AARP's Role in Health Insurance

AARP does not sell health insurance directly. Instead, AARP partners with insurance companies to offer plans under the AARP brand, and AARP members receive discounts on those plans. The insurance itself comes from companies like UnitedHealthcare, Humana, and others — AARP is the membership organization that negotiates the rates and endorses the coverage.

If you are a member and looking for health coverage, you will be buying from the insurance company, not from AARP. AARP's role is to make those plans available to members at reduced prices and to provide educational materials about how they work.

The plans AARP offers vary by state and change year to year. What is available to you depends on where you live, your age, and whether you are turning 65 or already on Medicare.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP partners with insurance companies to offer health plans to members, but the insurance company — not AARP — is your actual coverage provider.
  • AARP members typically receive discounts on premiums compared to non-members buying the same plan from the same insurer.
  • The plans available to you depend on your state, your age, and whether you are enrolled in Medicare.
  • You can compare AARP health plans on the AARP website or by calling AARP to speak with someone about options in your area.

Medicare Advantage and Supplemental Plans Through AARP

If you are 65 or older and already on Medicare, AARP offers two main types of plans: Medicare Advantage (also called Part C) and Medigap (supplemental insurance). These are the plans most AARP members use.

Medicare Advantage plans combine your hospital and medical coverage into one plan, usually with a network of doctors and hospitals. Medigap plans work alongside Original Medicare and help pay for costs that Medicare does not cover — copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. Which type makes sense depends on how much medical care you use and whether you prefer a network or more flexibility to see any doctor who accepts Medicare.

Both types are underwritten by insurance companies; AARP negotiates the rates and administers the membership discount. The plans renew each year, and the rates and coverage details change annually.

Health Insurance for People Under 65

AARP also offers health plans to members who are not yet 65 and not yet on Medicare. These plans vary by state and are sold through AARP's website or by phone. Coverage typically includes medical, dental, and vision options, though what is available depends on where you live.

If you are under 65 and uninsured, you can also explore plans through the federal health insurance marketplace (Healthcare.gov) or your state's marketplace. AARP's plans are one option among several, and comparing them with marketplace plans in your area will help you understand the cost and coverage differences.

How to Find and Compare AARP Health Plans

To see what plans are available to you, visit the AARP website and enter your state and zip code. The site will show you plans offered in your area, the monthly premium, and what doctors and hospitals are in the network. You can also call AARP at 1-888-687-2277 to speak with someone who can walk you through the options.

When comparing plans, look at the monthly premium, the deductible, copayments for doctor visits and prescriptions, and whether your doctors are in the network. If you take regular medications, check the plan's formulary (the list of covered drugs) to make sure your prescriptions are covered and at what cost.

Open enrollment for Medicare plans runs from October 15 to December 7 each year. If you are under 65, the federal marketplace open enrollment is typically November 1 to January 15, though your state may have different dates. Outside these windows, you can still enroll if you have a may have access to life event — such as losing other coverage or moving to a new state.

AARP Membership and Plan Costs

AARP membership costs $16 per year for a single membership or $27 for a household membership. You must be 50 or older to join. The membership itself does not include health insurance; it gives you access to discounted plans and other AARP benefits like magazine subscriptions, travel discounts, and financial planning resources.

The discount on health plans varies by plan and location. Some members save hundreds of dollars per year on premiums compared to the same plan bought without AARP membership. However, the best price for you depends on your specific situation — your age, health status, location, and which doctors you want to see.

What AARP Health Plans Do Not Cover

AARP health plans follow the same rules as any other health insurance: they have deductibles, copayments, and limits on coverage. They do not cover everything, and they do not cover services that are not medically necessary.

If you are on a Medicare Advantage plan through AARP, you are still limited to the network of doctors and hospitals in that plan — unless you have an emergency or the plan has an out-of-network benefit. If you are on a Medigap plan, you can see any doctor who accepts Medicare, but the plan only covers the gaps in Medicare; it does not expand what Medicare itself covers.

When to Contact AARP About Health Plans

Contact AARP if you are turning 65 and need to understand your Medicare options, if you are already on Medicare and want to switch plans during open enrollment, or if you are under 65 and looking for coverage. You can also contact them if you have questions about whether a specific doctor or prescription is covered under a plan you are considering.

If you are already enrolled in an AARP health plan and have a billing question or need to file a claim, contact the insurance company directly — not AARP. The insurance company name and customer service number will be on your insurance card and in your plan documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. You must be an AARP member (age 50 or older) to purchase a plan branded as an AARP plan. Membership costs $16 per year. However, you can buy the same underlying insurance plan from the insurance company directly without AARP membership — you just will not receive the member discount.

Can I switch AARP health plans during the year?

If you are on Medicare, you can switch plans only during the annual open enrollment period (October 15 to December 7) or if you have a may have access to life event such as moving, losing other coverage, or turning 65. Outside these windows, you are locked into your current plan until the next open enrollment.

What if my doctor is not in the AARP plan network?

If your doctor is not in the network of a Medicare Advantage plan you are considering, you can ask AARP or the insurance company whether that doctor is covered as an out-of-network provider. If not, you may want to choose a different plan or consider a Medigap plan instead, which lets you see any doctor who accepts Medicare.

Does AARP health insurance cover prescription drugs?

Medicare Advantage plans through AARP include prescription drug coverage (Part D). Medigap plans do not include drug coverage; if you are on Medigap, you need to enroll in a separate Part D plan. Check the plan's formulary to see which drugs are covered and what your copayment will be.

Can I use AARP health insurance outside my state?

AARP health plans are state-specific. If you move to a new state, your current plan ends, and you will need to enroll in a plan available in your new state. A move counts as a may have access to life event, so you can enroll outside the normal open enrollment window.