Aggressive Steps Taken by AARP to Protect Older Americans During Coronavirus Outbreak

To the 50-Plus Community,

The spread of the coronavirus across our country has created a very stressful environment for all Americans and especially older people and those with underlying health conditions who are at heightened risk. During these difficult days, I want to assure you that AARP is actively engaged in our nation’s response to the outbreak, and we are working hard to help our members, their families and broader community understand how to protect themselves.

Some of the steps we are taking include:

Providing Trusted Information: On our website, aarp.org, we are publishing, in both English and Spanish, information and tips about how to avoid the spread of the virus.  You can find coronavirus information on our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts, as well as in AARP’s newsletters and in publications, AARP The Magazine and The Bulletin. Daily updates can be found at aarp.org/coronavirus and aarp.org/elcoronavirus in Spanish.

Bringing Expertise Directly to You: AARP is hosting weekly tele-townhalls with the nation’s top coronavirus experts so that you can ask questions and hear the latest on the health and lifestyle recommendations that are continually being released. Our first session included the head of the Medicare and Medicaid programs and a top doctor from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Call-in details for these tele-townhalls and transcripts of prior sessions can also be found at aarp.org/coronavirus.

Fighting for You and Yours: As your advocate in the nation’s capital and every state capital, we are working to make sure that lawmakers are allocating sufficient resources to address the outbreak and address the concerns of the 50-plus. For example, we are supporting emergency aid payments to individuals and making sure it doesn’t undercut Social Security. We pushed hard to ensure that Medicare covers telehealth visits so beneficiaries can consult with their doctors without leaving home.  Check with your healthcare provider or your insurance company to find out how to schedule a virtual visit.

Suspending Events to Protect Public Health: To protect our members, staff and volunteers, we are following the guidance of the CDC and have temporarily suspended AARP’s in-person events, including Movies for Grownups screenings and the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program.  When the time is right, we look forward to rescheduling these popular programs and events.

Supporting the Delivery of Services: We are supporting partner organizations that are addressing isolation and hunger among the most vulnerable, including a significant donation to Meals on Wheels America.

For over 60 years, AARP has been working to promote the health and well-being of older Americans. As the situation with coronavirus continues to evolve, be assured that AARP is continually monitoring developments and will keep you informed.  In the face of a public health emergency like this, you can count on us to fight for you in the corridors of power and deliver information to keep you and your family safe and healthy.

Sincerely,

Jo Ann Jenkins, CEO, AARP