Letter from the President and CEO
John Wider
Challenging economic times persisted in 2010 and once again,
consumers looked for ways to make ends meet. Research showed
that during the year, people devoted more time than ever to everyday savings activities.
So, once again, millions of members and older Americans placed their trust in AARP-branded products and services to deliver value and opportunity—and AARP Services
was right there with what they needed to help them live their best lives.
Throughout 2010, AARP Services worked harder to improve the quality of peoples’ daily
lives. And consumers responded favorably. More people than ever took advantage of
AARP-branded benefits, products, programs and services. One they enjoyed in particular was the opportunity to enjoy Denny’s casual restaurants. Members saved money on
coffee or dinner at Denny’s upwards of 2 million times.
We continued to oversee providers’ efforts to enhance popular products and services. For example, a pilot project involving more than 15,000 policyholders of
UnitedHealthcare’s AARP-branded Medicare Supplement plans is raising the bar on
coordinating care and involving patients more meaningfully in medical decision-making. The company also accepted our challenge to develop “plain English” standards
for customer-facing insurance materials.
3
The contract-free Consumer Cellular plan, meanwhile, proved so unique, so out-of-the-box, that it reset the marketplace. We had listened carefully when people said they wanted
mobile phone service that was free of hassles and complicated contracts. So we reached
out to an industry leader and made the case for flexibility and simplicity. By challenging
the status quo, AARP Services helped create a market sensation in the process.
And we oversaw a new branded offering that promises value for people taking steps to
address their finances. We entered a relationship with Charles Schwab & Company, Inc.,
to take effect in 2011. AARP members can take advantage of an exclusive suite of tailored services, including free one-hour financial consultations with Schwab counselors.
Again this year, we prepared to meet 50+ Americans’ needs for health, financial and
lifestyle offerings by collaborating with providers who could meet our high standards
in fulfilling those needs. We anticipated, and we delivered solutions and superior value.
Best of all, our work generated resources that enabled AARP to drive its social mission.
We look forward to another year of transformation in 2011.
