What AARP Health Plans Are

AARP health plans are Medicare supplement and Medicare Advantage plans sold under the AARP brand. AARP itself does not provide the insurance—the plans are underwritten by UnitedHealthcare and other carriers. When you buy an AARP plan, you are buying from one of those insurance companies, but you get AARP member pricing and access to AARP's customer service.

AARP offers two main types of plans. Medicare supplement plans (also called Medigap) work alongside Original Medicare to cover costs that Medicare does not pay, like copayments and coinsurance. Medicare Advantage plans replace Original Medicare entirely and usually include prescription drug coverage, dental, and vision benefits in one plan.

You must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B to buy an AARP plan. AARP membership is not required to purchase, though AARP members often receive discounted premiums.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP Medicare supplement plans cover the gaps in Original Medicare, such as copayments and coinsurance, but do not include prescription drug coverage.
  • AARP Medicare Advantage plans replace Original Medicare and bundle hospital, doctor, and prescription drug coverage, usually with dental and vision added.
  • You can enroll in an AARP plan during Medicare's open enrollment period (October 15 to December 7 each year) or during your initial enrollment window when you first turn 65.
  • The cost and coverage of AARP plans vary by state and zip code, so you must check what is available in your area before deciding.
  • AARP membership is not required to buy an AARP plan, but members often pay lower premiums than non-members.

Medicare Supplement Plans Through AARP

AARP Medicare supplement plans are designed to pay the costs that Original Medicare leaves you responsible for. When you see a doctor or go to the hospital under Original Medicare, you typically owe a deductible, copayment, or coinsurance. A supplement plan covers some or all of those out-of-pocket costs.

AARP offers supplement plans in several standardized categories, labeled A through N. Each letter represents a different combination of coverage. For example, Plan G covers the Part B deductible, copayments for hospital stays, and coinsurance for skilled nursing facilities, while Plan N covers similar items but with a small copayment for some doctor visits. The exact benefits of each plan letter are the same across all insurance companies—only the price differs.

With a supplement plan, you keep your Original Medicare coverage and can see any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare. You pay your supplement plan premium each month, plus any remaining costs that your supplement does not cover. You will also need to enroll in a separate prescription drug plan (Part D) if you want coverage for medications.

Medicare Advantage Plans Through AARP

AARP Medicare Advantage plans bundle hospital, doctor, and prescription drug coverage into one plan that replaces Original Medicare. Most AARP Advantage plans include dental and vision coverage as well. You pay a monthly premium and usually a small copayment when you visit a doctor or fill a prescription.

Medicare Advantage plans use a network, which means you must see doctors and hospitals within that network to get the lowest costs. Some plans allow you to see out-of-network providers, but you will pay more. Plans also have an annual out-of-pocket maximum—once you reach that limit, the plan covers your remaining costs for the rest of the year.

The trade-off is that Medicare Advantage plans often require prior authorization before certain procedures and may limit your choice of specialists. However, the all-in-one coverage and added benefits like dental and vision appeal to many people who want simpler administration and lower monthly premiums than some supplement plans.

How to Compare AARP Plans in Your Area

AARP plan availability and pricing depend entirely on your state and zip code. The plans offered in one county may not be available in the next. To see what AARP plans are available to you, visit the Medicare.gov Plan Finder tool or call 1-800-MEDICARE to request a list.

When comparing plans, look at the monthly premium, annual deductible, copayments for common services (doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions), and the annual out-of-pocket maximum. For supplement plans, also check whether the plan covers the Part B deductible and excess charges. For Advantage plans, verify that your current doctors and hospitals are in the network.

You can also call AARP directly at 1-888-687-2277 to speak with someone who can walk you through the plans available in your area and answer questions about coverage. AARP representatives can explain the differences between plans but cannot tell you which plan is best for your situation—that decision is yours based on your health needs and budget.

When You Can Enroll in an AARP Plan

The main enrollment window for AARP plans is Medicare's annual open enrollment period, which runs from October 15 to December 7 each year. Changes take effect on January 1. During this window, you can switch from one AARP plan to another, switch to a different insurance company's plan, or enroll in a plan for the first time.

If you are turning 65 or newly may be able to access for Medicare, you have an initial enrollment window that lasts seven months—three months before the month you turn 65, the month itself, and three months after. During this window, you can enroll in an AARP plan without waiting for the annual open enrollment period.

If you miss your initial enrollment window and do not enroll in a plan when you first become may be able to access, you may face a permanent late enrollment penalty on your premiums. The penalty amount depends on how long you went without coverage and is added to your premium for as long as you have that type of plan.

AARP Membership and Plan Pricing

AARP membership costs $16 per year and is separate from your health plan premium. You do not need to be an AARP member to buy an AARP-branded health plan, but members typically receive discounted premiums compared to non-members. The discount varies by plan and location but can range from a few dollars to $20 or more per month.

If you are not an AARP member and are considering an AARP plan, calculate whether the annual membership fee ($16) plus the non-member premium is less than the member premium. In most cases, the member discount pays for the membership fee within the first month or two.

AARP membership also provides access to other AARP services and discounts on things like car rentals, hotels, and insurance products, though those benefits are separate from your health plan.

What Happens If You Switch Plans or Lose Coverage

If you are enrolled in an AARP plan and want to switch to a different plan during open enrollment, you can do so without penalty. Your new coverage begins on January 1. You do not need approval from your current plan to switch.

If you lose your AARP plan coverage for reasons beyond your control—such as the plan being discontinued in your area or you moving out of state—you may be able to enroll in a new plan outside the normal enrollment window. This is called a may have access to life event. Contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE to report the change and ask whether you are may be able to access for a special enrollment period.

If you move to a different state or zip code, check whether your current AARP plan is still available in your new location. Many plans do not cross state lines. If your plan is no longer available, you will need to choose a new plan during your move, which may may have access to you for a special enrollment window.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need AARP membership to buy an AARP health plan?

No. You can buy an AARP-branded plan without being an AARP member, but members receive lower premiums. Since AARP membership costs $16 per year and the member discount often exceeds that amount per month, most people find membership worthwhile if they are buying an AARP plan.

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

It depends on the plan type. Medicare supplement plans generally work anywhere in the United States where a doctor accepts Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans are tied to a specific service area and usually do not cover care outside that region, except for emergencies. Check your plan documents or call AARP customer service before traveling.

What is the difference between Plan G and Plan N?

Both are popular AARP supplement plans, but Plan G covers the Part B deductible while Plan N does not. Plan N also charges a small copayment (usually $20) for some doctor visits, whereas Plan G does not. Plan G typically costs more per month but may save money if you visit the doctor frequently. Compare the premiums and your expected out-of-pocket costs to decide which makes sense for you.

If I enroll in an AARP Medicare Advantage plan, can I switch back to Original Medicare?

Yes, but only during Medicare's open enrollment period (October 15 to December 7) or if you may have access to for a special enrollment period due to a life event. If you switch back to Original Medicare, you may want to enroll in a supplement plan or prescription drug plan at the same time. Be aware that if you wait to enroll in a supplement plan, you may face higher premiums or coverage restrictions depending on your age and health status.

What happens to my AARP plan if I become may be able to access for Medicaid?

If you become may be able to access for Medicaid while enrolled in an AARP plan, you should contact both AARP and your state Medicaid office. In most cases, Medicaid becomes your primary payer and your AARP plan becomes secondary. You may be able to keep your AARP plan, but the coordination of benefits can be complex. Ask your state Medicaid office and AARP customer service how your specific situation will be handled.