AARP's Role in Health Insurance

AARP does not sell health insurance directly. Instead, AARP partners with insurance companies — mainly UnitedHealthcare — to offer Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans under the AARP brand. When you buy an AARP health plan, you are buying from the insurance company, not from AARP itself. AARP receives a commission from the insurer for each plan sold.

This matters because it means AARP is not your insurer if something goes wrong with your coverage. The insurance company handles claims, customer service, and coverage decisions. AARP's role is to negotiate rates and design plan options that appeal to its members.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP-branded health plans are sold by UnitedHealthcare and other insurers, not by AARP itself.
  • AARP offers Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) and Medigap supplemental plans, both available only to people already on Medicare.
  • You can enroll in an AARP plan during Medicare's open enrollment periods or when you first turn 65, depending on the plan type.
  • AARP membership is not required to buy an AARP-branded plan, though membership discounts may explore.
  • The insurance company, not AARP, handles your claims and customer service once you are enrolled.

Medicare Advantage Plans Under the AARP Brand

AARP Medicare Advantage plans (also called Part C plans) combine hospital, medical, and prescription drug coverage into one plan sold by UnitedHealthcare. These plans have a monthly premium, copays for doctor visits and prescriptions, and an annual out-of-pocket maximum. Many include dental, vision, or hearing benefits that Original Medicare does not cover.

You must be on Medicare to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan. You can join during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7 each year) or during the Initial Enrollment Period when you first turn 65. If you switch plans, you have until December 7 to make the change take effect January 1.

Medicare Advantage plans often have a network — you pay less if you see doctors and hospitals in the plan's network. Some plans are HMOs (you usually need a referral to see a specialist), while others are PPOs (more flexibility to see out-of-network doctors, but at higher cost). Check the plan details to see which type applies to you and whether your current doctors are in the network.

Medigap Supplemental Plans Under the AARP Brand

AARP Medigap plans (supplemental insurance) work alongside Original Medicare to cover costs that Medicare does not pay — copays, coinsurance, and deductibles. Unlike Medicare Advantage, Medigap has no network; you can see any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare. You pay a monthly premium to the insurance company in addition to your Medicare Part B premium.

Medigap plans are labeled by letter (Plan A, Plan B, Plan G, Plan N, and others). Each letter covers a different set of costs. For example, Plan G covers most of what Medicare does not, while Plan N has lower premiums but higher copays at the doctor's office. AARP offers several of these lettered plans through UnitedHealthcare.

You have the best rates and easiest enrollment if you buy Medigap within six months of turning 65 and enrolling in Medicare Part B. After that window, insurers can charge more based on your health history. You can enroll in a Medigap plan any time during the year, but waiting may cost you more.

Costs and What You Pay Each Month

AARP plan costs vary by location, age, and the specific plan you choose. Medicare Advantage plans typically have a lower or zero monthly premium but higher copays when you use care. Medigap plans have a higher monthly premium but lower or no copays at the doctor.

The insurance company sets the actual premium amount. AARP negotiates rates on behalf of its members, but you will see the final price when you compare plans. You can view rates and coverage details on Medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE to request a printed comparison.

Both plan types are subject to annual increases. The insurance company must notify you of any rate change before it takes effect, usually in September or October for changes starting January 1.

How to Find and Compare AARP Plans

Start by visiting Medicare.gov and using the Plan Finder tool. Enter your zip code and current medications to see all available plans in your area, including AARP plans. The tool shows monthly premiums, copays, deductibles, and which doctors and pharmacies are in each plan's network.

You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE to speak with a counselor who can walk you through plan options. Many states also have State Health Insurance information Programs (SHIPs) that offer free, unbiased plan counseling by phone or in person. To find your state's SHIP, search "SHIP" plus your state name online.

When comparing plans, look at the total cost you would pay in a typical year — not just the premium. A plan with a low premium might have high copays that add up quickly if you see doctors often. The Plan Finder tool calculates estimated yearly costs based on your medications and doctors.

AARP Membership and Plan Enrollment

You do not need to be an AARP member to buy an AARP-branded plan. However, AARP members may receive discounts on certain plans or additional benefits. If you are considering AARP membership for other reasons — discounts on travel, prescriptions, or other services — check whether those benefits matter to you separately from the health plan decision.

Enrollment in an AARP health plan happens through Medicare or the insurance company directly, not through AARP membership. Once you enroll, you manage your plan with the insurance company (UnitedHealthcare), not with AARP. AARP's role ends after the sale.

When to Contact the Insurance Company vs. AARP

If you have questions about your coverage, claims, copays, or which doctors are in your network, contact UnitedHealthcare (the insurance company). Their customer service number is on your insurance card. AARP cannot change your coverage or resolve claim disputes.

If you have a complaint about how AARP marketed a plan or about AARP's role as a partner, you can contact AARP directly. But for anything related to your actual health coverage, the insurance company is the one that handles it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be an AARP member to buy an AARP health plan?

No. AARP-branded plans are sold by insurance companies and are open to anyone on Medicare, regardless of AARP membership. Some plans may offer member discounts, but membership is not required to enroll.

Can I switch from an AARP Medicare Advantage plan to a Medigap plan?

Yes, but timing matters. If you switch within 12 months of first enrolling in Medicare Advantage, you have may provide issue rights — the Medigap insurer cannot deny you or charge more based on health. After that, you may face higher premiums or medical underwriting. Enroll during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7) to make the switch effective January 1.

What happens if my doctor leaves the AARP plan network?

Contact UnitedHealthcare when ready. If your doctor leaves mid-year, you may be able to switch to a different plan outside the normal enrollment period. Medicare calls this a "may have access to life event." UnitedHealthcare can tell you whether you may have access to and what plans are available.

Are prescription drugs covered under AARP Medicare Advantage plans?

Yes. All Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage (Part D). Medigap plans do not include drug coverage; you must enroll in a separate Part D plan through an insurance company. You can enroll in Part D during the Annual Enrollment Period or when you first turn 65.

Can I use an AARP plan if I move to a different state?

AARP plans are available in most states, but coverage and plan options vary by location. If you move, you can switch plans during the Annual Enrollment Period or within 60 days of moving. Contact UnitedHealthcare or use Medicare.gov to see which plans are available in your new state.