How to Find and Compare AARP Health Insurance Plans in Connecticut

What AARP health insurance means in Connecticut

AARP does not sell health insurance directly. Instead, AARP partners with insurance companies — mainly UnitedHealthcare — to offer plans that AARP members can purchase. In Connecticut, these plans include Medicare Advantage, Medigap (supplemental coverage), and long-term care insurance. You buy the plan from the insurance company, not from AARP, but AARP membership gives you access to plans branded with the AARP name and often priced lower than the same plan sold without the AARP partnership.

The plans available to you depend on your age and whether you are already on Medicare. If you are under 65 and not yet on Medicare, AARP offers some health plans through the ACA marketplace. If you are 65 or older and on Medicare, you will see Medicare Advantage and Medigap options. Connecticut residents can also look at plans sold directly by UnitedHealthcare and other insurers without the AARP brand — the coverage is often identical, but the price may differ.

Key Takeaways

AARP-branded plans in Connecticut are sold by UnitedHealthcare and other insurers, not by AARP itself, so you contact the insurance company to buy or change coverage.
Medicare Advantage plans bundle hospital, doctor, and prescription drug coverage in one plan; Medigap plans work alongside Original Medicare and cover costs Medicare does not pay.
You can compare AARP plans on Medicare.gov, the official government site, or call 1-800-MEDICARE to speak with someone who can walk you through options without selling you anything.
Open enrollment for Medicare runs from October 15 to December 7 each year; outside that window, you can only change plans if you have a may have access to life event.
Connecticut has a State Health Insurance information Program (SHIP) called the Connecticut Insurance Department's Health Insurance Counseling Program, which offers free one-on-one help comparing plans.

Medicare Advantage plans with the AARP name

AARP Medicare Advantage plans in Connecticut are HMO or PPO plans that combine hospital, doctor, and prescription drug coverage. You pay a monthly premium (often $0), an annual deductible, and copays when you see a doctor or fill a prescription. The trade-off is that you must use doctors and hospitals in the plan's network, except in emergencies. Most plans include dental, vision, and hearing benefits that Original Medicare does not cover.

These plans are offered by UnitedHealthcare under the AARP brand. To see which plans are sold in your county, go to Medicare.gov, click "Find Care Providers and Suppliers," and search by your zip code. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE and ask which AARP Medicare Advantage plans serve your area. The plans available change year to year, and the premiums, deductibles, and networks change every January.

Medigap supplemental plans with the AARP name

AARP Medigap plans work differently from Medicare Advantage. You keep Original Medicare (Parts A and B) and buy a Medigap policy to cover the costs that Medicare does not — copays, coinsurance, and deductibles. Medigap plans are lettered (Plan A, Plan B, Plan C, and so on), and the same letter means the same coverage no matter which company sells it. The main difference between AARP Medigap and other Medigap is price and the company's customer service reputation.

In Connecticut, AARP Medigap plans are sold by UnitedHealthcare. You can compare all Medigap plans sold in your area — AARP and non-AARP — on Medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE. Medigap premiums are usually higher than Medicare Advantage premiums, but you have more freedom to see any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare. You can switch Medigap plans once a year during the annual enrollment period, or anytime if you have a may have access to event.

How to compare plans on Medicare.gov

Medicare.gov is the official government site where you can see all plans available in your zip code, compare costs, and read reviews from other members. Go to Medicare.gov, click "Find Care Providers and Suppliers," enter your zip code, and select "Compare Health Plans." You will see a list of Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans, along with premiums, deductibles, copays, and which doctors are in network.

You can filter by plan type (Medicare Advantage or Medigap), monthly premium, and deductible. Click on any plan to see the full formulary (list of covered drugs), the network of doctors and hospitals, and member ratings. Read the "Plan Details" tab to understand what is covered and what is not. If you have questions about a specific plan, call the insurance company directly — the phone number is on the plan's page on Medicare.gov.

When you can change plans and how

If you are on Medicare, you can change plans during the Annual Enrollment Period, which runs from October 15 to December 7 each year. Changes take effect on January 1. You can change from Medicare Advantage to Medigap, from one Medicare Advantage plan to another, or from Medigap to Medicare Advantage. You do not have to change every year — you can stay with the same plan if it still meets your needs.

Outside the enrollment period, you can change plans only if you have a may have access to life event: you move out of the plan's service area, you lose or gain Medicaid, you have a major change in health status, or you experience certain other changes. If you think you may have access to, call 1-800-MEDICARE or contact your plan directly. Some people also have a special enrollment period if they are turning 65 and enrolling in Medicare for the first time.

Connecticut's free plan counseling service

Connecticut's State Health Insurance information Program is called the Health Insurance Counseling Program, run by the Connecticut Insurance Department. It offers free, one-on-one help comparing Medicare plans, understanding costs, and reviewing your current coverage. Counselors are not affiliated with any insurance company and do not earn commission, so their information is neutral.

You can reach the program by calling the Connecticut Insurance Department at 860-297-3900 or visiting their website. They can help you understand the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medigap, walk you through the Medicare.gov comparison tool, and answer questions about your specific situation. Many people find this service especially useful if they are new to Medicare or if they have complex health needs and are not sure which plan is right for them.

Long-term care insurance through AARP

AARP also partners with insurance companies to offer long-term care insurance, which covers nursing home care, assisted living, or home care if you need help with daily activities. These policies are not health insurance — they do not cover doctor visits or hospital stays. Instead, they pay a daily or monthly benefit if you need extended care.

Long-term care insurance is sold by multiple companies under the AARP brand. Premiums depend on your age, health, and the benefit amount you choose. You can get quotes from AARP's website or by calling AARP directly. Because these policies are complex and expensive, it is worth comparing quotes from multiple insurers and speaking with a financial advisor or elder law attorney before buying.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, you must be an AARP member to buy plans sold under the AARP brand. AARP membership costs $16 per year for people 50 and older. However, you can buy the same coverage from the insurance company directly without the AARP brand — the plan details and network are often identical, and the price may be lower or higher depending on the company and plan.

Can I use my AARP plan if I travel outside Connecticut?

It depends on the plan type. Medicare Advantage plans usually have a network limited to Connecticut or a specific region, so you may have limited coverage if you travel. Medigap plans work with any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare, so you have more flexibility to see providers anywhere in the country. Check your plan documents or call your plan's customer service line before traveling.

What happens to my AARP plan if I move out of Connecticut?

If you move, your current plan may no longer be available in your new state. When you move, you have a special enrollment period to change plans without waiting for the annual enrollment period. Contact your current plan or call 1-800-MEDICARE to find out which plans are available in your new location and to make the switch.

How do AARP plan premiums compare to other insurance companies?

AARP-branded plans are sometimes cheaper and sometimes more expensive than the same plan sold by the insurance company without the AARP name. The only way to know is to compare quotes. Use Medicare.gov to see all plans in your area, or call the insurance company directly and ask for a quote with and without the AARP brand.

Can I have both Medicare Advantage and Medigap at the same time?

No. If you are on Medicare, you choose either Medicare Advantage or Original Medicare with Medigap. You cannot have both. If you switch from one to the other, you may have a waiting period before Medigap coverage begins, depending on your health and the plan you choose.

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.