CBS News has learned that up to 60,000 people have cancelled
their AARP memberships since July 1,
angered over the group's position on health care.
Elaine Guardiani has been with AARP for 14 years, and said, "I'm extremely
disappointed in AARP."
Retired nurse Dale Anderson has 12 years with AARP and said, "I don't
wanna be connected with AARP."
Many are switching to the American
Seniors Association, a group that calls itself the conservative alternative
as CBS News Investigative Correspondent Sharyl Attkisson reports.
Last week alone, they added more than 5,000 new members. Our
camera was there Friday when the mail came.
Letters were filled with cut-up AARP cards.
"I think that probably the seniors are most upset with cuts in
Medicare," said ASA President Stuart Barton.
The American Seniors Association is flat-out against President Obama's plan,
which calls for $313 billion dollars in Medicare
cuts over ten years. The AARP is widely viewed as supporting the President.
Last week, Obama told a town meeting in
The AARP called the President's statements "inaccurate," saying it
hasn't endorsed any plan or bill.
Some were left with the feeling that AARP was waffling.
"I feel they're supporting it through the backdoor, and telling members
that they're not through the front door," said Guardiani.
"AARP has not endorsed any plan at this point," said Cheryl Matheis,
AARP VP for Social Impact.