AARP is proud to represent and serve 19,930 AARP members age 50+ in the state.

For 50 years, AARP has had one mission:  making life better for older Americans. AARP was created after its founder discovered a retired teacher in poor health living in a chicken coop, unable to afford medical care and with barely enough money to live on. Since then, AARP has been fighting for health and financial security for all Americans.

In 2010, AARP Virgin Islands will be working with legislators from all parties to protect lifeline programs that provide seniors with food, health care and other necessities from deep budget cuts.  We will also be working to strengthen state laws to prevent banks and credit card companies from taking advantage of older Americans and to protect consumers from unfair utility hikes.

AARP:  Working To Improve the Lives of All Virgin Islanders

Protecting Medicare:  We are fighting to protect guaranteed benefits for the 14,605 Virgin Islanders who receive their health care through Medicare.

Improving Access to Quality Care:  AARP created the “Health Parity for Puerto Rico and the Territories” movement to tell Congress all citizens must be brought into the health care system on an equitable basis. A special website, www.healthparitypr.org, was created to engage AARP members to support the goal of providing all citizens, including those that reside in the , with access to quality, affordable health care options. Specific requests to end current disparities in the health care system, include:

• Lifting the cap on Medicaid in the and providing the citizens with the same Medicaid access and obligations as the states.

• Including the in the definition of eligible “state(s)” to receive subsidies in the proposed Health Insurance Exchange.