According to AARP’s chief advocacy officer, millions of older Americans have worked hard, played by the rules, and now find themselves barely getting by. Understanding how AARP fights for senior interests helps you stay informed about policies that directly affect your daily life. With 38 million members nationwide, AARP represents a powerful voice in protecting the benefits you’ve earned and advocating for policies that improve life for Americans 50 and older.

Fighting for Social Security and Medicare

As Social Security turns 90 and Medicare reaches 60, AARP continues its decades-long commitment to protecting these essential programs. Nearly 69.4 million people received Social Security payments in April 2025, making it the largest source of retirement income for most beneficiaries.

Without congressional action, Social Security benefits could be reduced by nearly 17% in the next decade – a loss of about $4,000 annually for the average retired beneficiary. AARP mobilizes members to contact Congress, emphasizing that these are earned benefits, not handouts.

The organization also fights Medicare funding threats and advocates for continued prescription drug price negotiations. AARP’s constant advocacy occurs at federal, state, and local levels throughout the year.

State-by-State Legislative Victories

AARP’s presence in every state allows for targeted advocacy on issues affecting local communities. In 2025, significant wins demonstrate the organization’s effectiveness.

Texas saw major anti-fraud legislation pass with AARP support, including requirements for background checks at independent living facilities and stronger protections against deed fraud. The state also eliminated the “widow’s penalty” that allowed insurance companies to charge higher rates to widows.

Maryland advanced legislation creating searchable directories for home health care providers and requiring virtual currency kiosk registration to combat cryptocurrency scams targeting seniors.

Florida passed legislation expanding long-term care residents’ rights and enhancing hurricane relief capabilities. AARP Florida also supported updating housing legislation to create more accessible living options.

Federal Legislative Priorities

AARP supports the Senior Security Act of 2025, bipartisan legislation establishing a Securities and Exchange Commission task force to combat financial fraud targeting older adults. With older Americans losing billions annually to financial exploitation, this represents crucial protection for retirement savings.

The organization backs federal tax proposals that would increase the additional standard deduction for taxpayers 65 and older, helping offset Social Security income taxes. AARP also supports making the Paid Family and Medical Leave tax credit permanent, recognizing that many older Americans serve as caregivers.

Protecting Healthcare Coverage

AARP joined the Modern Medicaid Alliance, a coalition of 100+ organizations working to protect Medicaid from proposed funding cuts. This matters because Medicaid covers long-term care costs that Medicare doesn’t, serving as a crucial safety net for seniors.

The organization continues advocating against privatization efforts and supports policies that strengthen Medicare’s ability to negotiate prescription drug prices. The $2,000 annual prescription drug cost cap that took effect in 2025 resulted from years of AARP advocacy.

How AARP’s Advocacy Works

AARP supports a sophisticated advocacy operation that includes professional lobbyists, policy researchers, and grassroots organizing. AARP maintains offices in every state and builds relationships with lawmakers from both parties.

The organization’s nonpartisan approach means supporting good policies regardless of which party proposes them. AARP worked with Republican leadership to create Medicare Part D and with Democratic leadership on the Affordable Care Act, always focusing on what benefits people 50 and older.

AARP’s Policy, Research & International division produces data showing how policies affect older Americans in specific states and congressional districts. This research gives lawmakers concrete information about their constituents’ needs.

AARP’s voice matters in advocacy efforts. The organization makes it easy for people to contact legislators through action alerts and advocacy tools. When thousands of constituents from a representative’s district contact their office about Social Security or Medicare, it gets attention.

Staying Engaged

AARP hosts tele-town halls, lobby days, and community forums where you can learn about pending legislation and ask questions. Consider participating in AARP’s advocacy efforts to receive timely updates on legislation and opportunities to make your voice heard.

The organization’s 60+ years of advocacy have resulted in countless improvements to older Americans’ lives. From establishing Medicare to fighting off privatization attempts, from expanding Social Security benefits to securing prescription drug price negotiations, AARP’s persistence continues making a difference.