AARP offers health insurance plans through private insurers, not directly from AARP itself

AARP does not sell or administer health insurance. Instead, AARP endorses and markets plans sold by insurance companies like UnitedHealthcare, Humana, and Cigna. When you buy what is called "AARP insurance," you are buying a plan from one of these private insurers — AARP straightforward negotiated group rates and branded the plans with its name. This matters because your actual coverage, claims, and customer service come from the insurance company, not from AARP.

The most common AARP-branded plans are Medicare Advantage and Medigap policies. Both are designed for people already enrolled in Medicare. AARP also offers long-term care insurance and life insurance under its brand, though these are less commonly discussed. Understanding which type of plan you are looking at is the first step, because the rules, costs, and coverage work very differently depending on which one it is.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP-branded plans are sold by private insurance companies like UnitedHealthcare and Humana, not by AARP itself, so your coverage and claims are handled by the insurance company.
  • Medicare Advantage plans bundle hospital, doctor, and prescription drug coverage into one plan with a monthly premium, while Medigap plans work alongside Original Medicare and cover costs Medicare does not pay.
  • You can only enroll in AARP-branded Medicare plans during the annual enrollment period (October 15 to December 7) or if you may have access to for a special enrollment period due to a life event.
  • Costs vary by location, age, and health status, and plans change their coverage and pricing every year, so comparing options annually is necessary even if you already have a plan.
  • AARP membership is not required to buy AARP-branded insurance, though many people assume it is.

Medicare Advantage plans with AARP branding

An AARP Medicare Advantage plan is a private insurance alternative to Original Medicare. Instead of using the government's Medicare program directly, you enroll in a plan run by an insurance company (usually UnitedHealthcare under the AARP brand). The plan covers hospital stays, doctor visits, and prescription drugs all in one policy. You pay a monthly premium, and the insurance company handles claims and decides which doctors and hospitals are in-network.

The appeal of Medicare Advantage is often a lower or zero monthly premium compared to Original Medicare plus Medigap. However, you trade lower premiums for higher out-of-pocket costs when you use care. Most plans have copays for doctor visits, coinsurance for hospital stays, and annual out-of-pocket maximums (the most you pay in a year before the plan covers everything). Plans also restrict you to in-network providers in most cases, and you need prior approval from the insurance company before certain procedures.

Medicare Advantage plans change every year. The insurance company may drop your plan, change the doctors in the network, raise copays, or add new restrictions. You are not locked in — you can switch to a different plan or to Original Medicare during the annual enrollment period each fall. Many people stay with the same plan for years, but checking whether your plan still meets your needs annually is important.

Medigap plans with AARP branding

An AARP Medigap plan (also called a supplement) works alongside Original Medicare, not instead of it. You keep your Medicare coverage and pay Medicare premiums. The Medigap plan then covers costs that Medicare does not — copays, coinsurance, and deductibles. For example, if Medicare covers 80 percent of a doctor visit and you owe the remaining 20 percent, Medigap covers that 20 percent.

Medigap plans are standardized by the federal government. Plan A, Plan B, Plan C, and so on all cover the same benefits no matter which insurance company sells them. The only difference between an AARP Medigap Plan G and a Cigna Medigap Plan G is the monthly premium and the insurance company's customer service. This standardization makes it easier to compare plans — you can look at price alone and know the coverage is identical.

Medigap premiums are usually higher than Medicare Advantage premiums, but you have more flexibility. You can see any doctor who accepts Medicare anywhere in the country without worrying about networks. You do not need prior approval for most care. And your plan does not change year to year — if you like your coverage, it stays the same. The trade-off is that you pay more upfront in premiums.

When you can enroll and what happens if you miss the window

You can enroll in AARP-branded Medicare plans during the Annual Enrollment Period, which runs from October 15 to December 7 each year. Changes take effect January 1. This is the only time most people can switch plans or enroll for the first time.

If you miss the Annual Enrollment Period, you can still enroll if you may have access to for a Special Enrollment Period. These are triggered by specific life events: losing employer coverage, moving out of your plan's service area, getting married or divorced, or having a significant change in income. You have a limited window — usually 60 days from the event — to enroll. If you do not enroll during either window, you may face a late enrollment penalty added to your premiums permanently.

The exception is if you are newly may be able to access for Medicare (turning 65 or becoming may be able to access due to disability). You have a seven-month window centered on your may be able to access month to enroll without penalty. If you delay past that window, penalties explore.

How costs work and what affects your premium

AARP-branded plan premiums vary by location, age, and the specific plan you choose. Two people in different counties may pay different premiums for the same plan name. Age also matters — premiums typically increase as you get older, though the increase is limited by federal rules (insurers cannot charge someone over 65 more than three times what they charge someone under 65 for the same plan).

For Medicare Advantage, the monthly premium is often low or zero, but you pay when you use care through copays and coinsurance. A plan with a zero premium might have a $25 copay for a doctor visit and a $300 deductible for hospital stays. For Medigap, you pay a higher monthly premium but little to nothing when you use care.

Plans change pricing and coverage every year. A plan you paid $150 a month for in 2024 might cost $180 in 2025, or the copays might increase. Insurance companies also sometimes discontinue plans or withdraw from certain areas. You receive a notice in October about changes to your plan for the coming year. Reading this notice and comparing it to other available plans during the Annual Enrollment Period is how you avoid overpaying or losing coverage you depend on.

Long-term care and life insurance under the AARP brand

AARP also endorses long-term care insurance and life insurance policies sold by private insurers. Long-term care insurance covers costs of nursing home care, assisted living, or in-home care if you need help with daily activities due to age, illness, or injury. Life insurance provides a death benefit to your beneficiaries.

These products are not Medicare-related and work differently than Medicare Advantage or Medigap. You can enroll at any time, not just during Medicare's annual enrollment period. Premiums are based on your age and health when you explore, and they may increase over time. Long-term care insurance in particular requires medical underwriting — the insurer reviews your health history and may deny coverage or charge more if you have certain conditions.

These products are less commonly discussed than Medicare plans, partly because they are more expensive and partly because many people do not think about long-term care until a crisis forces the issue. If you are interested in either, you can request information directly from AARP or compare quotes from other insurers.

AARP membership and insurance — what you actually need

You do not need to be an AARP member to buy AARP-branded insurance. The plans are available to anyone who meets the age and Medicare requirements. AARP membership is separate — it costs money and provides discounts on other products and services. Some people buy AARP insurance and never join AARP. Others join AARP for the magazine and discounts, then buy insurance from a different company.

That said, AARP does market heavily to its members, and members may receive information about plan changes and enrollment important date through AARP's magazine and website. If you are not a member, you will need to track the enrollment period yourself or contact the insurance company directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use AARP insurance if I am an AARP member?

No. AARP membership and AARP insurance are separate. You can be a member without buying insurance, or buy insurance without being a member. Many members choose other insurance companies for better rates or coverage in their area.

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

Not usually. 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 due to a life event like moving or losing coverage. If you switch mid-year without may have access to, you may face a gap in coverage.

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

AARP-branded plans are sold by regional insurance companies and may not be available in your new state. You will likely need to switch to a different plan during the Annual Enrollment Period. Contact the insurance company or Medicare.gov to see what plans are available in your new location.

Are AARP plans more expensive than other insurance companies?

Not necessarily. AARP plans are sold by the same insurance companies that sell non-AARP plans — the difference is the brand name and the group rates AARP negotiated. Comparing prices across all available plans in your area is the only way to know which is cheapest for your situation.

What if I have a pre-existing condition — will AARP insurance deny me?

Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans cannot deny you or charge more based on pre-existing conditions if you enroll during your initial Medicare enrollment period or the Annual Enrollment Period. If you enroll outside these windows, you may face waiting periods or higher premiums depending on the plan type.