Unlocking the Power of AARP: A Comprehensive Guide for Members and their Benefits with Hero

Understanding AARP: An Overview

AARP, formerly known as the American Association of Retired Persons, is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that aims to enhance the quality of life for individuals aged 50 and above. With more than 38 million members, AARP is an influential lobbying group that offers various services, benefits, and programs tailored to the needs of people aged 55 and older (Source). AARP is a champion for social change, helping people navigate ageless realities such as financial well-being, health, societal contribution, and enjoying life (Source). 

What is AARP?

Founded in 1958 by Ethel Percy Andrus, a retired high school principal, AARP has grown into a formidable force in promoting the well-being of older persons through advocacy, education, and service. It offers various benefits to its members, including access to health and auto insurance products, discounts on services and products, educational resources, and advocacy on issues affecting the elderly. AARP's mission is to enhance the quality of life for all as we age by leading positive social change and delivering value to members through advocacy, service, and information (Source). AARP is dedicated to empowering people to choose how they live as they age and focuses on empowering older adults to have independence, choice, and control in ways that are beneficial to them and society as a whole (Source).

AARP offers a wide range of benefits and services to its members, including access to health insurance plans, Medicare Advantage plans, driver safety courses, and various resources for financial security, caregiving, and community engagement. The organization also advocates for public policy changes that positively impact older Americans and provides valuable information through its monthly AARP Bulletin and other publications (Source).

AARP also publishes two of the largest-circulation publications in the United States: the monthly AARP Bulletin and the bimonthly magazine AARP The Magazine (Source).

The Evolution of AARP: From National Retired Teachers Association to a Nonprofit Organization

AARP has its roots in the National Retired Teachers Association (NRTA), which was founded in 1947 by Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus. NRTA was established to address the economic challenges and health insurance needs of retired educators. In response to requests from non-educators who wanted access to NRTA benefits, Dr. Andrus created AARP as a sister organization to NRTA, allowing the general population aged 55 and older to access insurance benefits previously limited to former teachers (Source).

Over the years, AARP has expanded beyond health insurance and developed other benefits, programs, and services for its members. Some notable milestones in AARP's history include advocating for the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, launching Tax-Aide in 1968 to provide free tax preparation and filing services, and introducing the AARP Driver Safety Program in 1979 to help older drivers stay safe on the road (Source). 

AARP has also established a strong international presence, collaborating with organizations worldwide to promote the well-being of older persons through advocacy, education, and service. Some notable initiatives include the Global Council on Brain Health, launched in 2015 in collaboration with Age UK (Source).

Today, AARP continues to grow and adapt to the changing needs of its members, offering a wide range of resources and benefits designed to improve the quality of life for older Americans.

The Benefits of Being an AARP Member

AARP membership offers a wide range of benefits, discounts, and resources for individuals aged 50 and above. By joining AARP, members gain access to carefully chosen discounts, information, and services that cater to their needs (Source). These services aim to enhance the quality of life for older Americans by providing access to valuable resources, programs, and advocacy efforts. Some of the most popular benefits that AARP members frequently use include (Source):

• AARP Medicare plans insured through UnitedHealthcare
• Unlimited Cash Back rewards with the AARP^® Credit Card from Chase
• Exclusive valuable offers and rewards on health and wellness products from Walgreens
• AARP Travel
• Delta Dental Insurance Plan
• AARP Hearing Center
• AARP Job Board
• Car rental discounts with Budget and Avis
• BMI Calculator
• AARP Auto Buying Program
• EyeMed Vision Insurance
• AARP Games.

One of the primary offerings from AARP is their comprehensive insurance plan for older Americans. This plan provides coverage for various health care needs, ensuring that members have access to affordable and quality health care services (Source).

In addition to the AARP Insurance Plan, AARP has partnered with UnitedHealthcare to offer the Medicare Advantage Plan. This plan provides supplemental coverage for services like meal delivery and rides to medical appointments, which may not be covered under traditional Medicare (Source).

Another valuable service offered by AARP is the AARP Driver Safety Program. This program aims to ensure safe driving for the elderly by offering courses designed specifically for drivers aged 50 and older. The AARP Smart Driver course is the nation's first refresher course tailored for this age group, teaching proven driving techniques to help keep participants and their loved ones safe on the road (Source). By completing this course, participants may also be eligible for a multi-year discount on their auto insurance premiums (Source).

Some other benefits that AARP members can enjoy include:

• Access to a wide range of discounts on products and services, such as cellphones, groceries, and hotels (Source).
• Educational resources and programs to help members stay informed and engaged in their communities (Source).
• Advocacy efforts to influence government policy on issues affecting older people, including Medicare and Social Security (Source).

AARP offers a variety of services and benefits beyond just insurance plans, aiming to improve the lives of older Americans through access to valuable resources, programs, and advocacy efforts. By joining AARP, members can take advantage of these offerings and enjoy a more fulfilling and secure retirement.

AARP Insurance Plan: Security for Older Americans

AARP offers insurance plans through third-party providers, ensuring that members have access to high-quality insurance products at competitive prices. These plans cover a wide range of needs, including health, auto, home, and life insurance (Source). By partnering with reputable insurers, AARP helps its members find the right insurance solutions for their unique needs.

AARP offers insurance plans that provide security for older Americans. One of the most popular benefits is the AARP^® Dental Insurance Plan, administered by Delta Dental Insurance Company. This plan offers individual or family coverage for the most common dental procedures. Additionally, AARP^® MyVision Care provided through EyeMed includes three members-only vision plans starting at $4.38 per month. Members can take advantage of $10 maximum copays for comprehensive eye exams, with diabetic vision exams every six months, loss of sight benefits and more (Source).

Medicare Advantage Plan: A Comprehensive Health Coverage

AARP also provides access to Medicare Advantage plans. Medicare Advantage, also known as Medicare Part C, is an all-in-one alternative to original Medicare. Private insurance companies offer Medicare Advantage plans that bundle together Part A hospital coverage, Part B doctor and outpatient services, and usually Part D prescription coverage into one comprehensive plan (Source). AARP members can choose from various Medicare Advantage plans to find the best fit for their healthcare needs. Many plans help pay for services that original Medicare does not cover, such as routine dental, hearing and vision care (Source).

AARP Driver Safety: Ensuring Safe Journeys for the Elderly

AARP's Driver Safety program is another key benefit for members. It offers the AARP Smart Driver course, which teaches proven driving techniques to help keep members and their loved ones safe on the road. The course can be taken at a discounted rate, in a classroom or online. Moreover, after course completion, members may even be eligible for a multi-year car insurance discount (Source). 

Joining Local Chapters for Community Engagement and Support

Joining local AARP chapters can provide members with opportunities for community engagement and support. For example, in Louisville, the Compassionate Campaign encourages members to help their neighbors in ways big and small, fostering a sense of community and mutual support (Source). In Maine, the AARP team offers various resources and programs focusing on issues such as fraud prevention, caregiving, and financial security (Source). By participating in local chapters, AARP members can not only receive support but also contribute to their communities in meaningful ways.

Maximizing an AARP membership involves taking full advantage of the health care resources and services available, utilizing the exclusive discounts and benefits offered, and engaging with local chapters for community support. By doing so, members can significantly enhance their quality of life.

AARP Experience Corps and Other Programs: Enhancing Life After Retirement

AARP offers various programs to help members stay engaged and active during their retirement years. One such program is the AARP Experience Corps, which connects older adults with volunteer opportunities and project ideas for sharing their life experiences, skills, and passions in their communities (Source). AARP Community Connections is another resource that helps members organize online mutual aid groups to stay connected, share ideas, and support those in need (Source: https://www.aarp.org/new-york/caregiver-resources).

In addition to these programs, AARP provides resources for family caregivers, including a family caregiver guide, a toll-free Family Caregiving Resource Line, and an online discussion group on Facebook (Source). By joining AARP, members can access these valuable resources and many more to enhance their lives after retirement.

How AARP Advocates for the Elderly Population

AARP is a powerful advocate for the elderly population in the United States, working tirelessly to empower people aged 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for health security, financial stability, and personal fulfillment (Source). One of the ways AARP supports the elderly population is through its charitable affiliate, the AARP Foundation.

AARP Foundation: Fighting Senior Poverty

The AARP Foundation is dedicated to creating and advancing effective solutions to reduce poverty for and with older adults. In 2022, the people served by the AARP Foundation received more than $726 million in income, benefits, refunds, and credits. The foundation focuses on fighting systemic injustice and helping older adults with low income re-enter the workforce, bolster their budgets, give back to their communities, and recover from disasters (Source). Through grantmaking, the AARP Foundation collaborates with organizations to advance projects that can become sustainable solutions to the challenges facing older adults living with low income (Source).

AARP Institute: Research and Education for Better Aging

The AARP Public Policy Institute is another key component of AARP's advocacy efforts. Established in 1985, this institute conducts research and provides objective analysis on various issues affecting older Americans. It plays a significant role in shaping public policy and informing the public about critical matters related to aging (Source). For example, the AARP Institute of Lifetime Learning began providing educational programs for older persons in 1963, promoting the idea that learning can and should be a lifetime experience (Source).

AARP's advocacy efforts also extend to supporting digital skills training for older adults. In collaboration with Google.org, AARP Foundation received a $10 million grant to provide technology and digital skills training to 25,000 low-income individuals aged 50 and older, focusing on women and people of color. This initiative aims to increase older adults' economic security and social connections (Source).

All in all, AARP is a strong advocate for the elderly population in the United States, working through its foundation and institute to address senior poverty, promote education, and support digital skills training. By doing so, AARP helps ensure that older adults can live fulfilling lives as they age.

Hero and AARP: A Partnership for Better Health Management

AARP's mission is to empower people to choose how they live as they age. Hero complements this mission by providing a solution that assists older adults with managing their health independently. With the rise of chronic conditions among the elderly, medication management can be overwhelming. Hero and AARP have partnered to provide AARP members with an innovative solution for medication management. Hero's smart pill dispenser offers a convenient and efficient way for AARP members to organize and manage their medications.

How Hero Benefits AARP Members

The Hero smart dispenser is a device that stores, sorts, and dispenses up to a 90-day supply each of 10 different types of pills (Source). This advanced medication management system provides users with a mobile app that allows them to interface with the Hero smart dispense as the primary user or remotely as a caregiver. The app enables users to receive medication reminders, track their medication adherence with personalized reports, and more (Source).

For caregivers, the Hero app allows them to monitor their loved one's medication adherence and receive notifications if a dose is missed (Source). This partnership between AARP and Hero aims to assist in the overall health and well-being of older adults by simplifying medication management and reducing the stress associated with caregiving. This aligns with AARP's advocacy for caregiver support and resources (Source).

Special Discounts for AARP Members with Hero

As part of the partnership between Hero and AARP, exclusive discounts are offered to AARP members. AARP members also benefit from an unlimited warranty for the duration of their Hero subscription term, ensuring they get the best value for their investment in their health (Source). The subscription model with commitment terms allows Hero to offer its smart pill dispenser at an affordable price while also making constant product updates and improvements (Source).

This partnership between Hero and AARP is a testament to their shared commitment to aid in improving health care for older adults. By leveraging technology, they aim to empower individuals to manage their health independently, while also providing support for caregivers.

To wrap up, the partnership between AARP and Hero offers valuable benefits to AARP members, aiming to provide them with an innovative and efficient way to manage their medications. With special discounts, AARP members can enjoy the convenience and peace of mind that comes with using Hero's smart pill dispenser and connected mobile app.