American Association of Retired Persons - Essay Example

AARP The interest group of American Association of Retired Persons, (AARP), dedicates itself to people of age 50 and over. There are more than 33 million participants in this not-for-profit organization which is United States based and non-government. Predicted membership by 2015 is expected to be near 70 million. Founded in 1958 by a high school principal, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, its objective was to display her theory of aging productively and to respond to the need for health insurance for retired teachers. AARP is dedicated to the defense and advancement of various activities such as lobbying at the national and state government level. One of its divisions promotes reduced rates at auto rental agencies, many tourist sites, and multiple lodging chains. There are also donated funds available for elderly issues including legal help, employment assistance, and education for older drivers. AARP also distributes a free bi-monthly publication devoted to issues on aging. Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Meeting the needs of middle-aged and older Americans is the foundation of in-depth research of the AARP organization. The changes needed to support the menu for social change must also be affordable, so that they are maintained to last for coming generations. Through the commitment and support of its members and volunteers, AARP has the energy and power to progress everyone’s quality of life as they mature in age. AARP defines crucial steps to assist the aging population reach their goals. We must revamp the nation’s health and economic systems. Information must be provided to help people build security with their health and financial needs. Communities should be made aware of the older members’ needs. Services and products need to be responsive to older consumers. We must also learn from, and share with, other nations what works best for our aging populace to achieve independence and control for as long as possible. AARP’s goals for economic security include having respectable savings and income. Relying on having a guaranteed Social Security benefit which is adjusted for inflation on an n annual basis is mandatory for our aging population. If so desired, the older American should also be able to continue in the workforce. We must have the necessary resources to manage our retirement assets, be rid of consumer fraud, and the poor and special-needs families must have the tools needed to be informed and educated. The aging American is entitled to live in affordable housing with appropriate options to meet their requirements. Mobility and transportation needs should be provided. Older Americans need reliable information and tools to give them the necessary resources to make appropriate decisions. Being an AARP member provides numerous benefits One such recent benefit is the alliance of Walgreens and AARP. President of AARP Services Dawn Sweeney claims this relationship will assist members to wade through the clutter of wellness and health issues. Literature on the correct medications use is provided, along with community events such as flu shots being administered at regional Walgreens locations throughout the month of October. The benefits and services provided through AARP are numerous. Special pricing is offered to members. The ADT Companion Service is a wireless pendant or bracelet worn to call for help in an emergency. An alarm signal is transmitted to a monitoring specialist who speaks with you over a voice intercom and calls for emergency personnel if needed. Vision discounts are offered at various optical providers on eyewear, glaucoma screening, and eye exams. Pharmacy services save money on healthy living products, medical supplies, medications bought over-the-counter, and drug prescriptions. Supplies for diabetes testing, ostomy care, and respiratory items can be purchased and delivered to your home using this service. Vitamins, supplements and more are featured in the AARP Health Essentials catalog at sufficiently large savings. The recent AARP Medicare Rx Plan issued from United Healthcare was created to be affordable in offering prescription coverage to Medicare participants. The new plan offers no annual deductible, pre-set co-pay, along with access to a substantial amount of Medicare-allowed medications. Medical expenses that are unexpected and out-of-pocket can be a burden for the older person. AARP offers supplemental plans that can pay fixed cash benefits for services that are covered. Enhanced plans are also available to include surgery, office visits, and lab work. AARP also offers an assortment of primary healthcare plans to fit the budget of persons 50-64 years of age with choices of deductible levels. In September 2005, this option became available in fifteen states. There are also plans for AARP Medicare supplement insurance which allow you to select your own physicians. These plans were created to assist with payment for expenses that Medicare does not cover. Long- term care insurance is also available for the advantage of choosing how and where you will receive services for long-term care. This insurance option helps pay for home care, adult day care, nursing homes, and assisted living residences. AARP’s group life insurance is available as term and permanent coverage. There is no physical exam needed to qualify, and a vast selection of benefit amounts is offered. Dental insurance is also available as an AARP member-benefit. Most states recognize this insurance plan, and you can visit the dentist of your choice. Automobile insurance is available in some states and offers a comprehensive plan. Discounts at sponsored hotels, motels, car rentals, and much more are a bargain. Anyone fifty years old and over, retired or not, can take advantage of the numerous benefits as an AARP member for only a $12.00 annual membership fee. Application is easy using either the on-line or mail-in registration form and the free AARP monthly newsletter sent to all members will keep you informed of AARP news and promotions as they happen. The lobbying efforts of AARP personnel for social changes are ongoing. Changes need to be made that will improve the quality of life for the older population in the United States as we now live longer, and for the needs of future generations. As we use the benefits that AARP has to offer, we are also supporting their cause. We can make AARP a team effort. Source: AARP WORKS CITED AARP from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AARP AARP- A Force for Social Change http://www.aarp.org Read More