You can buy AARP health insurance at 62, but it works differently than Medicare coverage

AARP offers health insurance plans to people under 65 through UnitedHealthcare, but these are not Medicare plans. They are private insurance products sold to anyone age 50 and up. At 62, you can enroll in AARP health plans, but you need to understand that they are separate from Medicare, which does not start until 65. The plans available to you at 62 depend on where you live and what your employer offers.

AARP also helps people find and understand Medicare plans once they turn 65. If you are 62 now, you have three years before Medicare may be able to access, and your health insurance options during that time are different from what AARP offers after 65.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP health insurance at 62 is private coverage sold by UnitedHealthcare, not Medicare, and you pay the full premium yourself.
  • Plans available at 62 vary by state and include HMO, PPO, and indemnity options, with different deductibles and out-of-pocket limits.
  • If you have employer coverage, you may not be able to switch to AARP plans until you leave that job or lose coverage.
  • AARP also offers supplemental plans (Medigap) and Medicare Advantage plans once you turn 65 and enroll in Medicare.
  • You should compare AARP plans to other private insurers in your area, because AARP is not always the lowest-cost option.

What AARP health plans cover at age 62

AARP health insurance at 62 covers doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, and preventive care. The exact coverage depends on which plan you choose. AARP offers HMO plans (which require you to use in-network doctors and get referrals for specialists), PPO plans (which let you see any doctor but cost more out-of-pocket), and indemnity plans (which reimburse you after you pay the provider). Each plan type has a different deductible, copay structure, and annual out-of-pocket maximum.

Prescription drug coverage is included in most AARP plans, but the drugs covered and your cost for each one varies by plan. You can review the formulary (the list of covered drugs) on the AARP website before you enroll.

These plans do not include dental, vision, or hearing coverage as standard benefits. AARP sells those separately if you want them.

How to find AARP plans available in your area

AARP plans are not available in every state or every county. You can search for plans on the AARP website by entering your zip code. The search will show you which plans are sold in your area, the monthly premium for each, and the deductible and out-of-pocket limits.

You can also call AARP at 1-888-687-2277 to speak with someone who can walk you through the plans available where you live. They can answer questions about specific coverage, but you will need to make the final decision yourself.

Before you enroll, compare AARP plans to other private insurers in your area. Cigna, Anthem, and regional insurers often sell plans to people age 62, and their premiums and coverage may be better for your situation. Do not assume AARP is the cheapest option just because it is well-known.

When you can enroll in AARP health plans

You can enroll in AARP health plans during the open enrollment period, which runs from November 15 to December 31 each year. Coverage starts January 1 if you enroll by December 31. Outside of open enrollment, you can enroll only if you have a may have access to life event, such as losing employer coverage, moving to a new state, or getting married.

If you have health insurance through your employer, you may not be able to switch to AARP until you leave that job or your employer coverage ends. Check with your employer's benefits department about when you can switch.

What happens when you turn 65 and become may be able to access for Medicare

When you turn 65, you become may be able to access for Medicare, which is a federal program, not an AARP plan. At that point, your AARP health plan will end, and you will need to enroll in Medicare. You have a seven-month window around your 65th birthday to enroll without a penalty, starting three months before the month you turn 65.

Once you are on Medicare, AARP offers supplemental insurance (called Medigap) and Medicare Advantage plans through UnitedHealthcare. These are different products from the AARP health plans you may have at 62. Many people who had AARP coverage before 65 switch to AARP Medigap or Medicare Advantage at 65, but you can also choose other insurers.

Cost of AARP health insurance at 62

The monthly premium for AARP health plans at 62 depends on the plan type, your age, your location, and whether you use tobacco. Premiums are generally higher for older people within the 50-plus age group, so your cost at 62 will be lower than it would be at 64. You pay the full premium yourself; there is no employer subsidy unless you are still working and your employer offers AARP plans as part of its benefits package (which is rare).

In addition to the monthly premium, you pay a deductible when you use medical services, copays for doctor visits and prescriptions, and coinsurance for some services. The total out-of-pocket maximum (the most you pay in a year) varies by plan but is typically between $5,000 and $10,000.

You can reduce your premium by choosing a plan with a higher deductible, but that means you pay more when you actually use care. Compare the total cost (premium plus expected out-of-pocket costs) across plans, not just the premium.

Pre-existing conditions and AARP coverage at 62

AARP health plans cannot deny you coverage or charge you more because of a pre-existing condition. This protection is required by federal law for all private health insurance sold to people under 65. If you have diabetes, heart disease, or any other chronic condition, you can enroll in an AARP plan at 62 at the same rate as someone without that condition.

However, some plans may have waiting periods for certain services or may not cover treatments related to a condition you had before you enrolled. Read the plan documents carefully to understand what is and is not covered in the first months after enrollment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is AARP health insurance the same as Medicare?

No. AARP health insurance at 62 is private coverage sold by UnitedHealthcare. Medicare is a federal program that starts at 65. AARP does help people understand and enroll in Medicare once they turn 65, but the plans you buy at 62 are not Medicare plans.

Can I get AARP coverage if I have a pre-existing condition?

Yes. AARP plans cannot deny you or charge you more because of a pre-existing condition. However, read the plan documents to see if there are any waiting periods or coverage limits for your specific condition in the first months after enrollment.

What if AARP plans are not available where I live?

AARP plans are not sold in every state or county. If they are not available in your area, you can buy private health insurance from other insurers such as Cigna, Anthem, or regional carriers. You can search for plans on Healthcare.gov or contact your state's insurance commissioner's office for a list of insurers in your area.

Do I have to switch to AARP Medicare plans when I turn 65?

No. When you turn 65, you must enroll in Medicare (Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage), but you can choose any Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan from any insurer. AARP offers these plans, but so do many other companies. Compare options before you decide.

Can I keep my AARP plan after I turn 65?

No. AARP health plans for people under 65 end when you become may be able to access for Medicare at 65. You will need to enroll in a Medicare plan at that time. Your AARP coverage will not automatically convert to a Medicare plan.