AARP Health Care Options Provider Network

AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) is a nonprofit organization, which offers to its members a broad range of services and products. These services can range from insurance to a multitude of discounts. It is currently the largest organization for people over the age of 50, has over 38 million members, and is expected to keep gaining in size as the baby boomers age. Of the 38 million, approximately 7 million are receiving AARP branded health insurance.

History

AARP was founded in 1958, by Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, as a spin-off of the NRTA (National Retired Teachers Association) which was founded in 1947. Dr. Andrus was the first female high school principal in the state of California, and took an active interest in teacher poverty levels worrying that their pensions were so small. Together, with the help of Leonard Davis, the two began to obtain health insurance policies for retired teachers within the nursing home she had started. The organization is currently a division within the AARP.

Facts

AARP is not a provider of insurance, but rather acts as an insurance agent. By allowing insurance companies to use its name for advertising the company receives a commission. It is soon expected to become the largest health insurance source among Medicare recipients. The AARP website and monthly bulletins assist members to effectively search for the best health insurance options for that individual.

Misconceptions

It is a common misconception that AARP is only for retired people. The truth is that AARP is available for anyone 50 or older. As the baby boomer generation is reaching that 50 mark, AARP is available for the younger crowd still working or otherwise. And while AARP doesn't offer it's own health insurance as commonly misconstrued, it does give provider lists for insurance companies and offers discounts.

Benefits

AARP members are not only eligible for discounts on health insurance, but a plethora of other services including discounted prescriptions, hotels, vacation packages and one-stop shopping for them through Internet websites and monthly bulletins and magazines. AARP acts a viable tool for the 50 and older community to save on travel, health and home for only $12.50 a year.

Potential

AARP is projected to have approximately 14 million members participating in their health care programs by 2014. This year AARP celebrates its own 50th birthday and has recently hit the 40 million-member mark. Recovering from a slump when baby boomers began to turn their backs on AARP, a new approach to advertising has helped to put AARP back on the map and now enrollment percentages are soaring. By becoming more involved with more local chapters and getting the attention of governmental officials, the future and possibilities for AARP are looking brighter every day.