What AARP and UnitedHealthcare offer together

AARP and UnitedHealthcare partner to sell Medicare Advantage and Medigap insurance plans under the AARP brand. UnitedHealthcare is the insurance company that actually covers your medical costs; AARP is the membership organization that endorses and markets these plans. When you buy an AARP plan from UnitedHealthcare, you get the coverage UnitedHealthcare provides, plus access to AARP member discounts on other services like hearing aids, vision care, and prescription drugs.

The partnership has been in place for decades. UnitedHealthcare handles claims, networks, and customer service for medical coverage. AARP handles membership benefits and advocacy. Both organizations profit from the arrangement — UnitedHealthcare gains customers, and AARP gains membership dues and endorsement fees.

You do not have to be an AARP member to buy a UnitedHealthcare Medicare plan, though most people who buy AARP-branded plans do join AARP. Membership costs $16 per year and includes discounts on prescriptions, hearing aids, and other services beyond your medical insurance.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP-branded plans are sold and administered by UnitedHealthcare, which handles your medical coverage and claims.
  • You can buy a UnitedHealthcare Medicare plan without joining AARP, but most AARP plan buyers also pay the $16 annual membership fee.
  • AARP plans come in two main types: Medicare Advantage (HMO and PPO) and Medigap, each with different costs and coverage rules.
  • The doctors and hospitals you can see depend on which plan you choose and whether your state and county have that plan available.
  • You can switch plans once per year during the annual enrollment period from October 15 to December 7, or if you have a may have access to life event.

Medicare Advantage plans through AARP and UnitedHealthcare

Medicare Advantage is an alternative to Original Medicare (Parts A and B). Instead of paying Medicare directly, you pay a private insurance company — in this case, UnitedHealthcare — and that company covers your hospital, doctor, and prescription drug costs. AARP Medicare Advantage plans come in two network types: HMO and PPO.

HMO plans require you to choose a primary care doctor and get referrals to see specialists. You can only see doctors and hospitals in the plan's network, except in emergencies. PPO plans let you see any doctor or hospital, though you pay less if you stay in-network. Both types include prescription drug coverage and often add benefits like dental, vision, or hearing aids that Original Medicare does not cover.

Monthly premiums for AARP Medicare Advantage plans vary by state, county, and plan type. Some plans have a $0 premium but charge copays when you see a doctor. Others charge a monthly premium but have lower copays. You still pay the Part B premium to Medicare (currently $164.90 per month for most people in 2024, though this changes yearly).

Availability depends on where you live. Not all AARP Medicare Advantage plans are sold in all states or counties. You can check which plans serve your zip code on the Medicare.gov plan finder or by calling UnitedHealthcare directly.

Medigap plans through AARP and UnitedHealthcare

Medigap is supplemental insurance that works alongside Original Medicare (Parts A and B). It covers costs that Medicare does not — like copays, coinsurance, and deductibles. AARP Medigap plans are sold by UnitedHealthcare and come in standardized types labeled A through N. Each letter represents the same coverage nationwide, so Plan G from AARP covers the same things as Plan G from any other insurer.

The main difference between Medigap plans is what they cover. Plan A is the most basic and cheapest. Plan G covers nearly everything except the Part B deductible. Plan N covers most things but charges copays for some doctor visits and emergency room use. You choose the plan type based on what coverage you want and what you can afford to pay.

With Medigap, you keep Original Medicare and see any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare — which is nearly all of them. You pay your Part B premium to Medicare, your Medigap premium to UnitedHealthcare, and then Medicare and your Medigap plan split the remaining costs according to the plan's rules.

AARP Medigap premiums are based on your age when you first buy the plan. Younger buyers pay less initially, but premiums rise as you age. This is called attained-age rating. Other insurers use different rating methods, so comparing prices across companies matters.

How to find and compare AARP plans in your area

Start by going to Medicare.gov and using the plan finder tool. Enter your zip code, and the tool will show you all Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans available in your county, including AARP plans sold by UnitedHealthcare. The tool shows monthly premiums, deductibles, copays, and which doctors and hospitals are in each plan's network.

You can also call UnitedHealthcare directly at 1-800-523-5010 (TTY 711) to ask about AARP plans in your area. A representative can walk you through the differences between plan types and help you understand what each plan costs.

When comparing plans, write down the monthly premium, annual deductible, copays for doctor visits and specialist visits, and whether your current doctors are in-network. If you take prescription drugs, check the plan's formulary (drug list) to see whether your medications are covered and at what cost. The cheapest plan is not always the best if it does not cover your doctors or drugs.

Enrollment periods and how to buy

You can buy an AARP plan during Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7 each year) or during your Initial Enrollment Period if you are newly may be able to access for Medicare. You can also switch plans if you have a may have access to life event, such as moving to a new state, losing other health coverage, or becoming may be able to access for Medicaid.

To buy an AARP plan, you can go online to the plan's website, call UnitedHealthcare at 1-800-523-5010, or work with an insurance agent or broker. You will need to provide your Medicare number (on your red, white, and blue Medicare card) and answer health questions. For Medigap plans, you may be asked about your health history, though AARP Medigap plans sold during your Initial Enrollment Period cannot be denied based on health.

Your coverage starts on the first day of the month after UnitedHealthcare receives and approves your request, as long as you submit it by the important date. If you enroll during Annual Enrollment Period, your new plan starts January 1.

AARP membership and additional discounts

AARP membership costs $16 per year and is separate from your insurance premium. You do not have to join AARP to buy a UnitedHealthcare Medicare plan, but most people who buy AARP-branded plans do join for the extra discounts.

AARP membership includes discounts on prescription drugs through a mail-order pharmacy, hearing aids from a network of providers, vision care (eye exams and glasses), and dental services. These discounts are in addition to whatever your Medicare plan covers. For example, if your Medicare Advantage plan includes dental coverage, AARP membership may offer additional discounts at certain dentists.

You can join AARP when you buy your insurance plan, or separately at any time. If you are already an AARP member, you can buy any UnitedHealthcare Medicare plan — you do not have to buy an AARP-branded plan.

Customer service and appeals

If you have questions about your AARP plan's coverage, claims, or billing, contact UnitedHealthcare at 1-800-523-5010 (TTY 711). UnitedHealthcare handles all customer service for medical coverage. For questions about AARP membership discounts, contact AARP directly at 1-888-687-2277.

If UnitedHealthcare denies a claim or refuses to cover a service, you have the right to appeal. UnitedHealthcare must tell you in writing why the claim was denied and how to appeal. You can ask for a review by UnitedHealthcare, and if you disagree with that decision, you can ask for an independent review by an outside organization. The appeals process is free.

You can also file a complaint with your state's insurance commissioner if you believe UnitedHealthcare has treated you unfairly. Each state has a health insurance consumer information office that can help you understand your rights and file a complaint.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to join AARP to buy an AARP Medicare plan?

No. You can buy a UnitedHealthcare Medicare plan without joining AARP. However, most people who buy AARP-branded plans also join AARP for the $16 annual membership fee, which includes discounts on prescriptions, hearing aids, and other services. You can join AARP when you buy your plan or at any other time.

Can I use my current doctors with an AARP plan?

It depends on the plan type. With AARP Medicare Advantage plans, you can only see doctors in the plan's network, except in emergencies. With AARP Medigap plans, you can see any doctor that accepts Medicare. Before you buy, check the plan's provider directory on Medicare.gov or call UnitedHealthcare to confirm your doctors are in-network.

What is the difference between AARP Medicare Advantage and AARP Medigap?

Medicare Advantage is an alternative to Original Medicare — UnitedHealthcare covers your hospital, doctor, and drug costs instead of Medicare. Medigap is supplemental insurance that works with Original Medicare to cover costs Medicare does not pay. Medicare Advantage usually has lower or no monthly premiums but limits which doctors you can see. Medigap has higher premiums but lets you see any doctor that accepts Medicare.

Can I switch from one AARP plan to another?

Yes, during Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7) you can switch to a different AARP plan or a plan from another company. If you have a may have access to life event like moving or losing coverage, you can switch outside the enrollment period. Changes take effect January 1 if you enroll during Annual Enrollment Period.

What happens to my AARP plan if I move to a different state?

Your current plan may not be available in your new state. Contact UnitedHealthcare or check Medicare.gov to see which AARP plans are sold in your new location. You can switch plans when you move, even outside Annual Enrollment Period. Your new coverage starts the first of the month after your request is approved.