How AARP Health Insurance Plans Work and What They Cover

What AARP health insurance actually is

AARP does not sell health insurance directly. Instead, AARP partners with UnitedHealthcare to offer Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans and Medicare Advantage plans under the AARP brand. When you buy an AARP health plan, you are buying from UnitedHealthcare — AARP receives a commission, but UnitedHealthcare handles your coverage, claims, and customer service.

This matters because it changes where you call with problems. If your claim is denied or your card doesn't work, you contact UnitedHealthcare, not AARP. AARP membership is not required to buy these plans, though AARP members often receive discounted premiums.

AARP offers two main types of plans: Medigap plans, which work alongside Original Medicare to cover costs Medicare does not pay, and Medicare Advantage plans, which replace Original Medicare entirely and usually include prescription drug coverage and dental or vision benefits.

Key Takeaways

AARP health plans are underwritten by UnitedHealthcare, so UnitedHealthcare handles your coverage and claims, not AARP.
Medigap plans cover deductibles, copays, and coinsurance that Original Medicare leaves you responsible for, but do not include prescription drugs.
Medicare Advantage plans replace Original Medicare and usually bundle prescription drugs, dental, and vision into one monthly premium.
You can only enroll in most AARP plans during your Initial Enrollment Period (when you first turn 65) or during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7 each year).
Rates and covered services vary by state and change each year, so you should review your options annually even if you already have a plan.

How AARP Medigap plans work

A Medigap plan pays the bills that Original Medicare does not. Original Medicare covers hospital and doctor visits, but leaves you responsible for deductibles (the amount you pay before coverage starts), copays (a fixed amount per visit), and coinsurance (a percentage of the cost). A Medigap plan fills those gaps.

AARP offers Medigap plans labeled A through N. Each letter represents a different combination of coverage. Plan G, for example, covers the Part B deductible, copays for doctor visits, and coinsurance for hospital stays. Plan N covers most of the same things but charges a copay for doctor visits and emergency room visits. The letter does not indicate quality — it indicates what is covered.

Medigap plans do not include prescription drug coverage. If you want to cover medications, you enroll in a separate Part D plan through Medicare directly (not through AARP). You can use any Part D plan alongside any Medigap plan.

How AARP Medicare Advantage plans work

Medicare Advantage plans (also called Part C) replace Original Medicare. Instead of paying Medicare directly for hospital and doctor visits, you pay a monthly premium to the plan and use that plan's network of doctors and hospitals. Most AARP Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage, dental benefits, and vision benefits built in.

The trade-off is that you usually pay more out of pocket when you use care. A Medicare Advantage plan might charge a $20 copay for a doctor visit, whereas Original Medicare with a Medigap plan might charge nothing. However, Medicare Advantage plans have an out-of-pocket maximum — once you hit that limit in a calendar year, the plan covers everything else at no cost. Original Medicare with Medigap has no such cap.

Medicare Advantage plans require you to use in-network doctors and hospitals, except in emergencies. If you travel frequently or have a doctor outside the plan's network, a Medigap plan may suit you better because it works with any doctor who accepts Medicare.

When you can enroll in AARP plans

Enrollment windows are strict. If you miss them, you may not be able to enroll until the next window opens, and you could face late-enrollment penalties on your premiums.

Your Initial Enrollment Period begins three months before the month you turn 65 and ends three months after. If you turn 65 in June, your window runs from March through September. During this window, you can enroll in any Medigap plan without medical underwriting — the plan cannot deny you or charge more based on your health history.

After your Initial Enrollment Period closes, you can enroll during the Annual Enrollment Period, which runs October 15 through December 7 each year. Changes take effect January 1. Outside these windows, you generally cannot enroll unless you may have access to for a Special Enrollment Period (for example, if you lose employer coverage or move out of state).

What documents you need to enroll

To enroll in an AARP plan, have your Medicare card handy. You will need your Medicare number, which appears on the card. You will also need your Social Security number and date of birth.

You can enroll online at aarp.com/health-insurance, by phone at 1-888-687-2277, or by mail. If you enroll by phone or mail, a representative will walk you through the process. Enrollment is free — AARP and UnitedHealthcare do not charge to sign up.

After you enroll, UnitedHealthcare will mail you a new insurance card within 7 to 10 business days. Your coverage begins on the first day of the month after you enroll (or on January 1 if you enroll during the Annual Enrollment Period).

How premiums and costs vary by location and age

AARP plan premiums differ by state, county, and ZIP code because costs vary by region. A Medigap Plan G might cost $120 per month in one county and $180 in another 50 miles away. Medicare Advantage premiums also vary widely — some plans charge $0 per month, while others charge $200 or more.

Premiums also depend on your age. Most AARP plans use age-based pricing, meaning your premium increases as you get older. Some plans use community rating, which means everyone in your area pays the same premium regardless of age. AARP publishes which pricing method each plan uses.

The only way to know what a plan costs for you is to enter your ZIP code on aarp.com/health-insurance or call 1-888-687-2277. Rates change every January 1, so even if you enrolled last year, your premium may be different this year.

Comparing AARP plans to other options

AARP is one of many companies offering Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans. Other major insurers include Humana, Cigna, Anthem, and regional plans. The plans themselves are standardized by Medicare — a Plan G from AARP covers the same things as a Plan G from Humana. The difference is in price, customer service, and which doctors are in the network.

To compare plans across all insurers, use the Medicare Plan Finder at medicare.gov. Enter your ZIP code, current doctors, and medications, and the tool shows you all available plans, their costs, and whether your doctors are in-network. You can compare AARP plans side by side with competitors to see which offers the best value for your situation.

Some people choose AARP plans because they trust the AARP brand or receive an AARP membership discount. Others choose a different insurer because that company's plan is cheaper or has better coverage for their specific needs. There is no single best plan — the best plan is the one that costs least and covers your doctors and medications.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. You can buy an AARP health plan without AARP membership. However, AARP members typically receive a discount on premiums. If you are not a member and want the discount, you can join AARP when you enroll in the plan.

Can I switch from a Medigap plan to a Medicare Advantage plan mid-year?

No. You can only switch during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7) or if you may have access to for a Special Enrollment Period. If you switch outside these windows, your new coverage will not start until January 1 of the following year.

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

Your plan may not be available in your new state. Contact UnitedHealthcare as soon as you know you are moving. You will likely need to enroll in a different plan in your new state. A move qualifies you for a Special Enrollment Period, so you can enroll outside the normal Annual Enrollment Period.

Are prescription drugs covered under AARP Medigap plans?

No. Medigap plans do not include prescription drug coverage. You must enroll in a separate Part D plan through Medicare. Most AARP Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage, so you do not need a separate Part D plan if you choose Medicare Advantage.

How do I file a claim with an AARP plan?

With a Medigap plan, you typically do not file a claim. Your doctor bills Medicare first, then Medicare sends the bill to UnitedHealthcare, which pays its share automatically. With a Medicare Advantage plan, you show your UnitedHealthcare card at the doctor's office, and the office bills the plan directly. If you receive a bill you think the plan should cover, contact UnitedHealthcare at the number on your insurance card.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.