AARP does not sell health insurance directly, but it endorses and negotiates Medicare supplement and Medicare Advantage plans that members can purchase

AARP itself is not an insurance company. It is a membership organization. When you see "AARP health insurance," you are looking at plans from actual insurers—UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Cigna, and others—that have paid AARP to use its name and endorsement. AARP receives a commission when members buy these plans, which is how the organization funds its work.

The plans AARP endorses fall into two categories: Medicare supplement insurance (also called Medigap) and Medicare Advantage (Part C). Both are only available to people already enrolled in Medicare. AARP does not offer health coverage for people under 65 or for those not yet on Medicare.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP endorses Medicare supplement and Medicare Advantage plans sold by insurance companies like UnitedHealthcare and Humana, but does not sell insurance itself.
  • You must already be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B to purchase an AARP-endorsed plan.
  • Medicare supplement plans help pay costs that Original Medicare does not cover, such as copayments and coinsurance.
  • Medicare Advantage plans replace Original Medicare and often include prescription drug coverage and dental or vision benefits.
  • You can compare AARP plans on Medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE, and you are not required to buy through AARP to get these same plans from other insurers.

Medicare Supplement Plans (Medigap) Endorsed by AARP

A Medicare supplement plan pays some or all of the costs that Original Medicare leaves you responsible for: deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. AARP-endorsed Medigap plans are sold by UnitedHealthcare and are available in most states. The plans are labeled with letters (Plan A, Plan B, Plan C, and so on), and the letter determines what costs are covered, not the insurance company.

The same Plan A sold under the AARP name by UnitedHealthcare covers exactly the same things as Plan A sold by any other insurer. The difference is usually price. AARP negotiates rates with UnitedHealthcare, and those rates may be lower than what you would pay for the same plan elsewhere, though this varies by state and age. You can compare prices by calling UnitedHealthcare directly, calling 1-800-MEDICARE, or visiting Medicare.gov.

You can enroll in a Medigap plan during your Medigap open enrollment period, which begins the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this six-month window, insurers cannot deny you coverage or charge you more based on health conditions. Outside this window, some states allow enrollment but others do not, and insurers may underwrite your health.

Medicare Advantage Plans Endorsed by AARP

Medicare Advantage (Part C) is an alternative to Original Medicare. Instead of using Original Medicare and buying a supplement, you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, which is a managed care plan (usually an HMO or PPO) that covers all of your Part A and Part B benefits. Most Medicare Advantage plans also include prescription drug coverage (Part D) and may offer dental, vision, or hearing benefits that Original Medicare does not.

AARP-endorsed Medicare Advantage plans are sold by UnitedHealthcare, Humana, and Cigna, among others. The plans vary by region—not all plans are available in all counties. You can enroll during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7 each year) or during the Initial Enrollment Period when you first become may be able to access for Medicare. If you miss these windows, you may not be able to enroll until the next Annual Enrollment Period, with limited exceptions.

Medicare Advantage plans typically have lower or no monthly premiums than Medigap plans, but they use networks and require referrals for specialists. If you travel or use out-of-network providers, costs can be higher. Read the plan's coverage rules carefully before enrolling.

How to Compare and Enroll in AARP Plans

You do not have to use AARP to find or buy these plans. Medicare.gov has a plan comparison tool where you can search by your location, see all available Medigap and Medicare Advantage options (including AARP plans), and compare premiums, deductibles, and coverage side by side. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE and speak with a counselor who can walk you through options.

If you decide to enroll in an AARP-endorsed plan, you can do so through AARP's website, by phone, or by contacting the insurance company directly. Enrollment through AARP, through the insurer, or through Medicare.gov results in the same plan and the same coverage—the enrollment route does not change what you get.

Before enrolling, confirm that your doctors and hospitals are in the plan's network (for Medicare Advantage) or that they accept the plan (for Medigap). Call your providers directly or use the insurer's online directory. Plans change every year, so review your coverage each fall during Annual Enrollment Period even if you have been happy with your current plan.

Costs and Premiums for AARP Plans

Medigap premiums vary by plan letter, your age, your location, and the insurance company. AARP plans may cost more or less than the same plan sold by another insurer—there is no standard price. Some insurers use community rating (everyone in your area pays the same premium regardless of age) and others use age-based rating (premiums increase as you age). AARP plans typically use age-based rating, which means your premium will rise each year.

Medicare Advantage premiums are often lower than Medigap premiums, sometimes $0 per month, but you pay copayments and coinsurance when you use care. The total cost depends on how much medical care you use. If you rarely see a doctor, a low-premium Medicare Advantage plan may cost less overall. If you have chronic conditions and see specialists frequently, a Medigap plan with higher premiums but predictable copayments may cost less in the long run.

What AARP Membership Includes Beyond Insurance

AARP membership costs $16 per year and includes access to discounts on travel, dining, and retail, as well as AARP Magazine and access to AARP's website resources on health, caregiving, and financial planning. Membership does not require you to buy an AARP-endorsed insurance plan, and buying a plan does not automatically make you an AARP member.

Some people join AARP for the insurance discounts and plan options. Others join for the member benefits and never purchase insurance through AARP. These are separate decisions. If you are interested in AARP-endorsed plans but not interested in membership, you can still purchase the plans directly from the insurance company.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get AARP health insurance if I am not yet 65?

No. AARP-endorsed plans are only available to people enrolled in Medicare, which typically begins at age 65. If you are under 65 and need health coverage, you can purchase plans through your employer, the Affordable Care Act marketplace, or Medicaid if you meet income requirements.

Do I have to be an AARP member to buy an AARP-endorsed insurance plan?

No. You can purchase the same plans directly from the insurance company (UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Cigna) without joining AARP. AARP membership is optional. However, some people find AARP's website and phone support helpful when comparing plans.

Can I switch from AARP Medicare Advantage to AARP Medigap mid-year?

You can switch between plans during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7) or if you may have access to for a Special Enrollment Period due to a life event such as loss of coverage or a move. Outside these windows, you cannot switch. Plan ahead and review your options each fall.

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

AARP plans are not available in all states and not all plans are available in all counties. If you move, your current plan may not be available in your new location. Contact your plan or call 1-800-MEDICARE to find out what plans are available where you are moving and when you can enroll.

Is AARP insurance the same as Medicare?

No. Medicare is a federal health insurance program. AARP-endorsed plans are private insurance products that work alongside or instead of Medicare. Medicare is the foundation; AARP plans supplement it or replace parts of it.