What AARP and UnitedHealthcare offer together

AARP and UnitedHealthcare (UHC) partner to sell Medicare Advantage plans and Medigap policies under the AARP brand. UnitedHealthcare is the insurance company that actually underwrites and pays claims on these plans. When you buy an AARP plan through UHC, you are buying a UnitedHealthcare product marketed under the AARP name — the coverage, network, and claims process all come from UnitedHealthcare.

AARP does not provide the insurance itself. AARP is a membership organization that negotiates rates with UnitedHealthcare and endorses the plans to its members. If you are an AARP member age 50 or older, you can shop AARP-branded UHC plans during Medicare's open enrollment periods, but you do not have to be an AARP member to buy a UnitedHealthcare Medicare plan directly.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP-branded plans are underwritten by UnitedHealthcare, so your claims, customer service, and provider network all come from UHC, not from AARP.
  • You can buy AARP UHC plans only during Medicare's annual open enrollment (October 15 to December 7) or if you are newly may be able to access for Medicare.
  • AARP membership is not required to buy a UnitedHealthcare Medicare plan, but AARP members may see different pricing or plan options than non-members.
  • UnitedHealthcare Medicare plans vary by state and county, so the plans available to you depend on where you live.
  • You can compare AARP UHC plans against other Medicare Advantage and Medigap options on Medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.

The difference between Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans from AARP UHC

Medicare Advantage plans (also called Part C) replace Original Medicare. You pay a monthly premium to UnitedHealthcare, use their provider network, and have an out-of-pocket maximum. Most AARP UHC Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage (Part D) built in. You must use in-network doctors and hospitals, except in emergencies.

Medigap policies (also called Supplement plans) work alongside Original Medicare. You keep your Medicare card and see any doctor who accepts Medicare. The Medigap policy covers some or all of the costs that Original Medicare does not — copays, coinsurance, and deductibles. Medigap does not cover prescription drugs, so you would buy a separate Part D plan from any insurer.

AARP UHC sells both types. Which one makes sense depends on whether you want to stay in a managed network (Advantage) or keep the freedom to see any Medicare provider (Medigap). Advantage plans usually have lower premiums but higher out-of-pocket costs when you use care. Medigap plans usually cost more per month but have more predictable costs.

How to find and compare AARP UHC plans

Go to Medicare.gov and use the Plan Finder tool. Enter your zip code, the medications you take, and your preferred doctors and hospitals. The tool will show you every Medicare Advantage and Medigap plan available in your area, including AARP UHC options, side by side with their premiums, deductibles, and networks.

You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) and speak to a counselor who can walk you through the plans. The call is free and the counselor works for Medicare, not for any insurance company, so they have no stake in which plan you choose.

If you are an AARP member, you can also visit AARP.org and look at their plan pages, which may show AARP-specific discounts or member benefits. But the official source for all plan details and pricing is always Medicare.gov.

When you can enroll in AARP UHC plans

Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs from October 15 to December 7 each year. This is when anyone on Medicare can switch plans or join a plan for the first time. Coverage starts January 1 of the following year.

If you are newly may be able to access for Medicare — turning 65 or becoming may be able to access due to disability or end-stage renal disease — you have a 7-month Initial Enrollment Period centered on your may be able to access month. During this window, you can join an AARP UHC plan without waiting for the annual enrollment period.

If you miss these windows, you cannot join a plan until the next AEP unless you have a may have access to life event such as loss of employer coverage, moving out of state, or divorce. may have access to events give you a 60-day Special Enrollment Period.

What to know about AARP UHC provider networks

UnitedHealthcare maintains its own network of doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies. If you choose an AARP UHC Medicare Advantage plan, you must use doctors and hospitals in that plan's network, except in true emergencies. Out-of-network care is either not covered or covered at a much higher cost.

Before you enroll, check whether your current doctors and your preferred hospital are in the UnitedHealthcare network for your area. You can search the network on UnitedHealthcare.com or call the plan's customer service number (listed on the plan details page in Medicare.gov).

Networks vary by county and sometimes by specific plan within the same county. A doctor may be in the network for one AARP UHC Advantage plan but not another. Always verify your specific plan's network, not just UnitedHealthcare's network in general.

Prescription drug coverage under AARP UHC plans

Most AARP UHC Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage (Part D). The plan's formulary — the list of covered drugs — determines which medications are covered and at what cost. Some drugs may require prior authorization from UnitedHealthcare before the pharmacy will fill them.

If you choose an AARP UHC Medigap plan, you do not get drug coverage through the plan. You must buy a separate Part D plan from any insurer, including UnitedHealthcare. You can enroll in Part D at the same time you enroll in Medigap, or you can wait and join during the annual enrollment period, though waiting may result in a late enrollment penalty.

Check the formulary for any medications you take regularly. If a drug you need is not covered or is in a high cost tier, ask your doctor whether a covered alternative exists, or contact UnitedHealthcare to request an exception.

Costs: premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket limits

AARP UHC plan costs vary by plan type, location, and your age. Medicare Advantage plans typically have a lower or zero monthly premium but charge copays and coinsurance when you use care. Medigap plans typically have a higher monthly premium but lower or no copays.

Medicare Advantage plans have an out-of-pocket maximum — a yearly cap on what you pay for in-network care. Once you reach that limit, the plan covers 100% of in-network services for the rest of the year. Medigap plans do not have an out-of-pocket maximum, but the monthly premium is usually your largest cost.

Costs change every year. Always compare the current year's plans during open enrollment, even if you were happy with your plan last year. A plan that was affordable in 2024 might cost more in 2025, or a different plan might offer better value for your situation.

How to contact AARP UHC customer service

Once you are enrolled in an AARP UHC plan, your member ID card will have a customer service phone number. Call that number with questions about your coverage, to find an in-network doctor, to check on a claim, or to request prior authorization for a medication or procedure.

You can also log into your account on UnitedHealthcare.com to view your claims, request refills, find providers, and manage your plan. UnitedHealthcare also has a mobile app for members.

If you have a complaint about your plan or believe a claim was wrongly denied, you can file a grievance with UnitedHealthcare. The plan's member handbook (sent to you when you enroll) explains the grievance process. You can also contact your State Health Insurance information Program (SHIP) for free help. Find your state's SHIP at shiptalk.org or call 1-877-839-2675.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. You can buy a UnitedHealthcare Medicare plan directly from UnitedHealthcare without being an AARP member. However, AARP members may see different pricing or plan options. If you are interested in AARP membership, you can join at AARP.org or by calling 1-888-687-2277.

Can I switch from an AARP UHC plan to a different plan mid-year?

Not usually. You can change plans only during the annual open enrollment period (October 15 to December 7) or if you have a may have access to life event. If you made a mistake when you enrolled or your circumstances have changed, contact your State Health Insurance information Program to discuss your options.

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

UnitedHealthcare may not offer the same plans in your new state, or your current plan may not be available in your new county. You will need to shop for plans in your new location. A move is a may have access to life event, so you have 60 days after you move to enroll in a new plan.

How do I know if a doctor is in my AARP UHC plan's network?

Search the UnitedHealthcare provider directory at UnitedHealthcare.com, or call the customer service number on your member ID card. Always search for your specific plan, not just UnitedHealthcare in general, because networks vary by plan and county.

Can I use my AARP UHC plan if I travel outside the United States?

Medicare Advantage plans generally do not cover care outside the U.S., except in rare cases near the border. If you travel internationally regularly, ask UnitedHealthcare whether your plan has any out-of-country coverage. Medigap plans also do not cover international care, though some supplemental travel insurance is available separately.