AARP health insurance costs depend on your age, location, and which plan you choose

AARP does not sell health insurance directly. Instead, AARP partners with insurance companies — mainly UnitedHealthcare — to offer plans under the AARP brand. The monthly premium you pay depends on where you live, your age, and whether you pick a basic plan or one with more coverage. A 65-year-old in one state might pay $150 a month for the same plan type that costs $220 in another state.

Most AARP members who have health insurance get it through Medicare, not through AARP as a seller. AARP-branded plans are Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) or Medigap plans (supplemental coverage). Both types have different cost structures, and neither one replaces Original Medicare — they work alongside it or instead of it.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP-branded plans are sold by UnitedHealthcare and other insurers, not by AARP itself, and prices vary significantly by state and age.
  • Medicare Advantage plans (AARP HMO and PPO options) usually have low or zero monthly premiums but charge copays when you use care.
  • Medigap plans (AARP supplemental coverage) have higher monthly premiums but lower out-of-pocket costs when you need medical services.
  • You can only enroll during Medicare's open enrollment period (October 15 to December 7 each year) unless you have a may have access to life event.
  • The actual cost you pay depends on your income, your location, and which specific plan design you select within each category.

Medicare Advantage plans sold under the AARP name

AARP Medicare Advantage plans are HMO and PPO options that combine your Part A (hospital) and Part B (doctor) coverage into one plan. You pay a monthly premium to the insurance company, though many plans have a $0 premium. You also pay copays when you see a doctor, go to the hospital, or fill a prescription.

The monthly premium for an AARP Medicare Advantage plan can range from $0 to several hundred dollars, depending on the plan and your location. A plan with $0 premium in one county might have a $50 or $100 premium in a neighbouring county. Copays for a doctor visit typically run $10 to $50, and hospital stays often have a copay of $250 to $500 per admission.

These plans also include prescription drug coverage (Part D) built in, so you do not pay separately for that. However, you must use doctors and hospitals in the plan's network, except in emergencies. If you travel frequently or see specialists outside your area, an HMO plan may cost you more out of pocket than a PPO, because PPOs allow out-of-network care at a higher copay.

Medigap plans sold under the AARP name

AARP Medigap plans are supplemental insurance that pays some or all of the copays, coinsurance, and deductibles that Original Medicare leaves you responsible for. You keep your Original Medicare coverage and add a Medigap plan on top. The monthly premium for Medigap is usually higher than Medicare Advantage — often $100 to $300 or more per month — but your out-of-pocket costs when you use care are lower.

Medigap plans come in lettered categories (A, B, D, G, K, L, M, N). Plan G and Plan N are the most common choices for new enrollees. Plan G might cost $120 to $180 per month depending on your age and state, while Plan N might cost $90 to $150. The difference is in what they cover: Plan G covers your Part B deductible ($240 in 2024), while Plan N does not.

With a Medigap plan, you can see any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare, anywhere in the country. You do not have a network to worry about. You also do not have copays for most services — instead, you pay the plan's monthly premium and then your cost-sharing is covered. Prescription drugs are not included in Medigap, so you need to enroll in a separate Part D plan.

How age and location affect your monthly cost

Insurance companies set AARP plan premiums based on your age and your ZIP code. Age is the biggest driver: a 65-year-old pays less than a 75-year-old for the same plan. Some insurers use "age bands" — meaning everyone from 65 to 69 pays one rate, everyone 70 to 74 pays another, and so on. Others increase the premium every year you get older.

Your location matters because medical costs, provider networks, and competition vary by region. Rural areas often have fewer plan options and higher premiums than cities. A Medigap Plan G might cost $130 per month in one state and $200 in another, even though the coverage is identical. Before you enroll, check the actual premium for your ZIP code on the AARP website or by calling 1-888-687-2277.

What is not included in the premium you pay

The monthly premium covers the insurance itself, but it does not cover everything. With Medicare Advantage, you still pay copays, coinsurance, and deductibles when you use services. You also pay the full cost of any care outside your plan's network (except emergencies). Prescription drugs have their own copays based on which tier the drug is on.

With Medigap, the premium does not include prescription drugs. You must enroll in a separate Part D plan and pay that premium on top of your Medigap premium. You also pay any costs that Medigap does not cover — for example, Medigap does not cover dental, vision, hearing aids, or long-term care.

Neither Medicare Advantage nor Medigap covers services that Original Medicare does not cover, such as routine dental work, eyeglasses, or hearing aids. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer "extra benefits" like dental or vision discounts, but these are limited and not part of the standard premium.

When you can enroll and what happens if you miss the important date

You can enroll in an AARP plan during Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period, which runs from October 15 to December 7 each year. Coverage begins January 1 of the following year. If you are new to Medicare (turning 65 or becoming may be able to access due to disability), you have a seven-month Initial Enrollment Period centered on your birthday or may be able to access month.

If you miss your enrollment window, you cannot enroll in most AARP plans until the next Annual Enrollment Period, unless you have a may have access to life event such as losing other health coverage, moving to a new state, or getting married. Missing the important date can leave you without coverage or force you to stay in a plan you want to leave.

How to compare AARP plans and find current pricing

AARP publishes a plan finder tool on its website at aarp.org/health-insurance. You enter your ZIP code, age, and current medications, and the tool shows you available plans, their premiums, copays, and deductibles side by side. This is the fastest way to see what plans cost in your area right now.

You can also call AARP at 1-888-687-2277 to speak with someone who can walk you through the options. They cannot tell you which plan to pick, but they can explain the differences and help you understand the costs. Medicare.gov also has a plan comparison tool that includes AARP plans alongside other insurers.

When you compare, look at the total cost you expect to pay in a year, not just the monthly premium. A plan with a $0 premium but high copays might cost you more overall than a plan with a $150 monthly premium and low copays, depending on how often you see doctors and which medications you take.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch AARP plans if I do not like the cost?

Yes, but only during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7). You can switch to a different AARP plan, switch to a non-AARP Medicare plan, or switch between Medicare Advantage and Medigap. Changes take effect January 1. If you have a may have access to life event like moving or losing coverage, you may be able to switch outside the enrollment window.

Do AARP plan premiums go up every year?

Yes. Insurance companies raise premiums annually, and the increase varies by plan and location. Your age also affects your premium — as you get older, your cost goes up. You will receive a notice in the fall showing your new premium for the coming year, and you can use that as a chance to compare other plans during enrollment.

What if I have both Medicare and employer health insurance?

If your employer still covers you, you may not need to enroll in an AARP plan right away. However, you should check whether your employer plan coordinates with Medicare or if you would save money by switching. Talk to your employer's benefits office and then compare costs with AARP plans before making a decision.

Are AARP plans available in every state?

No. AARP-branded plans are available in most states, but not all. Coverage varies by county within each state. Use the AARP plan finder or call 1-888-687-2277 to see which plans are available in your ZIP code. If AARP plans are not available where you live, you can enroll in other Medicare Advantage or Medigap plans sold by other insurers.

Does AARP membership cost affect the plan premium?

No. AARP membership dues (currently $16 per year) are separate from any health insurance premium. You do not have to be an AARP member to enroll in an AARP-branded health plan, though most people who buy these plans are members. The membership fee does not change your plan cost.