Understanding AARP's health insurance offerings
When evaluating AARP health insurance, it is crucial to understand that all plans carrying the AARP name are underwritten and administered by UnitedHealthcare. This partnership offers several types of plans for Medicare-eligible individuals, including Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement (Medigap), and Part D prescription drug plans. Each type serves a different purpose and comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The best choice for an individual will depend on their specific health needs, budget, and preference for network flexibility.
Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans from AARP
AARP offers a wide array of Medicare Advantage plans through UnitedHealthcare, which bundles Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) into a single, comprehensive plan. Many of these plans come with appealing benefits, but there are also trade-offs to consider.
Pros:
- Low to $0 monthly premiums: Many AARP Medicare Advantage plans have no separate monthly premium, although you must still pay your Medicare Part B premium.
- Extra benefits: These plans often include coverage for services not included in Original Medicare, such as routine dental, vision, hearing, and fitness programs like Renew Active.
- Out-of-pocket maximums: All Medicare Advantage plans include an annual limit on how much you have to pay out-of-pocket for covered services, which provides a financial safety net.
Cons:
- Network restrictions: Most AARP Medicare Advantage plans are HMOs or PPOs, requiring you to use a specific network of doctors and hospitals to get the lowest costs.
- Prior authorization: Some plans may require prior authorization for certain treatments or tests, which can add a layer of complexity to accessing care.
- Variable costs and coverage: The availability, pricing, and benefits of plans can vary drastically depending on your specific location and the plan you choose.
- Mixed customer reviews: While some customers are satisfied, reviews on platforms like Trustpilot and Consumer Affairs have noted poor customer service and communication issues with UnitedHealthcare.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans from AARP
For those who prefer the flexibility of Original Medicare, AARP also offers standardized Medigap plans through UnitedHealthcare. Medigap policies help cover the costs that Original Medicare doesn't, such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.
Pros:
- Provider flexibility: You can see any doctor or visit any hospital in the U.S. that accepts Medicare, without network restrictions or referrals.
- Predictable costs: These plans cover specific out-of-pocket costs, making your healthcare expenses more predictable. For some plans, your premium may be your only cost.
- Guaranteed coverage: With a Medigap plan, your policy is guaranteed for life as long as you pay your premiums on time, and it offers coverage throughout the U.S..
Cons:
- Higher premiums: Medigap plans generally have higher monthly premiums than many Medicare Advantage plans.
- Requires separate Part D: Medigap plans do not include prescription drug coverage, so you must purchase a separate Part D plan.
- Mixed customer service reviews: Like the Advantage plans, customer service reviews for UnitedHealthcare Medigap can be mixed, with some consumers reporting difficulties with communication and billing.
Expert ratings and customer feedback
Answering how good is AARP health insurance requires looking at multiple data points, including official ratings and real-world customer experiences.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Star Ratings
CMS rates Medicare Advantage and Part D plans on a 5-star scale based on quality and customer satisfaction. UnitedHealthcare’s ratings for AARP-branded plans can vary:
- Medicare Advantage: For 2025, UHC Medicare Advantage plans have an average weighted rating that is about average for the industry.
- Part D: AARP Medicare Rx (Part D) plans from UnitedHealthcare have received slightly below-average star ratings for 2025.
Third-party reviews and ratings
- ConsumerAffairs and Trustpilot: Customer reviews on these sites for AARP health plans, particularly those administered by UnitedHealthcare, show a high degree of dissatisfaction, with some citing poor customer service, communication, and claim handling.
- Better Business Bureau (BBB): AARP itself holds an A+ rating with the BBB, although UnitedHealthcare's performance and customer feedback on other review sites is more varied.
- Benzinga and Forbes: Expert reviews have generally noted that AARP plans are competitive, especially with regards to extra benefits on their Advantage plans, but highlight the need for careful research due to potential network and cost variations.
Comparison: AARP Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap
| Feature | AARP Medicare Advantage (Part C) | AARP Medigap (Supplement) |
|---|---|---|
| Provider Network | Most plans require you to use an in-network doctor and hospital for the lowest cost, with PPO plans offering some out-of-network flexibility. | Allows you to see any doctor or visit any hospital that accepts Medicare, with no network restrictions. |
| Monthly Premiums | Often low or even $0, though you must continue to pay your Part B premium. | Generally higher than Medicare Advantage premiums. |
| Extra Benefits | May include vision, dental, hearing, and fitness benefits. | Does not include extra benefits. You would need to purchase separate plans for dental, vision, etc.. |
| Prescription Drugs | Typically includes Part D prescription drug coverage within the plan. | Requires you to purchase a separate Part D plan for prescription drug coverage. |
| Referrals | HMO plans often require a referral to see a specialist. | No referrals are required to see specialists as long as they accept Medicare. |
| Out-of-Pocket Maximum | All plans include an out-of-pocket maximum, protecting you from unlimited costs. | Some plans, like Plan G, can cover nearly all out-of-pocket costs after you meet your Part B deductible. |
Making the right choice for your needs
Choosing the right health insurance is a personal decision that requires careful consideration of your priorities. AARP health insurance, provided by UnitedHealthcare, offers a wide range of options, each with distinct features. If you prioritize lower upfront costs and extra benefits like dental and vision, and are comfortable with a provider network, a Medicare Advantage plan might be a good fit. However, if you prefer complete freedom in choosing your doctors and want more predictable out-of-pocket costs, a Medigap plan could be the better option, even with its higher premiums.
Before making a decision, it's essential to research the specific plans available in your ZIP code. Consider your current and future health needs, your financial situation, and your preferred way of accessing care. By comparing the details of different AARP and UnitedHealthcare plans, and considering customer feedback alongside official ratings, you can make an informed choice that best suits your healthy aging journey.
This article is for informational purposes only. It is recommended to contact a licensed insurance agent or review official plan documents directly to confirm coverage details. You can compare different Medicare plans at Medicare.gov to find one that fits your needs.
