Public Policy Institute
About the AARP Public Policy Institute
AARP PPI conducts objective, relevant, and timely research on issues that reflect AARP's strategic priorities: health, economic security, independent living, long-term care, and consumer protection. The Institute also conducts work on emerging public policy issues in both the domestic and international arenas. To meet the diverse needs of its several audiences, the Institute uses a variety of report formats. Publications are available in hard copy and on the Internet. All AARP PPI research reports are peer reviewed by internal and external subject experts.
Technical Assistance/Expert Consultation
AARP PPI provides ad hoc, rapid-response analysis, expert consultation, and technical assistance and support to inform and help guide AARP's advocacy efforts. The work of the Institute is also intended to enhance decision makers' and opinion leaders' understanding of the needs and concerns of midlife and older Americans.
Public Representation
Staff represent AARP in public and professional forums through: service on task forces, work groups, commissions, and boards; presentations and speeches; and participation in external policy-related meetings. In so doing, the Institute contributes to and helps shape public discussion about AARP's priority issues and the needs and concerns of its diverse membership.
Drafting of the AARP Public Policy Book
Working closely with other AARP staff, AARP PPI drafts the AARP Public Policy Book each year, thereby informing the process of public policy development at AARP.
Organization of AARP PPI
The Institute is organized into four teams - the Economics Team, Financial Services and Utilities Team, Health Team, and Independent Living/Long-term Care Team - each of which is headed by an associate director and is staffed by senior policy advisors and other researchers and analysts. The diversity of knowledge, skill, and experience of a highly trained group of policy experts enables AARP PPI to address the major issues affecting the lives of midlife and older people.
The Economics Team conducts research and actively monitors and analyzes public policies on a wide range of issues and programs related to retirement and economic well-being, including: income distribution; income and asset inequality; poverty; Social Security; Supplemental Security Income; pension coverage and regulation; personal saving and wealth accumulation; employment; earnings; taxation and budget policies; age discrimination; demographic and socio-economic change; and related issues.
The Financial Services and Utilities Team focuses on marketplace practices affecting the ability of older people to obtain essential products and services. It conducts research and analyzes legislative and regulatory developments in such areas as utilities, telecommunications, financial services and literacy, consumer and mortgage lending, food safety and nutrition labeling, funeral and burial practices, and privacy. The team's research agenda emphasizes the needs of low- and moderate-income consumers and the study of federal and state policy initiatives designed to protect consumer interests, empower consumers in the marketplace, and promote fair trade practices.
The Health Team focuses on health care coverage and benefits, the cost and quality of health care services, and access to care. It conducts research on these issues and analyzes legislative and regulatory developments in Medicare, Medicaid, other state and national programs, and the private insurance market. Particular emphasis is given to health service delivery, health financing and reimbursement, prescription drugs, consumer information and education, and consumer protections related to health care.
The Independent Living/Long-term Care Team covers the range of issues that older people face as they find their independence at risk. Team members conduct research on and analyze legislative and regulatory developments related to: livable communities; housing; transportation; and long-term care, including home care, assisted living care, nursing home care, and adult day care. The team's work emphasizes issues related to the payment, financing, availability, suitability, and quality of care.