AARP does not sell health insurance directly, but it partners with insurance companies to offer plans you can purchase

AARP itself is a membership organization for people 50 and older. It does not operate as an insurance company or sell insurance policies. Instead, AARP has agreements with major insurers — including UnitedHealthcare, Humana, and others — to offer health insurance plans under the AARP brand. When you buy an AARP health plan, you are buying from the insurance company, not from AARP.

The plans available through AARP include Medicare Advantage, Medigap (supplemental coverage), and long-term care insurance. Which plans you can purchase depends on your age, where you live, and whether you are already enrolled in Medicare. AARP membership is not required to buy these plans, though AARP members may see different pricing or plan options than non-members.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP partners with insurance companies to offer Medicare Advantage, Medigap, and long-term care plans, but does not sell insurance itself.
  • Medicare Advantage plans through AARP typically include prescription drug coverage, dental, and vision, and cost less in monthly premiums than Original Medicare plus Medigap.
  • Medigap plans sold under the AARP brand help pay costs that Original Medicare does not cover, such as copayments and coinsurance.
  • You can enroll in AARP health plans during Medicare's open enrollment periods, or if you are newly may be able to access for Medicare, during your initial enrollment window.
  • Rates and plan details vary by state and change each year, so you should review your options annually even if you already have coverage.

Medicare Advantage plans sold through AARP

AARP Medicare Advantage plans are sold by UnitedHealthcare and Humana under the AARP brand. These are managed care plans that replace Original Medicare (Parts A and B). They typically include prescription drug coverage, dental benefits, vision coverage, and hearing aids — things Original Medicare does not pay for. Most plans also include a fitness benefit and access to telehealth.

The trade-off is that Medicare Advantage plans use networks. You must see doctors and hospitals in the plan's network, except in emergencies. If you travel frequently or have a doctor you want to keep, check whether that doctor is in the network before you enroll. Plans also have annual out-of-pocket maximums, which means your costs are capped — once you hit that limit, the plan pays 100 percent of covered services for the rest of the year.

Monthly premiums for AARP Medicare Advantage plans vary widely depending on the plan and your location. Some plans have zero premium, meaning you pay only the Medicare Part B premium ($164.90 per month in 2024, though this changes yearly). Others charge $50 to $200 or more per month. You must continue paying your Part B premium even if you choose a zero-premium plan.

Medigap supplemental coverage through AARP

AARP Medigap plans are sold by UnitedHealthcare. These are supplemental insurance policies that work alongside Original Medicare (Parts A and B). Medigap pays some or all of the costs that Medicare does not cover — copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. Unlike Medicare Advantage, Medigap has no network restrictions. You can see any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare.

Medigap plans are labeled with letters: Plan A, Plan B, Plan C, Plan D, and so on. Each letter represents a different combination of benefits. Plan A covers the least; Plan G and Plan N cover more. The exact benefits for each letter are the same across all insurance companies — UnitedHealthcare's Plan G covers the same things as any other company's Plan G. The difference is price. AARP Medigap plans are often priced lower than the same plans from other insurers, which is why many people choose them.

You are may be able to access to buy Medigap only if you are already enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. The best time to buy is within six months of turning 65 and enrolling in Part B — during this window, insurers cannot deny you coverage or charge more based on your health history. If you wait longer, you may face higher premiums or be denied coverage entirely, depending on your state.

Long-term care insurance through AARP

AARP also offers long-term care insurance through partnerships with carriers such as Transamerica and Mutual of Omaha. Long-term care insurance pays for nursing home care, assisted living, or in-home care if you need help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, or eating. Medicare and Medigap do not cover these costs.

Long-term care insurance is different from health insurance. It is a separate policy with its own premiums, which can be substantial — hundreds of dollars per month depending on your age and the coverage level you choose. You pay premiums whether or not you ever use the benefit. If you do need care, the policy reimburses you or pays the facility directly up to a daily or monthly limit you choose when you buy the policy.

Long-term care insurance is most useful if you have assets to protect and want to avoid spending down your savings on care costs. If you have limited income or assets, Medicaid may cover long-term care without requiring you to buy insurance first. Speak with an elder law attorney or financial advisor before buying long-term care insurance to understand whether it makes sense for your situation.

How to find and compare AARP health plans

You can view AARP health plans on AARP's website at aarp.org/health-insurance. The site lets you enter your state, age, and current coverage to see which plans are available to you. You can compare premiums, deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums, and covered benefits side by side.

You can also call AARP's insurance helpline at 1-888-687-2277 to speak with someone who can answer questions about specific plans. This service is free and does not require AARP membership. The helpline can tell you which plans are available in your area and help you understand the differences between them.

If you want to compare AARP plans with plans from other insurers, use Medicare.gov's Plan Finder tool. Enter your medications, doctors, and hospitals to see all Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans available to you, along with estimated costs. This tool shows plans from all insurers, not just AARP, so you can see the full picture before deciding.

When you can enroll in AARP health plans

Enrollment timing depends on which type of plan you want. If you are already on Medicare, you can enroll in Medicare Advantage or Medigap during Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period, which runs October 15 through December 7 each year. Changes take effect January 1. You can also switch plans during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period, which runs January 1 through March 31.

If you are turning 65 and enrolling in Medicare for the first time, you have a seven-month Initial Enrollment Period centered on your birth month. This is the best time to buy Medigap because you have may provide issue rights — insurers cannot deny you or charge more based on health conditions. If you miss this window, you may face waiting periods or higher premiums.

If you are losing employer coverage or becoming newly may be able to access for Medicare due to disability or end-stage renal disease, you may have a Special Enrollment Period that lets you enroll outside the normal windows. Contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE to confirm your may be able to access and important date.

AARP membership and health plan pricing

You do not need to be an AARP member to buy AARP health plans. However, AARP members may receive discounts or access to different plan options than non-members. AARP membership costs $16 per year for a single membership or $27 per year for a household membership. If you are considering buying an AARP health plan, compare the cost of membership against any discount you would receive on premiums to see whether it makes financial sense.

Some AARP members also receive discounts on other services — pharmacy, hearing aids, vision care — through AARP's partnerships with retailers. These discounts are separate from health insurance and may or may not be valuable depending on your needs and where you currently shop.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, but timing matters. You can switch during Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7) or during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 to March 31). If you are switching from Medicare Advantage to Medigap, you may have may provide issue rights depending on your situation, which means the insurer cannot deny you or charge more based on health. Contact AARP or Medicare to confirm your rights before you switch.

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

AARP health plans are state-specific. If you move, your current plan may not be available in your new state. You will need to enroll in a new plan available in your new location. You can do this during Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period, or if you are moving, you may have a Special Enrollment Period that lets you enroll outside the normal windows. Contact AARP or Medicare to confirm your options.

Does AARP health insurance cover prescription drugs?

Medicare Advantage plans through AARP include prescription drug coverage (Part D). Medigap plans do not include drug coverage — if you have Medigap, you must enroll in a separate Part D plan through Medicare. You can enroll in Part D during Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period or when you first become may be able to access for Medicare.

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

Medicare Advantage plans typically do not cover care outside the United States except in limited situations, such as emergencies in Canada or Mexico near the U.S. border. Medigap plans also have limited international coverage. If you travel frequently or spend time outside the U.S., ask AARP about your specific plan's coverage before you enroll.

What if I am not satisfied with my AARP health plan?

You have a 30-day free look period after your plan becomes effective. During this time, you can cancel without penalty and return to your previous coverage. After 30 days, you can switch plans only during Medicare's enrollment periods. If you have a complaint about your plan, contact your state's Department of Insurance or call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE.