AARP MD

AARP Maryland represents people 50 and older and their families, working to enhance the quality of their lives as they age.  We educate the public and build relationships through advocacy, volunteer engagement, member outreach, and communications.  As our founder, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, stated, "What we do, we do for all."

In 2017 we are helping our members to achieve financial resilience, health security, and personal fulfillment.  Our advocacy and outreach work includes support for family caregivers and opportunities for employees of small businesses who want to save for retirement.  Combining emerging technology with member experiences, we connect our members with one another through personal social contact, educational opportunities, and individual empowerment.  And finally, AARP Maryland is known as a go-to organization for trustworthy information, and as an organization that can mobilize for fun, for families, and for future generations.

CAREGIVING:  More than 771,000 Marylanders care for aging parents and spouses who want to stay at home instead of at costly institutions.  These family caregivers provide unpaid services valued at $8.1 billion annually.  That is why we fought to enact the CARE Act (Caregiver Advise, Record, Enable), and work to make caregiver resources and services available to our members.  Provisions like these support family caregivers when their loved ones go into the hospital or are recuperating.  The CARE Act requires designation, notification and instruction to the family caregiver of a patient.

ADVOCACY:  AARP Maryland will continue to raise awareness of any proposed utility rate increases or surcharges and create ways for our members and the broader population to take action.  New local organizations are looking to AARP as a convener and hub of advocacy efforts on rate increases and other issues relevant to the 50+.  Additionally, in 2017 AARP Maryland is advocating to maintain reliable landlines, expand broadband reach and fight to ensure that the utility continues to be regulated.

FRAUD WATCH NETWORK:  AARP Maryland reaches out to the community to raise awareness around fighting ID theft and fraud, and gives Marylanders access to information they need to protect themselves and their families.  We are targeting non-members and members alike to sign up and receive fraud alerts, learn about active scams, or talk to a live person for assistance.  We are working together with Maryland's Attorney General and our volunteers to crack down on crimes and pushing for stronger fraud protections.