100 Most Influential People in Healthcare - 2022

Jenkins has used her influence as head of AARP since 2014 to advocate for long-term care issues as part of the association’s social change agenda, including a focus on ageism, sexism and gender inequality. The organization, which represents the interests of those age 50 and older, has grown to 38 million members, with a staff of more than 2,300. She has been a strong supporter of efforts to rein in rising prescription drug costs by allowing Medicare to negotiate prices—something recently authorized under the Inflation Reduction Act. She has also called attention to the more than 200,000 people, as of September, who died in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities during the pandemic. Under her leadership, the association also lobbies Congress to enact minimum staffing requirements, bolster transparency, and enforce safety and quality standards.