AARP Supplemental Health Insurance Plans
AARP offers Medicare-eligible retirees six standard Medicare Supplement plans (also referred to as Medigap plans) designed to cover some of the out-of-pocket expenses not covered by original Medicare (Parts A and B), such as deductibles and coinsurance payments.
UnitedHealthcare and AARP have collaborated to market Medicare Supplement insurance policies which offer potential savings on premiums.
Insurance Overview
AARP Services oversees all insurance policies offered through third-party companies such as UnitedHealthcare for quality. Plans branded with the AARP name have also been carefully scrutinized to ensure they meet older Americans’ needs.
Medigap plans (Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans), more commonly referred to as Medigap policies, help cover some of the out-of-pocket medical costs that original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover, such as deductibles and coinsurance payments. They’re available to anyone with Medicare Parts A and B although new enrollees must undergo medical underwriting during their seven month Initial Enrollment Period before becoming a participant.
These plans are available nationwide and offer benefits such as discounts on dental and hearing care services, access to gym memberships and a 24/7 nurse line. Some plans also come equipped with long-term care coverage or vision coverage as well as long-term care coverage through Delta Dental, EyeMed or HearUSA affiliates.
Plans Offered
UnitedHealthcare, one of the nation’s premier health insurers, offers Medicare supplement plans through AARP for members to protect themselves against medical costs. UnitedHealthcare is known for providing outstanding customer service as well as offering competitive coverage options at an affordable cost.
These Medicare supplements, commonly referred to as Medigap policies, help cover out-of-pocket medical costs such as coinsurance and deductible payments. Medigap plans serve as secondary policies alongside original Medicare Parts A and B plans; many Medicare Advantage plans also allow their use.
AARP Medicare supplement plans available through UnitedHealthcare include Plans A, C, F, G, K and L. Each plan bears its own letter code but all offer similar coverage across the nation. They also feature annual out-of-pocket limits of $6,220 for Plan K and $3,110 for Plan L to help keep policyholders budgeting for healthcare costs.
Eligibility
AARP, or the American Association of Retired Persons, is a non-profit organization offering health and wellness programs to its members. Through United Healthcare Medigap policies provide cover out-of-pocket costs such as copays, coinsurance payments and deductible payments that occur due to Medicare.
Dependent upon your plan choice, monthly premiums will vary based on age, state and location. Some plans require pre-enrollment and medical underwriting while others offer guaranteed issue.
AARP offers 10 Medigap plans (Plans A through N), each offering standard benefits. Supplemental plans from this organization can be purchased during the six-month open enrollment period that begins when enrolling in Medicare Part B. AARP also offers standalone prescription drug coverage through its Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plans administered by UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company and its affiliates.
Enrollment Process
UnitedHealthcare offers AARP Medicare supplements through eight standardized plans available through UnitedHealthcare, providing coverage for copays, coinsurance and deductibles that Medicare doesn’t cover. Individuals 65 or older with Part A and B coverage can buy them. In addition to its supplement plans, AARP also offers separate prescription drug plans called MedicareRx Plans which offer nationwide networks and discounts on thousands of brand name and generic medications.
AARP Medicare supplements tend to be on the more expensive end, yet provide quality coverage from a reliable company. Individuals can enroll during the Medigap open enrollment period beginning the month they turn 65 and become enrolled in both Part A and B of Medicare; once enrolling they will undergo medical underwriting to determine if and what it will cost them for an AARP Medicare supplement policy.
Coverage and Costs
AARP Medicare supplement plans offer coverage to help pay out-of-pocket expenses such as copays, deductibles and coinsurance payments as well as expenses not covered by Original Medicare such as transportation to doctor appointments.
AARP offers Medicare supplements through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company. Each plan meets Medicare standards for coverage and pricing; Plans F and G are particularly popular options among our members, while premiums tend to be significantly less compared with many competitive offerings.
Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period begins when you enroll in Medicare Part B. At that time, you can select an AARP Medicare supplement plan that best meets your needs and budget – the six months starting when that happens will give you ample opportunity to enroll. Household policies may save money; two or more people with the same AARP membership number could split the costs associated with an eligible policy from one provider.
Network Providers
AARP Medicare Supplement plans (also referred to as Medigap policies) offer out-of-pocket expenses not covered by Original Medicare Parts A and B, such as copays, coinsurance payments and deductible payments. They’re available across most states and work with any participating provider.
UnitedHealthcare, the nation’s largest managed health care insurer, insures these plans. Their network comprises more than 800,000 doctors, hospitals and providers that can be found online via a free directory accessible by plan members.
UnitedHealthcare also offers Medicare Advantage plans, which offer unique features and benefits compared to Original Medicare. These plans typically feature integrated Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage as well as a contracted local network of physicians and hospitals from which members must access benefits to access them. A.M. Best and Standard & Poor’s have both given UnitedHealthcare high ratings in terms of financial strength and the ability to pay claims promptly.
Customer Support
AARP is an advocacy group dedicated to advocating on behalf of older adults. Additionally, they offer discounts and insurance plans. Their Medicare Supplement plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare which has earned a stellar customer service reputation; similarly their Medicare Advantage plans combine Medicare Parts A & B with private prescription drug coverage as well as additional amenities like gym memberships – using either attained pricing or community pricing depending on where the plan is sold in a state.
AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance (also known as Medigap) features plans A through N. The brand is licensed to the UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company – one of the country’s premier Medicare Supplement insurers – who in turn collaborates on educational materials and sales support, with clear language for easy comprehension as well as low complaint index ratings from Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Claims and Reimbursement
AARP Medicare supplement insurance plans provide affordable coverage with broad limits, providing affordable coverage at an attractive price point with great customer reviews and satisfaction scores. UnitedHealthcare insures these AARP plans which have affordable plans with broad limits. In addition, customers have reported high satisfaction levels from these plans.
Dependent upon your individual needs, you have several AARP Medigap plans from which to choose, including Plans A through N. These work with original Medicare Parts A and B to reduce or even eliminate out-of-pocket expenses such as copays, deductibles and foreign travel emergencies.
AARP Medicare supplement insurance plans are guaranteed renewable plans available to seniors enrolled in both Medicare Parts A and B who meet certain requirements, so insurers cannot cancel them as long as you keep paying your monthly premiums.
Reviews and Ratings
AARP Medicare Supplement Plans, more commonly referred to as Medigap plans, offer coverage for copays, coinsurance and deductibles not covered by Original Medicare Parts A and B. Standardized plans can be purchased from any insurance provider; AARP by UnitedHealthcare offers competitive rates on its Plan F, G and N policies with superior financial ratings than many of their competitors.
UnitedHealthcare enjoys an excellent customer service reputation and holds an A+ rating with Better Business Bureau (BBB), yet their rate of complaints exceeds other companies of their size, most often related to aggressive sales tactics or spam calls.
AARP/UnitedHealthcare plans offer Medicare Advantage and Part D plans. Their Advantage plans offer discounted dental, hearing, gym membership fees, screenings and medications; as well as 24/7 nurse lines and wellness programs designed to keep members healthy.