Thinking Policy Blog

Half of American working adults lack access to a payroll-deduction workplace retirement savings plan. States like Oregon, California, & Illinois have taken steps to close the gap. 

Almost everyone is touched by the need for long-term services and supports (LTSS) at some point, but not everyone receives the same quality of care and services.

As the U.S. ages, sustaining 900+ age-friendly communities is key. Success depends on collaboration, diverse leadership, spillover impact, and reframing aging narratives.

In 2023, 12.6 million – or over one in 10 – adults ages 50 and older were food insecure. Strengthening SNAP is an important step in addressing rising rates of food insecurity.

As states and communities continue to recover from the devastation caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, many are left wondering what could be done to prevent large-scale destruction from such disasters. 

Employers play a central role in health insurance coverage in the US, with the vast majority of employees working for a company that offers a group health insurance benefit.

Some Medicare Part D enrollees may find that a quiet CMS policy change could reduce the amount they must pay before reaching the out-of-pocket spending cap in 2025.

Many women face menopause symptoms affecting life and work, yet few studied treatments exist. More research is needed to assess current and discover new options.

Home care inflation is rising fast, straining older adults and caregivers. Policy and private sector solutions are needed to ensure people can afford the care they need.

If Mississippi joined the states that expanded their Medicaid eligibility, it could net $701 million in savings and get 125,000 people health care coverage, including 28,000 people ages 50-64.

Elder financial exploitation is growing—costing older adults billions yearly. Better demographic data is needed to tailor prevention and intervention strategies. 

“Boomerang” transitions back to the parental home have been associated with both positive and negative effects on parents’ quality of life and well-being.

Survey and polling research demonstrate that a strong majority of Americans believe Social Security is an important program they view favorably, and oppose reductions in funding. 

Supplemental benefits are a defining feature of Medicare Advantage, yet information about consumer use of those benefits remains limited. 

To address older women’s financial inequality, we must support them at every age with high-quality work, fair wages, caregiving support, and a secure retirement.

A recent AARP survey found RSV vaccine awareness is growing among older adults, but uptake is uneven—many remain unsure if they need it. . 

A video from the AARP Public Policy Institute explains the ins and outs of a key aspect of MA policy: how the federal government pays MA insurers.

Medicare Advantage plans commonly use prior authorization. But concerns over improper care denials have led to increased scrutiny and new federal guidelines for MA plans. 

In the decade ahead, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the fastest growth rates among 75+ workers alongside a decline in the number of workers ages 55 to 64.

Financial technology apps, or fintech, are poised to help financial family caregivers. A recent AARP study sheds light on barriers that stand in the way. 

Open Enrollment helps adults 50–64 find affordable coverage. Expanded tax credits under ARPA and the Inflation Reduction Act lower premiums and improve access.

Medical credit cards expose consumers to high-cost debt and financial risk, threatening the financial security of older Americans.

Native elders navigate federal, state, and tribal prescription drug assistance options, including Medicare LIS, SPAPs, IHS, tribal programs, and sponsorships.

A growing number of new occupations and demographic shifts towards an older workforce suggest a greater need for helping workers reskill & retrain for new jobs over their careers.

A new CMS rule streamlines the MSP application process, helping states enroll more eligible low-income Medicare beneficiaries quickly.

During open enrollment, you can check if the formulary covers your drugs, note any restrictions, and see expected out-of-pocket costs for the upcoming year.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ 2023 rule changes bolster federal guidelines for how health insurers can communicate about and market their Medicare Advantage plans.

The pandemic triggered millions of worker exits, highlighting older workers’ value and prompting calls for age-inclusive practices to retain experienced talent.

Total Medicare Part D spending on the 10 drugs selected for the first round of Medicare price negotiation exceeded $180 billion over six years. 

Lawmakers must decide whether Medicare will continue to cover audio-only (that is, telephone-without-video) visits. Requiring video would represent a major change.

CMS proposes updates to simplify Medicaid and MSP eligibility, reduce burdens, and expand “spenddown” to include home-based services—helping more people qualify.

Medicare telehealth access expanded during COVID-19 but may change in 2024. Research is needed to guide future policy decisions on coverage and care quality.

New vaccines for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) for adults 60 and older could save thousands of lives each year.

Screening adults younger than 65 for anxiety disorders is effective in identifying these conditions so adults can receive the care they need.

In 2021, nearly 20 percent of women, compared to 12 percent of men, had less than $10,000 in retirement savings. Troubling statistics point to systemic barriers.

Results of the new survey from AARP reveal areas for further exploration in the U.S. healthcare system, especially when it comes to issues of access.

Small firms remain vital for workers ages 50+. In 2022, 24.2 million 50+ workers were employed by firms with fewer than 500 employees.

A new law in North Carolina paves the way for 182,000 adults ages 50-64 to get Medicaid coverage, a recent analysis shows. It also means more money in the state’s budget. 

Medicare spending growth rates in the decade before the pandemic were substantially lower than expected, according to a recent analysis by the CBO.

The Community Reinvestment Act incentivizes financial institutions to address gaps in health care access in low-to-moderate income communities.

Expanded SNAP work requirements could worsen barriers and increase the risk that many older adults would not receive the benefits they are eligible for.

Medicare spends more on a person enrolled in Medicare Advantage than the same person in traditional Medicare. Changes to how Medicare pays MA insurers must prioritize consumers. 

Older adults and their family caregivers should know about policy changes to long-term services and supports and what they could mean for the LTSS they currently receive.

Among Chinese Americans 50+, 61% have limited English proficiency, making English-only health resources insufficient for informed decision-making.

Congress passed a funding bill to improve mental health care for Medicare beneficiaries, expanding provider access starting in 2024

A new law will help improve the affordability of insulin for millions of Medicare beneficiaries by addressing high prescription drug prices and out-of-pocket costs.

Women aged 50-plus are driving the Global Longevity Economy, as celebrated in AARP’s brief, while facing barriers that limit their full economic potential.

Medicare Savings Programs help individuals with limited incomes pay Medicare premiums and other out-of-pocket expenses. Yet only half of those eligible are enrolled. 

Secure 2.0 expands access to workplace savings programs, helping employees build short-term savings and reduce reliance on debt during financial adversity.

We can learn from nurse leaders and top-performing nursing homes to combat COVID-19 by studying facilities with the best vaccine and booster rates.

COVID-19 changed nursing forever. An online survey of nurses asked how the public, their patients and their friends and families can support them. Here’s what they said.

The 50+ Education Comebackers initiative helps older learners overcome barriers and complete degrees to meet workforce needs.

The US economy is in the midst of one of the worst inflationary periods in recent history, highlighting the need for workplace emergency savings policies.

COVID had limited effect on Social Security’s finances. Fewer workers per beneficiary remains the key challenge, requiring policy action to ensure solvency.

A tax credit expansion helping older low-income workers stay out of poverty has expired. Action is needed for older workers to access this vital anti-poverty credit.

Measuring nursing-facility consumer experience with data is doable. Residents and families know facility quality best, and future residents deserve access to the information. 

South Dakota voters passed a constitutional amendment to expand Medicaid coverage, making it the 39th state to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act.

CRA is set for major modernization. With public input closed, a final rule is near—offering a key chance to shape policy that tackles today’s inequities.

High inflation is creating barriers to achieving financial health, an AARP survey finds. Policy—both public and private—should help enable people to save for the future.

A new rule by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, which administers the Medicare program, could result in better access to dental coverage for people with Medicare.

A recent AARP Public Policy Institute report found that American Indian and Alaska Native adults ages 50-plus had the highest rates of pneumococcal vaccination, at 47%. 

Older women like grandmothers uplift families and communities. On UN Day of Older Persons, we call for policies that protect their rights and honor their vital contributions.

During the 2020-2021 flu season, people 65 and older achieved a vaccination rate of over 75 percent, eclipsing a 70 percent goal.

SNAP helps 8.7M low-income 50+ households buy food, yet 63% of eligible older adults weren’t enrolled in 2018—despite rising prices and growing need.

Despite overall low unemployment rates, demographic differences in unemployment remain, including among workers ages 55 and older. 

The Food and Drug Administration has just approved over-the-counter sale of basic hearing aids for people with mild to moderate hearing loss, potentially meaning lower prices.

Millions remain unenrolled in low-cost health coverage due to barriers, stigma, and lack of awareness. Action is needed to connect people to available benefits.

While employment has rebounded across industries and labor force participation has returned to pre-pandemic levels, those ages 65-plus lag behind in returning to the workforce.

A new law known as the No Surprises Act bans surprise medical billing in emergency and some non-emergency situations, shielding consumers from big, unexpected out-of-network bills.

Amid rising food prices and the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government’s primary food assistance program—commonly known as SNAP—is especially critical right now.

Medicare Part D spent $130B on 10 top drugs (2016–2020), far exceeding the $2.6B average cost to develop a new drug—7 surpassed that in 2020 alone.

One in five Americans 50+ live rurally, facing health care gaps. AARP finds higher chronic disease and depression rates vs. urban peers, with added racial disparities.

COVID disrupted HCBS access and equity. Federal support lagged, but emergency flexibilities helped providers stay afloat. System gaps and workforce issues remain.

Arthur helped reduce meds from 12 to five. Deprescribing eliminates drugs that may be harmful, but older adults still face high medication burdens. Trusted care and support are key.

Broadband isn’t just an option, it’s a necessity. That’s why the latest version of the AARP Livability Index measures the presence and quality of broadband service in communities.

Known as in-law suites or guest houses, accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, are an essential component of livability, and so the AARP Livability Index includes them in its data.

The National Association of REALTORS® is incorporating AARP’s Livability Index tool right into the Realtors Property Resource® website and mobile app.

Older women were rising in the workforce pre-COVID. But two years later, labor force participation for women 55+ still trails pre-pandemic levels.

American families have been accumulating debt at a rapid pace over the past two decades, with the debt level nearly doubling. To tackle debt, consumers can take several actions.

Two years into COVID-19, older adults remain hardest hit. AARP research and policy work continue to guide public understanding and action for a secure future.

In Jan 2022, 75 top brand drugs hiked prices—over half by 5%+. Used by 19M Medicare enrollees, these hikes strain budgets. Reform is needed to curb rising costs.

Recent analysis finds that the increase in retirements during the COVID-19 pandemic has been driven by those ages 65 and older, with the greatest spike among those ages 65 to 74.

A temporary policy fix to an age restriction preventing low-income workers ages 65-plus access to the earned income tax credit has expired. Policymakers should extend access.

Driven by the Omicron variant, COVID-19 infections have surged in recent weeks, including in nursing facilities. Nursing home residents and staff need booster shots now.

COVID-19 exposed flaws in LTSS systems. AARP’s Scorecard is being redesigned to better track state progress and improve care for older adults and caregivers. We invite you to join. 

Nearly 1 in 3 claim Social Security at 62, risking lower lifetime income. AARP finds early claimers often face job loss, health issues, or limited work options

Emergency savings help avoid hardship and protect retirement funds. Just $2.5K in savings cuts hardship risk and boosts long-term security, especially for low-income families.

RideSheet helps rural Oregon nonprofits cut costs and boost access to medical rides. AARP’s open-source tool streamlines scheduling and coordination for better service.

AARP & REALTORS® team up to help older adults find age-friendly homes using the Livability Index—empowering better housing choices for aging in place.

The US Air Force is using the AARP Livability Index, which launched 5 years ago, to help determine the location of the new Space Command headquarters. 

Protests over racial injustice sparked broader conversations. A Livable Communities approach must take the whole community into account, including all members and neighborhoods. 

AARP’s BankSafe trains bank staff to spot elder fraud. In a pilot, it protected $34B. Now nationwide, it helps stop exploitation before it starts.

New law shields financial firms reporting elder fraud. AARP’s BankSafe trains staff to spot abuse, meeting legal standards and boosting protection for older Americans.

1 in 5 older adults face financial exploitation. Choosing two trusted agents and tailoring a power of attorney can help protect savings and prevent abuse.

AARP’s Livability Index update tracks 19 key policies shaping U.S. communities. See how your area scores on housing, transit, and more at aarp.org/livabilityindex.

By 2060, just 57% of older adults will be white non-Hispanic. Rising diversity, especially in states like CA and TX, calls for culturally sensitive care and support.