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1. Select an interest group (AARP, AHIP, Coalition for Health Services Research, Emergency Nurses Association, Pharma)
2. Discuss how they are pushing their agenda (i.e., mechanisms used to influence policy makers), key obstacles, and spending (consult the Center for Responsible Politics, www.opensecrets.org)
3. Investigate the interest group’s website and review their position statements, testimony, and consult media reports to obtain more information on the group’s lobbying efforts.
AARP employs a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach to influence policy at the federal and state levels, relying on its vast membership and non-partisan brand.
Direct Lobbying: AARP employs a substantial number of registered lobbyists in Washington, D.C., and state capitals, who meet directly with lawmakers, their staff, and executive branch officials (like those at CMS and the Social Security Administration).
Expert Testimony and Research: The AARP Public Policy Institute (PPI) and AARP Research conduct and publish evidence-based research, reports, and white papers on issues like retirement security, healthcare costs, and long-term care. This expert analysis is used to inform policy proposals and is often cited in congressional testimony and regulatory comments, lending credibility to AARP's positions.
Litigation/Legal Advocacy: The AARP Foundation engages in legal advocacy and litigation to support the rights of older Americans, including class-action lawsuits related to consumer fraud, age discrimination, and retirement benefits.
Grassroots Power: This is AARP's greatest strength. It mobilizes its millions of members through coordinated campaigns (phone calls, emails, letters to Congress) to demonstrate massive public support (or opposition) for key legislation.
"Grasstops" Advocacy: AARP leverages a nationwide network of highly engaged volunteers and key local leaders who meet with their elected officials, often sharing personal stories to illustrate the real-world impact of a policy.
Non-Partisan Stance: AARP is non-partisan and does not endorse candidates or contribute to political campaigns. This allows it to work with policymakers on both sides of the aisle, giving its lobbying efforts broad political reach.
Owned Media: AARP publishes the widely circulated AARP The Magazine and the monthly AARP Bulletin, which are used to educate members on policy issues and direct them to action (e.g., "Raise Your Hand" calls to action).
Issue-Specific Campaigns: It runs high-profile, multi-million-dollar advertising campaigns (TV, print, digital) to shape public opinion on major legislative battles, such as lowering prescription drug prices or protecting Social Security.
AARP faces several key hurdles in achieving its policy goals:
Opposing Interests: AARP's agenda, particularly on healthcare and financial issues, often runs directly counter to powerful, well-funded industry groups, most notably:
PhRMA (Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America): Fights AARP on drug pricing and Medicare negotiations.
AHIP (America's Health Insurance Plans): Conflicts with AARP on Medicare Advantage and Medigap regulations.
Financial Services Industry: Opposes AARP's push for increased fiduciary duties and consumer protections.
Budgetary Constraints: AARP's primary policy targets—Medicare and Social Security—are massive entitlement programs. Any legislative change involves enormous fiscal implications, making reforms politically contentious and fiscally difficult to enact.
Internal Perception: A recurring obstacle is the perception and occasional allegation that AARP's business model (selling insurance and financial products endorsed by AARP, which generates substantial royalty revenue) conflicts with its non-profit advocacy mission, potentially creating a perceived conflict of interest. AARP maintains a strict separation between its policy-setting and business arms.