What AARP and UnitedHealthcare offer together

AARP does not sell insurance directly. Instead, AARP has partnered with UnitedHealthcare to offer Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans under the AARP brand. When you see an "AARP" plan, you are actually buying from UnitedHealthcare — AARP endorses the plans and receives a commission, but UnitedHealthcare handles enrollment, claims, and customer service.

This partnership means AARP members can shop for Medicare coverage through AARP's website and materials, but the plan itself is underwritten and managed by UnitedHealthcare. Understanding this distinction matters because your customer service calls, claims disputes, and coverage questions go to UnitedHealthcare, not AARP.

AARP membership is not required to buy a UnitedHealthcare Medicare plan, though AARP advertises these plans heavily to members. You can purchase the same UnitedHealthcare plans directly from UnitedHealthcare without joining AARP.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP-branded Medicare plans are sold and managed by UnitedHealthcare, not by AARP itself.
  • You can buy the same UnitedHealthcare plans directly from UnitedHealthcare without paying AARP membership fees.
  • AARP membership is separate from Medicare coverage and costs extra — confirm whether the plan price you see includes or excludes the membership fee.
  • Customer service, claims handling, and coverage decisions come from UnitedHealthcare, even though the plan carries the AARP name.
  • Plan availability, costs, and coverage details change each year during the Medicare open enrollment period.

Types of plans available through AARP and UnitedHealthcare

UnitedHealthcare offers two main categories of Medicare plans under the AARP brand: Medicare Advantage (also called Part C) and Medigap (also called supplemental insurance).

Medicare Advantage plans combine your Part A hospital coverage and Part B medical coverage into one plan, usually with a network of doctors and hospitals. Most include prescription drug coverage (Part D) built in. You typically pay a monthly premium, a deductible, and copays when you use care. These plans often include dental, vision, or hearing benefits that Original Medicare does not cover.

Medigap plans work alongside Original Medicare (Part A and B). They cover some of the costs that Original Medicare leaves you responsible for — like copays, coinsurance, and deductibles. Medigap does not include prescription drug coverage, so you would buy Part D separately. Medigap plans are standardized by the federal government, meaning Plan G from AARP/UnitedHealthcare covers the same things as Plan G from any other insurer.

How to find and compare AARP and UnitedHealthcare plans

You can shop for AARP-branded UnitedHealthcare plans on the AARP website (aarp.org/health-insurance) or directly on UnitedHealthcare's Medicare site. You can also call AARP at 1-888-687-2277 to speak with someone about available plans in your area.

When comparing plans, look at the monthly premium, annual deductible, copays for doctor visits and hospital stays, which doctors and hospitals are in-network, and what prescription drugs are covered. Plans vary significantly by state and county — a plan available in one zip code may not be available in another.

Medicare.gov also lets you compare all Medicare plans available to you, including AARP/UnitedHealthcare options, side by side. You can enter your zip code and see costs, coverage, and customer ratings. This tool does not require you to use AARP's website and gives you a complete picture of all options, not just UnitedHealthcare plans.

Enrollment periods and important date

You can enroll in an AARP/UnitedHealthcare plan during Medicare open enrollment, which runs from October 15 to December 7 each year. Coverage begins January 1 of the following year. This is the main window when you can switch plans or enroll for the first time.

If you are newly may be able to access for Medicare (turning 65 or losing employer coverage), you have a seven-month Initial Enrollment Period centered on your birthday month. Missing this window without a may have access to reason can result in a permanent late-enrollment penalty on your premiums.

Special enrollment periods also exist if you experience certain life events — moving out of state, losing employer coverage, or may have access to for Medicaid, for example. These periods are shorter (usually 30 to 60 days) and explore only to your specific situation. Contact UnitedHealthcare or Medicare.gov to confirm whether your circumstance qualifies.

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

AARP/UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans have monthly premiums that vary by plan and location. Some plans have zero premium, meaning you pay nothing monthly beyond your Part B premium to Medicare. Others charge $50 to $200+ per month. All plans have an annual out-of-pocket limit — once you reach it, the plan covers 100 percent of covered services for the rest of the year.

Medigap plans have monthly premiums but no deductibles or copays for covered services. You pay the premium and then Medicare and Medigap split the remaining costs according to the plan design. Medigap premiums are typically higher than Medicare Advantage premiums but offer more predictable costs.

If you are considering AARP membership alongside a plan purchase, note that AARP membership costs $16 per year. Some AARP materials bundle plan information with membership offers, so confirm whether a quoted price includes the membership fee or is for the plan alone.

Customer service and claims with UnitedHealthcare

Once enrolled, you contact UnitedHealthcare for questions about your coverage, claims, or benefits — not AARP. UnitedHealthcare's Medicare customer service number is on your insurance card and in your plan documents. Response times and service quality vary, and customer reviews of UnitedHealthcare Medicare plans are mixed.

If you have a claim denial or coverage dispute, you can file an appeal with UnitedHealthcare. If you disagree with their decision, you can request an independent external review through Medicare. AARP does not handle these disputes, though AARP membership may include access to legal resources that can help you understand your options.

UnitedHealthcare also maintains a provider directory on its website. Before enrolling, check whether your current doctors and preferred hospitals are in-network. Out-of-network care typically costs more or may not be covered at all, depending on your plan type.

Alternatives to AARP and UnitedHealthcare plans

You are not limited to UnitedHealthcare plans. Other major insurers offering Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans include Humana, Cigna, Anthem, and regional carriers. Each has different networks, costs, and coverage options. Some may offer better rates or coverage for your specific doctors and medications.

If you prefer Original Medicare without a private plan, you can keep Part A and B and add a Medigap plan from any insurer, or add Part D for prescriptions. Original Medicare gives you access to any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare, with no network restrictions.

Medicare.gov's plan comparison tool shows all options available in your area, not just AARP/UnitedHealthcare. Using it alongside AARP's site gives you a complete picture before deciding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be an AARP member to buy an AARP-branded UnitedHealthcare plan?

No. You can buy the same UnitedHealthcare Medicare plans directly from UnitedHealthcare without joining AARP. AARP membership is optional and costs $16 per year. Some people join for other AARP benefits (magazine, discounts, advocacy), but it is not required for the insurance.

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

Plan availability changes by state and county. Your current plan may not exist in your new location. You have 30 days after moving to enroll in a new plan without waiting for the annual open enrollment period. Contact UnitedHealthcare or Medicare.gov to see what plans are available in your new area.

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

Generally, no — you can only switch plans during the annual 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 like moving, losing coverage, or a change in income. Outside these windows, you are locked into your current plan until the next open enrollment.

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

Check the provider directory on UnitedHealthcare's website using your plan name and zip code. You can also call the customer service number on your insurance card. Before enrolling, confirm that your current doctors and preferred hospitals are in-network, especially if you have ongoing treatment or specialists you see regularly.

What is the difference between an AARP Medicare Advantage plan and an AARP Medigap plan?

Medicare Advantage replaces Original Medicare and includes Part D drug coverage, usually with copays and a network. Medigap supplements Original Medicare and covers costs Medicare leaves you responsible for, with no network restrictions and no copays for covered services. Choose based on whether you prefer lower premiums with copays (Advantage) or higher premiums with predictable costs (Medigap).