AARP does not sell health insurance directly, but it partners with UnitedHealthcare to offer Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans under the AARP brand

AARP is not an insurance company. It is a membership organization for people 50 and older. However, AARP has a long-standing agreement with UnitedHealthcare to market and administer health insurance plans that carry the AARP name. When you buy an "AARP health insurance plan," you are actually buying a UnitedHealthcare plan that AARP has endorsed and helped design.

The plans AARP offers fall into two main categories: Medicare Advantage (also called Part C) and Medigap (also called Supplement Insurance). Both are only available to people already enrolled in Medicare. AARP does not offer plans for people under 65 who are not yet on Medicare, and it does not replace traditional Medicare itself.

AARP membership is not required to buy these plans, though AARP members may see discounts or additional benefits. You can contact UnitedHealthcare directly to enroll, or you can go through AARP's website to compare plans side by side.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP-branded health plans are underwritten and managed by UnitedHealthcare, not by AARP itself.
  • AARP offers Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) and Medigap plans (Supplement Insurance), both only for people already on Medicare.
  • You do not have to be an AARP member to buy an AARP plan, though membership may come with discounts.
  • Enrollment periods are set by Medicare, not by AARP — you can enroll during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7) or during your Initial Enrollment Period when you first turn 65.

Medicare Advantage plans through AARP

AARP Medicare Advantage plans are Part C plans that combine your Medicare Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical) coverage into one plan, usually with added benefits like dental, vision, or hearing coverage. These plans are offered by county and vary widely in what they cover and what they cost.

With a Medicare Advantage plan, you pay a monthly premium (which may be $0 for some plans), a yearly deductible, and copays when you use services. You must use doctors and hospitals in the plan's network, except in emergencies. Some plans include prescription drug coverage (Part D) built in; others do not.

AARP Medicare Advantage plans are available in most states, but the specific plans, costs, and coverage details change every year. You can view plans available in your zip code on the AARP website or on Medicare.gov. Because plans differ so much by location and year, there is no single "AARP Medicare Advantage plan" — you are choosing from a list specific to where you live.

Medigap plans through AARP

Medigap (Supplement Insurance) is different from Medicare Advantage. It does not replace Medicare; instead, it pays some of the costs that Medicare does not cover, such as copays, coinsurance, and deductibles. You keep your original Medicare Part A and Part B and use any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare.

AARP offers Medigap plans in most states under standardized plan letters (Plan A, Plan B, Plan C, Plan D, Plan F, Plan G, Plan K, Plan L, Plan M, and Plan N). The benefits for each letter are the same across all insurance companies — the difference is price. AARP Medigap plans are often competitively priced, which is one reason they are popular.

Medigap plans do not include prescription drug coverage. If you want Part D (prescription drugs), you buy that separately from any insurance company that offers it. Medigap is most useful if you see doctors frequently or want predictable out-of-pocket costs, because it covers many of the gaps in original Medicare.

When you can enroll in AARP plans

You can enroll in AARP Medicare Advantage or Medigap plans during specific windows set by Medicare, not by AARP. The main enrollment period is the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), which runs from October 15 to December 7 each year. Changes take effect January 1 of the following year.

If you are turning 65 for the first time, you have an Initial Enrollment Period that begins three months before the month you turn 65 and ends three months after. During this window, you can enroll in any plan without penalty. If you miss this window and do not have other coverage, you may pay a permanent penalty when you do enroll.

Special enrollment periods also exist if you lose employer coverage, move out of state, or experience certain life events. You can check whether you may have access to for a special period on Medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.

Cost and what to expect

AARP Medicare Advantage plans vary in cost by location and plan type. Some plans have a $0 monthly premium but charge copays for doctor visits and hospital stays. Others charge a monthly premium and lower copays. You will also pay the Part B premium to Medicare (currently $164.90 per month for most people in 2024, though this amount changes yearly).

AARP Medigap plans also vary in cost, but you pay a monthly premium directly to the insurance company. You still pay the Part B premium to Medicare separately. Medigap premiums tend to be higher than Medicare Advantage premiums, but you have more freedom in choosing doctors.

Both types of plans have out-of-pocket maximums (for Advantage) or specific covered amounts (for Medigap). Before enrolling, compare the plans available in your area on AARP's website or Medicare.gov to see which fits your budget and health needs.

How to compare and enroll in AARP plans

You can compare AARP plans in three ways: on the AARP website (aarp.org/health-insurance), on Medicare.gov, or by calling AARP at 1-888-687-2277. All three will show you plans available in your zip code, their costs, and what they cover.

When comparing, write down the plan names, monthly premiums, deductibles, copays for the services you use most (doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions), and whether your doctors are in the network. If you see a specialist regularly, call the plan to confirm that doctor is covered before you enroll.

To enroll, you can explore online through AARP's website, through Medicare.gov, or by phone. Enrollment is free. Once you submit your process, the plan will send you a confirmation and your member ID card. Your coverage starts on the first day of the month after you enroll (or January 1 if you enroll during the Annual Enrollment Period).

AARP membership and plan discounts

You do not need to be an AARP member to buy an AARP-branded health plan. However, AARP members may receive discounts on premiums or additional benefits that non-members do not get. The discounts vary by plan and location.

AARP membership costs $16 per year for the first year and $24 per year after that. If you are considering buying an AARP plan, it may be worth checking whether the membership discount on the plan premium would pay for itself. You can ask AARP directly what discount applies to the specific plan you are interested in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch from Medicare Advantage to Medigap or vice versa?

Yes, but only during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7) or if you may have access to for a special enrollment period. If you switch from Medicare Advantage to Medigap, you may face medical underwriting in some states, meaning the insurance company can deny you or charge more based on your health history. Switching from Medigap to Medicare Advantage is usually simpler.

Do AARP plans cover prescription drugs?

Some AARP Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage (Part D) built in. AARP Medigap plans do not include drug coverage — you must buy Part D separately from any insurance company. Check the plan details to see whether drugs are covered.

What if I move to a different state?

AARP plans are not available in every state, and the plans available in one state may not be available in another. If you move, you can enroll in a new plan during a special enrollment period. Contact AARP or Medicare.gov to see what plans are available in your new location.

Can I use any doctor with an AARP plan?

It depends on the plan type. With AARP Medicare Advantage, you must use doctors and hospitals in the plan's network, except in emergencies. With AARP Medigap, you can use any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare, giving you more freedom to choose.

What happens if I miss the enrollment important date?

If you miss your Initial Enrollment Period when you turn 65, you may pay a permanent penalty (called a late enrollment penalty) when you do enroll. The penalty is 1% of the national average premium for each month you were late. You can still enroll during the Annual Enrollment Period without a special reason, but the penalty will explore.