AARP health insurance costs vary widely depending on the plan type, your age, location, and health status

AARP offers or endorses several types of health coverage, and each has a different price structure. Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) sold through AARP typically have monthly premiums ranging from $0 to several hundred dollars, plus copays and deductibles. Medigap plans (supplemental coverage for Original Medicare) usually cost $100 to $300+ per month depending on your age and the plan letter you choose. Long-term care insurance through AARP starts much lower monthly but covers a different kind of care entirely. The price you see depends on what you're actually buying.

Your location matters as much as the plan itself. A Medicare Advantage plan in one county might cost $45 per month, while the same plan type in a neighboring county costs $120. Age at enrollment also shifts the price — someone turning 65 pays less for Medigap than someone who waits until 75. And if you have existing health conditions, some plans may cost more or may not be available to you at all.

Key Takeaways

  • Medicare Advantage plans through AARP range from $0 to several hundred dollars monthly, plus out-of-pocket costs at the doctor or hospital.
  • Medigap plans typically cost $100 to $300+ per month and cover costs that Original Medicare does not, but do not include prescription drugs.
  • Your age when you first enroll, your zip code, and your health history all change what you will pay.
  • You can only enroll in most AARP health plans during your Initial Enrollment Period (the three months before, during, and after the month you turn 65) or during Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7 each year).

Medicare Advantage plans and what they cost

AARP Medicare Advantage plans are sold by insurance companies that contract with Medicare. The monthly premium is often $0, but that does not mean the plan is free — you still pay copays when you see a doctor, coinsurance at the hospital, and an annual deductible before coverage kicks in. Some plans also charge a copay for emergency room visits or specialist visits.

The actual cost depends on which specific plan you choose and where you live. In some areas, AARP offers five or six different Medicare Advantage options, each with different premiums, deductibles, and copay amounts. A plan with a $0 premium might have a $500 deductible and $40 copays for doctor visits. Another plan in the same area might charge $150 per month but have a $250 deductible and $25 copays. You have to compare the full picture, not just the premium.

Medicare Advantage plans also include prescription drug coverage (Part D), so you do not need to buy that separately. However, the formulary — the list of drugs the plan covers — varies by plan and by year. A medication you take today might move to a higher tier next year, raising your out-of-pocket cost.

Medigap plans and their monthly premiums

Medigap is supplemental insurance that works alongside Original Medicare (Parts A and B). It covers things Medicare does not: copays, coinsurance, and deductibles. AARP offers Medigap plans in most states, and the monthly cost typically ranges from $100 to $300 or more, depending on the plan letter and your age.

Medigap plans are labeled A through N (some states do not offer all letters). Plan A is the most basic and cheapest. Plan G and Plan N are popular middle-ground options. Plan F was once the most comprehensive but is no longer sold to people newly may be able to access for Medicare after 2020. Each plan letter covers the same benefits no matter which insurance company sells it, so the price difference between two companies selling Plan G comes down to how that company prices its policies.

Your age at first enrollment determines your premium for life with most insurers. If you enroll in Medigap at 65, your premium will be lower than someone who waits until 72 to enroll. Some insurers use "community rating," meaning everyone in your zip code pays the same price regardless of age — but this is less common. Your location also matters: Medigap Plan G might cost $140 per month in one state and $220 in another.

How your age affects the price you pay

Age is one of the largest factors in what you pay for Medigap. Most insurers use "age-attained" pricing, which means your premium increases each birthday. Someone who enrolls at 65 might pay $120 per month for Plan G; at 75, that same person might pay $180 per month with the same insurer.

For Medicare Advantage, age matters less directly — the premium is usually the same for everyone in the plan, regardless of age. However, your age determines when you can enroll without penalty. If you do not enroll in Medicare Advantage or Medigap during your Initial Enrollment Period (the three months before, during, and after the month you turn 65), you may face a permanent penalty on your premiums if you enroll later.

Why location changes what you pay

Health insurance costs are set by county or region, not by state. Two towns 20 miles apart might have completely different plan options and prices. This is because insurance companies negotiate rates with local hospitals and doctors, and those costs vary.

To find out what plans and prices are available in your area, you need to enter your zip code into the Medicare Plan Finder at Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE. Entering your address tells you exactly which AARP plans are sold in your county and what each one costs. This is the only way to get an accurate price — national averages do not explore to you.

Long-term care insurance through AARP

AARP also offers long-term care insurance, which is different from health insurance. This covers the cost of nursing home care, assisted living, or in-home care if you need help with daily activities. Monthly premiums are typically much lower than health insurance — sometimes $50 to $150 per month — but the coverage is narrower and the waiting period before benefits start can be long.

Long-term care insurance is not health insurance and does not cover doctor visits or hospital stays. It is a separate product for a different kind of risk. Premiums depend on your age when you enroll, your health history, and how much daily benefit you choose. Someone who buys long-term care insurance at 55 pays much less than someone who waits until 70.

How to compare AARP plans and find the actual cost for you

The only way to know what AARP plans cost in your area is to use the Medicare Plan Finder at Medicare.gov. Enter your zip code, your current medications (if you are looking at Medicare Advantage), and your doctors' names. The tool will show you every plan available, the monthly premium, the deductible, copays, and out-of-pocket maximums.

You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE and speak with a counselor who can walk you through the options. Many states also have State Health Insurance information Programs (SHIPs) that offer free, one-on-one counseling about Medicare plans. To find your state's SHIP, search "SHIP" plus your state name online, or call 1-800-MEDICARE and ask for the referral.

When you compare plans, look at the total cost, not just the premium. A plan with a $0 premium but a $500 deductible and $40 copays might cost you more out of pocket than a plan with a $100 premium and lower copays, depending on how often you see doctors. Use the plan finder's cost calculator to estimate your total spending based on your actual medications and doctors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch AARP plans if the cost goes up?

Yes. You can change plans during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7 each year), and the change takes effect January 1. If you have a major life change — such as moving to a new state, losing other coverage, or becoming may be able to access for Medicaid — you may be able to switch outside the enrollment period. Call 1-800-MEDICARE to ask about your situation.

Does AARP health insurance cost the same every year?

No. Premiums, copays, and deductibles change every year. Plans may also add or drop coverage for certain drugs or services. You should review your plan each October during Annual Enrollment to see if a different plan would cost less or cover your needs better.

What if I cannot afford the monthly premium?

If your income is low, you may be able to get help paying premiums and out-of-pocket costs through Medicare Savings Programs or Extra Help (for prescription drugs). Contact your state Medicaid office or call 1-800-MEDICARE to see if you may have access to. These programs are free and do not depend on AARP membership.

Do I have to use AARP insurance, or are there other options?

AARP does not sell its own insurance — it endorses plans sold by other companies. You can choose any Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan sold in your area, not just AARP-endorsed ones. Use Medicare.gov to see all options, then decide which plan works best for you and your budget.

Is there a penalty if I do not enroll in AARP health insurance at 65?

There is no penalty for not choosing AARP specifically. However, if you do not enroll in any Medicare coverage during your Initial Enrollment Period, you may face a permanent penalty on your premiums when you do enroll later. The penalty depends on how long you waited and what type of coverage you are joining.