Thinking Policy Blog

The AARP Public Policy Institute offers in-depth analysis of today’s most pressing public policy issues. Stay informed with thoughtful perspectives on aging, equity, and economic security.

Health & Health Care

HIV & Aging: Progress and Challenges

HIV and Aging Awareness Day is a time to celebrate remarkable advances in HIV treatment and consider solutions for the evolving health and social needs of older adults with HIV.

Date: September 16, 2025

Work, Finances & Retirement

State Auto IRA Programs Spur Expansion in Private-Plan Market

Access to an employer-based, payroll-deduction retirement savings plan plays a key role in allowing people to save for the future.

Work, Finances & Retirement

Medical Debt Reporting Change Benefits Many

A change by the major credit rating bureaus to eliminate medical debts of less than $500 that are sent to collections from consumer credit reports had a favorable benefit for many.

Work, Finances & Retirement

Payroll Deduction is Key to Retirement Savings

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.

Long-Term Services & Support

Ensuring Equitable Access to High-Quality LTSS

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.

Work, Finances & Retirement

Investing in Age-friendly Sustainability

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

Health & Health Care

Strengthening SNAP to Combat Food Insecurity

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.

Livable Communities

Hurricanes Highlight Importance of Disaster Preparedness

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.

Health & Health Care

Midlife Workers and the Cost of Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance

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.

Health & Health Care

More Savings Possible for Medicare Part D Enrollees

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.

Health & Health Care

Women Affected by Menopause Need Guidance

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.

Long-Term Services & Support

Home Care Inflation Strains Older Adults, Caregivers

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.

Health & Health Care

RSV Vaccine Survey Points to Need for Outreach

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

Health & Health Care

How the Government Pays MA Insurers

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.

Health & Health Care

New Federal Rules for Prior Authorization in MA

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.