Title: What Type of Interest Group is the AARP? | Sapling
Headings: What Type of Interest Group is the AARP?
What Type of Interest Group is the AARP?
History
Significance
Function
Considerations
Considerations

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Function
The AARP is also a non-partisan advocacy group that offers information on political issues to its members. As a non-profit, non-partisan group, the AARP has never endorsed or contributed to the campaign of any elected official. It does, however, take sides in issues concerning Medicare, Social Security and other issues it advocates for. The AARP has been designated a 501 (c) (4) group by the IRS; this designation means that the AARP is considered a not-for-profit advocacy group that agitates for social welfare issues. Advertisement
Considerations
In the 1980s, the AARP came under scrutiny of Republican Senator Alan Simpson. Simpson believed that the AARP was abusing its status as a non-profit organization and was being run to make money for then-leader Leonard Davis. The investigation found no evidence of wrong-doing on the part of Davis or the AARP and the matter was dropped. Considerations
Currently, the AARP offers insurance, financial planning and investment, discounts on travel and services, as well as information on political issues for its members. The AARP negotiates with corporations, insurance carriers, and travel organizations in order to secure these discounts, but is not affiliated with the organizations beyond that.