Updated: The Facts about AARP's Position on Medicare Prescription Drug Legislation

Why did AARP endorse the legislation?

AARP believes that millions of older Americans and their families will be helped by this legislation. Though far from perfect, the bill represents an historic breakthrough and important milestone in the nation's commitment to strengthen and expand health security for current beneficiaries and future generations.

The bill will provide prescription drug coverage at little cost to those who need it most: people with low incomes, including those who depend on Social Security for all or most of their income. It will provide substantial relief for those with very high drug costs, and will provide modest relief for millions more. It also provides a substantial increase in protections for retiree benefits and maintains fairness by upholding the health benefit protections of the Age Discrimination and Employment Act.

While you may have heard from some media reports that AARP only met with Republicans, that's simply not true. AARP leaders and staff, including our CEO Bill Novelli, have worked with all parties to try to get the best bill we could for our members.

How did AARP's volunteer Board of Directors reach this decision?

AARP gathered ideas and reactions from our members through surveys; town meetings; calls and letters; face-to-face meetings with groups of members; and other means. All of this information was presented to our all-volunteer Board of Directors which reviewed it and voted to endorse the bill.

AARP has been working for many years to secure a prescription drug benefit in Medicare. This has been our number one legislative priority. Until this year, there has been nothing but gridlock and delay. But, now with $400 billion available over the next 10 years, we have the best chance ever to break the stalemate. It is true that the proposed legislation is not perfect, but our members cannot wait for the perfect bill. They need help now.

Will AARP benefit financially from the passage of the legislation?

AARP's positions are grounded solely in the needs and interests expressed by our members. We never choose our positions based on our business interests. AARP has repeatedly said that we will support public policy initiatives even if they eliminate the need for AARP services and products.

Is AARP aligned with a political party?

AARP is non-partisan -- we don't support any party. We support older Americans and we do our best to represent our members' needs and interests. In the end, we made our decision to support this bill based on the bill's merits and our members' needs. AARP leaders met with both Republicans and Democrats to try to get the best bill we could for our members.

What remains to be done?

AARP has launched a national grassroots, advertising and information campaign to explain the legislation and urge bipartisan support for its passage. We will keep up the pressure in Washington, in states, and in other ways to make drug costs more affordable and accessible.