Never joined, never really saw a reason

especially if they aren't effectively advocating on behalf of us seniors. Actions and results matter.

[SheltieLover]

57. Absolutely!

[dobleremolque]

54. AARP long ago became nothing more than a shell for

hawking various forms of insurance and discount cell phones dumbed down for non-techy old people.

The organization maintains NO political presence and has NO political clout. Not worth it at any amount of dues.

[SheltieLover]

58. My folks belonged to it

But they also belonged to the NRA before it became an arm of tge republicon party..

[surfered]

62. The Medicare Advantage spam phone calls are driving me crazy. We dropped our membership years ago

[Bluestocking]

63. I never joined

They are just an insurance company. It’s a scam. I get my discounts through AAA.

[doc03]

64. They seem to be just an insurance company anymore. I had their auto and homeowners

insurance until I had to make a claim for hail damage to my house a few years ago. Every house in the neighborhood
had been approved for new shingles but mine. They sent an appraiser out that pulls in the driveway and didn't even get out of his car, he says I don't see any damage. I showed him pictures a contractor took of my turtle vents convered with dents. He said he would pay for the three turtle vents 3 squares of shingles. To make a long story short I fought them 4 months before they finally sent another appraiser that agreed I needed new shingles. That's was Hartford insurance, I would never deal with them again.

[SheltieLover]

67. Had a very similar exper with State Farm a couple yrs ago.

Fkrs!

I won & got my solar reflective roof good up to 130 mph.

[llmart]

113. I had a similar experience.

I had both auto and home owners through them. First and only claim I ever had in my lifetime for homeowners (I've owned 4 houses, the first one at 24 years old and I'm now 76) and they paid for the repairs but when my policy came up for renewal it jumped an incredible amount. I dropped them (Hartford) immediately and told them why.

[flashman13]

66. AARP is an insurance company masquerading as your friendly old folks magazine.

Stay away from advantage plans. They are a scam. Go straight Medicare, but you should seriously consider a supplemental plan. With Medicare and a supplement two years of cancer treatment cost me $240 out of pocket.

And their failure to oppose tRump is a good reason to cancel.

[SheltieLover]

68. Oh I let them know all right!

I have real Medicare with the besg gap policy, thru Farm Bureau, even c9vers the deductible!

[flashman13]

71. I was lucky to have an honest insurance agent. He told me he was obligated to show me their Advantage plans.

Then he told me Advantage Plans are crap, but most people don't find out until it's too late. Then he showed me a couple of different supplements. I went home happy and he was able to go home and look himself in the mirror.

Honesty is in such short supply.

[SheltieLover]

92. You were lucky!

[AKwannabe]

72. They are a Republican RAG to boot.

Never will I support or accept this PAC for Republicans!

[Grins]

73. "AARP is just a front organization for United Health Care"

Can’t recall who wrote that.

I looked for supplement health insurance options a year ago. Started with AARP in which I’m a member.

And then I read the comments!! From AARP members who took their advice, got United Health, and it was all downhill from there.
And there were thousands of complaints.
And thousands of questions from AARP members asking why AARP continued to back them given how bad they are.

AARP, when questioned, NEVER explained why. Over the years AARP has never looked at any other insurer to compete for their sponsorship.

It’s because of all the $$$$ they get from United.
Because United owns AARP.
AARP is a marketing front for United Health.

I went with another insurer. My AARP membership will expire in a few months. I won’t renew it.

[SheltieLover]

81. I am appalled by members here with disadvantage pls who are required to be AARP members!

[Henry203]

128. Their dental is the only one

Which covers implants.

[peacebuzzard]

77. I did not renew this year.

just because there is no real advantage in the program at all.

[SheltieLover]

83. Right! Good for you!

As others have said, AARP only exists to sell UHC disadvantage plans!

[peacebuzzard]

107. their life insurance plans are of no value really.

Unless you need guaranteed insurance for something, but the pricing is very high.

[SheltieLover]

108. I've trashed all their ads. I don't even look af them.

[peacebuzzard]

109. same. at one time they could have started something positive,

But it's all ads for nothing; no use for any of the advertisers, and their subscription enrollment gifts are a joke. All very cheap stuff.
I didn't realize until now how I have been renewing, maybe thinking of their discounts but I may have used the AARP card once in ten years. It was for a hotel room, which you can get anyway with a senior discount.

[happy feet]

78. Good idea

I haven’t used any Svcs from them anyway

[SheltieLover]

84. Me either.

[Evolve Dammit]

79. Won't be renewing. I noticed too. Thanks for the reminder!

[SheltieLover]

85. Yw!

[TimeToGo]

80. I don't get your point

They aren't a government entity. They are out arguing against the cuts.

If you think they should do more, then telling them that would be a good idea.

[SheltieLover]

86. I did tell them. Others say they only exist to sel UHC disadvantage plans

Then people are required to belong to AARP.

[3825-87867]

82. Ever wonder how old those running AARP are?

Might make a difference to some!

[SheltieLover]

88. No idea

[wolfie001]

94. The fact that they're "non-patisan" translates to, "We're run by republicons"

Of course, the repukes want to keep this organization on the sidelines. The more gas-lighting they do about shitty Medicare Advantage Plans and free cheap-ass carry crap around bags, the better. They sure don't want those voters informed and involved.

[SheltieLover]

95. Absolutely!

[wolfie001]

96. Great post Sheltie!

I retired a year and a half ago. I've always avoided AARP mainly because I don't travel. I guess many join it for that reason with hotel discounts. Glad you dumped them. They don't fight for us. Cheers

[SheltieLover]

97. I joined because I believed they were on our side.

Silly me!

One yr for $13 & out!

I was reared in an extremely Democratic, union home & parents were members.

But they were also NRA members when focus was on safety, etc. Decades ago.

No more.

[Henry203]

103. Aarp dental insurance covers implants

It is the only dental insurance that covers implants for seniors Mutual of Omaha is the least expensive supplemental. I have done my homework.

[Oopsie Daisy]

110. Meh... Sorry, I'll stay.

On balance, they do a good job.

[William769]

111. Me & AARP is like 7-up & caffeine. Never had it, never will.

[SheltieLover]

114. William!!!!!!

Lively to see you!!!

[TommyT139]

121. You're here!!!

William769, you had us more than worried.

[JohnSJ]

126. Glad to see you!!! You have been missed.

[Martin68]

112. We let our membership lapse a few year ago. They had nothing to offer except their insurance.

We paid our dues because they did some lobbying for good causes, but we heard less and less about that.

[SheltieLover]

115. I don't believe they are currently doing anything to help seniors

[Diraven]

117. Supposedly they are a non-profit

But the only thing I ever hear from them is paid promotions for products they made deals for with big corporations. They're basically more like a big advertising and branding company.

[SheltieLover]

118. Yup

[airplaneman]

119. What did it for me was:

In their Monthly Bulltin I don't remember exactly when, but a number of months back they had an article about Medicare Advantage that was really telling that they don't care about the downside. They talked about MA well it's now more popular than regular Medicare and the wave of the future. No mention whatsoever about the downside. Between this and hearing they have made hundreds of millions of dollars off of United Healthcare I no longer want to hear their propaganda. I wasn't reading their stuff very often anyhow and usually found their articles pretty non-informal and mundane like it was pretty much fluff BS anyhow. I now just throw their mailings in the trash can and will never renew with them. My critical thinking skills tells me to not bother with them.
-Airplane

[SheltieLover]

122. You can call & ask them to note your address as undeliverablee

Yup that's when they showed you who they are as an organization.

Good call!

[Roy Rolling]

120. "I've Been a Member for a Year"

That should have been included in the original post for context.

[SheltieLover]

123. Membership is implied by the fact that I canceled.

[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.

[SheltieLover]

130. In my experience, they do nothing but attempt to load members with insurance

Yes, they need to remain non-partisan, but are suposed to advocate for their membership base, seniors.

I have not seen any action from AARP indicating they are advocating for seniors, but I receive numerous life insurance promos weekly.

I'm done. No desire to be affiliated with any org so closely tied to Medicare disadvantage programs & UHC.

[Henry203]

134. It is important to do research.

Blue cross is the most expensive of the supplemental insurance.
UHC is second
Mutual of Omaha is the least expensive.
All plans are the same.
Dental insurance
AARP through Delta dental pays for implants
Delta dental without AARP does not cover implants.
I believe AARP dental is the only insurance that covers implants for seniors.
I say ignore the noise and see if anything they offer is good for you.

We will be using the implant insurance for my wife and I.

[SheltieLover]

135. I can assure you that nothing AARP offers would be good for me.

Thx for sharing & good luck with your implants.

[Henry203]

138. Did you check their dental

And compare it with other dental plans?

[SheltieLover]

142. Yes. I found their dental to be the same bs as all the others.

Nothing is covered for 6 mos., just for starters.

[JohnSJ]

137. All supplemental plans are required to offer the same benefits.

[JohnSJ]

133. I am on the same page as you. I have never had a problem with them, and am a long term member.

I also receive letters from them all the time urging me to contact my representatives to tell them no cuts to Social Security or Medicare.

For those seem to portray AARP as some "right-wing" organization, that is not accurate.

AARP is not an insurance company. It's a nonprofit membership organization that partners with other insurance providers to offer various insurance products to its members.

Just my two cents.

From my perspective the bigger dangers are the Zuckerberg, Bezo, Musk, and other billionaire owners who are actually aligning themselves with this draconian administration.

[Norrrm]

127. When the MA scammers from India call, I say I'm 94. All I hear is 'click'.

[JohnSJ]

140. In general I never answer calls from numbers I don't recognize. I know I am missing out on my

"Publishers Clearing House" rewards though by that foolish act of mine.

[OrlandoDem2]

139. Bravo! We need to ALL step up the pressure!

[SheltieLover]

141. Thx! Yup, we do!

[Norrrm]

144. Just by reading this forum, I am suddenly getting ads for AARP.

[SheltieLover]

148. Don't give in to them.