AARP does not sell medical insurance itself, but it partners with insurance companies to offer plans you can purchase

AARP is not an insurance company. It is a membership organization for people 50 and older. However, AARP has agreements with insurance carriers — mainly UnitedHealthcare — to sell Medicare Advantage plans, Medigap policies, and prescription drug coverage under the AARP brand. When you buy one of these plans, you are buying from the insurance company, not from AARP itself, though AARP handles the marketing and enrollment.

The plans available to you depend on your age and whether you are already enrolled in Original Medicare. AARP-branded plans are not available to people under 50, and some plans require that you have Medicare Part A and Part B first.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP partners with UnitedHealthcare to offer Medicare Advantage, Medigap, and prescription drug plans under the AARP name, but does not underwrite the insurance itself.
  • You must be at least 50 years old to purchase AARP-branded medical insurance, and most plans require you to be enrolled in Medicare.
  • AARP-branded plans are available in most states but not all, and which specific plans you can purchase depends on where you live.
  • You can compare AARP plans against other insurers' plans during Medicare's open enrollment periods, which run from October 15 to December 7 each year.

The three types of AARP medical insurance plans

Medicare Advantage plans (also called Part C) replace Original Medicare and are offered by private insurers. AARP-branded Medicare Advantage plans cover hospital, medical, and usually prescription drug benefits in one plan. You pay a monthly premium to the insurance company, and you use doctors and hospitals in the plan's network. These plans often have lower premiums than Medigap but require you to use in-network providers.

Medigap policies are supplemental insurance that works alongside Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). They help pay costs that Medicare does not cover, such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. AARP offers Medigap plans in most states. You keep your Original Medicare and add a Medigap policy on top. You can see any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare.

Prescription drug coverage (Part D) is sold separately if you have Original Medicare and do not have drug coverage through another source. AARP-branded Part D plans are underwritten by UnitedHealthcare. The cost and drugs covered vary by plan and by state.

Who can buy AARP-branded medical insurance

You must be at least 50 years old to purchase any AARP-branded insurance product. For Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans, you must also be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B. You do not need to be an AARP member to buy these plans, though AARP advertises them heavily to members.

AARP-branded plans are not available in every state. Availability depends on where you live and which specific plan you are interested in. You can check what plans are offered in your state by entering your ZIP code on the AARP insurance website or by calling the phone number on an AARP insurance advertisement.

If you are under 65 and have Medicare due to disability or end-stage renal disease, you may still be able to purchase AARP-branded plans, but availability is more limited. Contact AARP directly to ask about your situation.

How to compare AARP plans with other insurers

AARP plans are one option among many. Medicare.gov, the official government site, lets you compare all Medicare Advantage, Medigap, and Part D plans available in your area side by side. You can filter by premium, deductible, network, and specific drugs you take. This comparison tool does not favor AARP plans over others.

You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE to speak with a counselor who can explain the differences between AARP plans and competitors' plans. These counselors work for Medicare, not for AARP or any insurance company, so they have no stake in which plan you choose.

The best time to compare and switch plans is during Medicare's annual open enrollment period, which runs from October 15 to December 7 each year. Changes take effect on January 1. Outside this window, you can only switch plans if you have a may have access to life event, such as moving to a new state or losing other insurance coverage.

What to know about AARP-branded plan costs

AARP-branded plans have the same cost structure as any other insurer's plans. You pay a monthly premium, and you may also pay a deductible, copayments, or coinsurance when you use care. The exact costs depend on which plan you choose and where you live.

AARP does not set the prices — UnitedHealthcare does. However, AARP's brand recognition and large membership mean that AARP-branded plans are often competitively priced. Some people find them cheaper than other options; others find competitors' plans less expensive. This is why comparing across insurers matters.

If your income is low, you may be able to reduce your Medicare Advantage or Part D premiums through Extra Help (for Part D) or Medicare Savings Programs (for Part A and B costs). These programs are run by Medicare and Social Security, not by AARP or any insurance company. You can learn more at Medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.

How to enroll in an AARP-branded plan

You can enroll in AARP-branded plans online through the AARP insurance website, by phone, or by mail. The process is the same as enrolling in any other Medicare plan. You will need your Medicare card and Social Security number.

If you are new to Medicare, you have a seven-month initial enrollment window that begins three months before the month you turn 65. If you miss this window, you may pay a permanent penalty on your premiums, so timing matters. If you are already on Medicare and want to switch to an AARP plan, you can do so during the annual open enrollment period (October 15 to December 7) or if you have a may have access to life event.

After you enroll, the insurance company will send you a welcome packet with your member ID card, plan details, and network information. Keep your Medicare card and your new insurance card with you when you see a doctor.

Common reasons people choose or avoid AARP plans

Many people choose AARP-branded plans because they recognize the AARP name and trust it. AARP also publishes educational materials about Medicare, which some people find helpful. Additionally, AARP-branded plans are often priced competitively and available in most parts of the country.

Some people avoid AARP plans because they prefer to work with a different insurer, because a competitor's plan has a lower premium or better network in their area, or because they object to AARP's advocacy positions on other issues. There is no single "best" plan for everyone — the right choice depends on your doctors, your medications, your budget, and your preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be an AARP member to buy AARP-branded insurance?

No. You do not need to be an AARP member to purchase AARP-branded Medicare plans. However, AARP advertises these plans primarily to its members, so many people who buy them are members. Membership in AARP is separate from purchasing insurance.

Can I use any doctor with an AARP Medicare Advantage plan?

No. AARP Medicare Advantage plans have networks, and you generally pay less if you use doctors and hospitals in the plan's network. If you see an out-of-network provider, you may pay more or the plan may not cover the visit at all. Check the plan's provider directory before you enroll to make sure your doctors are included.

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

Your plan may not be available in your new state. When you move, you have a 60-day window to change plans without waiting for the annual open enrollment period. Contact your AARP plan or call 1-800-MEDICARE to find out what plans are available where you are moving and to switch before your move takes effect.

Is AARP insurance the same as Medicare?

No. Medicare is a federal health insurance program run by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. AARP-branded plans are private insurance products sold by UnitedHealthcare. AARP is a membership organization that partners with UnitedHealthcare to market these plans. They are three separate entities.

Can I switch from an AARP plan to a different plan later?

Yes. You can switch 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 getting married. You cannot switch at any other time unless Medicare approves an exception.