What AARP and UnitedHealthcare offer together

AARP has partnered with UnitedHealthcare to offer Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans designed for people 50 and older. These are not separate programs — UnitedHealthcare is the insurance company that administers the plans, while AARP endorses them and helps market them to its members. The plans come under the AARP brand, but UnitedHealthcare handles the actual coverage, claims, and customer service.

AARP does not sell insurance directly. Instead, it negotiates with UnitedHealthcare to offer plans at rates AARP members may find competitive. You can enroll in an AARP UnitedHealthcare plan during Medicare's open enrollment periods, or if you are newly may be able to access for Medicare, during your initial enrollment window.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP UnitedHealthcare plans include Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Medigap (supplemental) options, each covering different gaps in Original Medicare.
  • You must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B to join a UnitedHealthcare plan through AARP.
  • Plans vary by state and county, so the options available to you depend on where you live.
  • You can compare plan details, costs, and provider networks on Medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.
  • Open enrollment for Medicare runs from October 15 to December 7 each year, and changes take effect January 1.

Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap: which type of plan AARP UnitedHealthcare offers

Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) bundle your Part A and Part B coverage into one plan, usually with a network of doctors and hospitals. Many include prescription drug coverage (Part D) built in. You typically pay a monthly premium, a deductible, and copays when you use care. The trade-off is that you must use in-network providers except in emergencies, and you may need referrals to see specialists.

Medigap plans (supplemental insurance) work alongside Original Medicare. You keep your Part A and Part B coverage and can see any doctor who accepts Medicare. Medigap helps pay the costs that Original Medicare does not cover — copays, coinsurance, and deductibles. You pay a monthly premium to the Medigap insurer (UnitedHealthcare, in this case) on top of your Medicare Part B premium. Medigap does not include prescription drug coverage; you buy that separately through a Part D plan.

AARP UnitedHealthcare offers both types. Which one suits you depends on whether you prefer a network-based plan with lower monthly premiums (Medicare Advantage) or more flexibility to see any doctor (Medigap) in exchange for higher premiums.

How to find AARP UnitedHealthcare plans in your area

AARP UnitedHealthcare plans are not available everywhere. Availability depends on your state and county. The easiest way to see what is offered where you live is to visit Medicare.gov, click "Find Care Providers and Suppliers," and search for plans by your ZIP code. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) and a representative will tell you which AARP UnitedHealthcare plans serve your area.

You can also visit AARP's website directly and use their plan comparison tool, which filters by location. This tool shows you plan names, monthly premiums, deductibles, copays, and which doctors and hospitals are in each network.

Keep in mind that plan availability changes from year to year. A plan you had last year may not be offered this year, or new plans may become available. That is why it is important to review your options every October during open enrollment, even if you are already in a plan.

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

AARP UnitedHealthcare plan costs vary by plan type and location. Medicare Advantage plans typically have lower monthly premiums than Medigap — some have zero premium — but charge copays and coinsurance when you use care. They also have an annual out-of-pocket limit, which means once you spend a certain amount on copays and coinsurance in a year, the plan covers the rest at no cost to you. In 2024, that limit is set by Medicare and applies to all Medicare Advantage plans.

Medigap plans have higher monthly premiums but lower or no copays. Once you meet your deductible (which varies by plan), Medigap covers a large share of what Original Medicare does not. Medigap plans do not have an annual out-of-pocket limit the way Medicare Advantage does.

Prescription drug costs depend on whether your plan includes Part D coverage. Medicare Advantage plans often bundle it in; Medigap does not, so you buy Part D separately. All Part D plans have a coverage gap (called the "donut hole") where you pay more out of pocket for drugs, though catastrophic coverage kicks in after you spend enough.

The actual dollar amounts for premiums and copays vary by plan and location. Check the plan details on Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE to see the exact costs for plans available to you.

How to enroll in an AARP UnitedHealthcare plan

You can enroll during Medicare's annual open enrollment period, which runs from October 15 to December 7 each year. Changes take effect on January 1. You can also enroll if you are newly may be able to access for Medicare (within three months of turning 65 or becoming may be able to access due to disability or end-stage renal disease).

To enroll, you have three options: go to Medicare.gov and enroll online, call 1-800-MEDICARE, or contact UnitedHealthcare directly. If you enroll through AARP's website, you will be directed to UnitedHealthcare's enrollment system. You will need your Medicare number, which is on your Medicare card.

After you enroll, UnitedHealthcare will send you a welcome packet with your member ID card, plan details, and provider network information. Your coverage begins on January 1 (or the first of the month following your enrollment if you enroll outside open enrollment).

What to know about AARP's relationship with UnitedHealthcare

AARP receives a commission from UnitedHealthcare for each member who enrolls in a plan through AARP. This does not change what you pay — your premium is the same whether you enroll directly with UnitedHealthcare or through AARP. However, it is important to know that AARP has a financial stake in promoting UnitedHealthcare plans, which may influence which plans AARP highlights or recommends.

AARP membership is not required to enroll in a UnitedHealthcare plan, though AARP markets these plans to its members. You can enroll in any Medicare plan available in your area, whether it is through AARP, UnitedHealthcare, another insurer, or directly through Medicare.

AARP also offers other member benefits — discounts on travel, dining, and services — that are separate from the insurance plans. Joining AARP does not automatically enroll you in a UnitedHealthcare plan; you must choose to do so during enrollment.

Switching plans or leaving AARP UnitedHealthcare

If you are in an AARP UnitedHealthcare plan and want to switch to a different plan, you can do so during open enrollment (October 15 to December 7) or if you experience a may have access to life event, such as moving out of the plan's service area, losing other health coverage, or getting married.

To switch, enroll in the new plan during open enrollment. Your old plan will end on December 31, and your new plan begins on January 1. If you have a may have access to event outside open enrollment, contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE to report it and learn about you can enroll in a different plan.

You do not have to stay in an AARP UnitedHealthcare plan. You can switch to Original Medicare, a different Medicare Advantage plan, or a different Medigap plan at any time during open enrollment. If you switch to Original Medicare from Medicare Advantage, you may want to enroll in Medigap to cover costs that Original Medicare does not pay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be an AARP member to enroll in a UnitedHealthcare plan?

No. AARP membership is not required. You can enroll in any UnitedHealthcare Medicare plan available in your area through Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or directly with UnitedHealthcare. AARP straightforward markets these plans to its members and receives a commission when members enroll.

What is the difference between an AARP UnitedHealthcare plan and a regular UnitedHealthcare plan?

There is no difference in coverage or cost. The plans are the same whether you enroll through AARP or directly with UnitedHealthcare. The AARP branding is a marketing partnership. You pay the same premium and receive the same benefits either way.

Can I use my current doctor with an AARP UnitedHealthcare plan?

It depends on the plan type. Medicare Advantage plans have a network of doctors and hospitals; you can use your current doctor only if they are in the network. Medigap plans work with any doctor who accepts Medicare, so you can keep your current doctor. Check the plan details on Medicare.gov or call UnitedHealthcare to confirm your doctor is in the network before you enroll.

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

Your plan will end on the last day of the month you move. You will need to enroll in a plan available in your new state. Contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE or visit Medicare.gov to see what plans are available where you are moving. Moving is a may have access to event, so you can enroll outside the normal open enrollment period.

How do I contact UnitedHealthcare customer service?

Your member ID card will have UnitedHealthcare's customer service phone number. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE and ask for help reaching UnitedHealthcare. Most plans also have a website where you can view your claims, find doctors, and manage your account online.