Minnesotans who have been defrauded now have a better chance of financial recovery, thanks to a new bipartisan law championed by AARP Minnesota. The Consumer Fraud Restitution Fund, the first of its kind in the nation, was signed into law in 2025 with strong bipartisan support. This innovative fund will help victims of fraud recover lost money—especially in cases where scammers are untraceable or bankrupt.
A new AARP survey, released in conjunction with Social Security’s 90th anniversary, confirms that Americans highly value Social Security, and even more so than five years ago. The vast majority of Americans – 95% of Republicans, 98% of Democrats, and 93% of Independents – consider Social Security vital to the financial security of all Americans, and 67% believe it is even more important for retirees than it was five years ago.
Six communities throughout Minnesota will receive 2025 Community Challenge grants to fund quick-action projects aimed at making communities more livable for people of all ages, with a focus on the needs of older adults.
The State Legislature bridged a historically narrow political divide to pass a two-year state budget during a special session. Despite facing challenges such as vacancies in both chambers, federal budget uncertainties, and a looming structural deficit, the Legislature successfully advanced several of AARP Minnesota’s key legislative priorities.
AARP staff and volunteer leaders are looking to connect with members in Southwest Minnesota. Stop by the Daily Grind in Marshall, MN on Friday, March 23rd for a free cup of coffee, find out more about what AARP is up to, let us know more about what matters most to you and learn how you can get involved.
It’s no secret that Minnesota’s population is aging rapidly and our workforce is declining in size, with potentially seismic impacts on business, industry, and the state’s overall economic health. Given these realities, how can we keep older workers engaged and productive in the workforce, contributing vital skills to help Minnesota thrive in this changing landscape? What are the conversations that need to happen – between employers and employees, and across rural and urban communities – to tackle this growing challenge?
St. Paul - Members of the Consumer Workgroup on Elder Abuse commend the Office of Legislative Auditor’s (OLA) report on the Office of Health Facility Complaints (OHFC). The report brings needed transparency and accountability to a department that has been plagued by an inability to investigate elder abuse complaints in a timely manner.
The U.S. Health care system spends well over $300 billion a year on prescription drugs, and almost three-fourths of that goes to brand name drugs, even though they make up less than one in eight prescriptions. The escalating costs of pharmaceuticals are driving up health care costs and premiums in both the employer and individual market.
Building on the success of its previous fraud prevention efforts, AARP Minnesota is recruiting volunteers to expand the AARP Fraud Watch Network into rural parts of the state.