How old do you have to be to get an AARP medicare supplement? Answered

Over 67 million Americans are enrolled in Medicare, but many need supplemental coverage to manage out-of-pocket costs. To get an AARP Medicare Supplement plan, you generally must be at least 65 years old and enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B, though some states require access for those under 65 who qualify for Medicare due to disability.

Quick Summary

Eligibility for an AARP Medicare Supplement plan requires enrollment in Medicare Part A and B, typically at age 65 or older. Availability for those under 65 with a disability or End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) is subject to state-specific regulations. You must also be an AARP member to enroll.

Key Points

• Standard Age for Enrollment: The typical age for AARP Medicare Supplement eligibility is 65, aligning with initial Medicare Part A and B enrollment.

• Options for Under 65: Depending on state laws, individuals under 65 with a qualifying disability or End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) may be able to enroll.

• AARP Membership is Required: You must be an AARP member to enroll in an AARP-branded plan from UnitedHealthcare.

• Medigap Open Enrollment Period: The best time to apply is within the six-month window beginning when you turn 65 and are on Medicare Part B, as this avoids medical underwriting.

• State Laws Affect Eligibility: Rules for under-65 eligibility and guaranteed issue rights differ significantly by state.

• AARP is not an Insurer: The AARP Medicare Supplement plans are insured by UnitedHealthcare; AARP is a membership organization that endorses the plans.

Eligibility for AARP Medicare Supplement at Age 65

Most individuals can first enroll in an AARP Medicare Supplement plan, insured by UnitedHealthcare, upon turning 65, which aligns with standard Medicare eligibility. You must be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B to qualify. Applying during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period is crucial because it guarantees acceptance into any plan sold in your state without health-based premium increases or coverage denials.

The Medigap Open Enrollment Period

The optimal time to enroll is during your six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, starting when you turn 65 and have Part B, to avoid medical underwriting based on health conditions. Missing this window allows insurers to use medical underwriting, potentially leading to higher costs or denial of coverage.

AARP Medicare Supplement Options for Those Under 65

Federal law does not require insurers to offer Medigap plans to those under 65. However, many states mandate that insurers sell at least one type of Medigap policy to individuals under 65 who qualify for Medicare due to disability or End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). State regulations regarding plan availability and eligibility vary, so it's important to check the specific rules in your state. Resources like your {Link: AARP https://www.aarp.org/medicare/faq/best-time-to-buy-a-medigap-policy/} can provide localized information.

Important Considerations for AARP Membership

Enrolling in an AARP Medicare Supplement plan requires AARP membership, as AARP is a membership organization that endorses plans insured by UnitedHealthcare. While AARP focuses on those 50 and older, anyone aged 18 or above can join. Although many AARP benefits are available to all members, age restrictions apply to insurance products like Medicare Supplement plans, except for those under 65 who qualify for Medicare due to disability or ESRD. UnitedHealthcare, as the insurer, requires AARP membership for enrollment in AARP-branded plans.

The Difference Between AARP and UnitedHealthcare

Understanding the distinct roles of AARP and UnitedHealthcare is key when considering an AARP-branded plan.

Feature	AARP (American Association of Retired Persons)	UnitedHealthcare
Organization Type	Non-profit membership organization	For-profit health insurance company
Role	Endorses and brands insurance products	Insures and sells the branded plans
Relationship	Receives royalty fees for use of its intellectual property	Pays royalty fees to AARP and has financial responsibility for products
Services	Offers hundreds of discounts, programs, and resources	Provides insurance plans, including Medicare Advantage and Medigap

How to Apply for an AARP Medicare Supplement Plan

If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can apply by contacting a licensed UnitedHealthcare agent or visiting the AARP Medicare Plans website. You can apply year-round, but applying during your initial Medigap Open Enrollment Period is recommended to avoid medical underwriting.

Here is a step-by-step guide:

1. Confirm Eligibility: Verify you have Medicare Parts A and B.
2. Join AARP: Become an AARP member if you are not already. This can often be done during the application process.
3. Contact UnitedHealthcare: Reach out to a licensed agent or apply online through the AARP Medicare Plans website.
4. Complete the Application: Fill out the necessary forms. Expect health questions if applying outside your Open Enrollment Period due to medical underwriting.
5. Review and Enroll: After approval, review plan details and costs before finalizing enrollment.

Conclusion

Generally, eligibility for an AARP Medicare Supplement plan requires you to be 65 or older and enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B. Individuals under 65 may qualify if they have Medicare due to a disability or ESRD, but this is subject to state laws. Remember that AARP membership is also a requirement, as UnitedHealthcare insures and sells these plans under the AARP brand. Understanding these requirements and timing your application, especially within the Medigap Open Enrollment Period, is essential for securing appropriate coverage. {Link: AARP https://www.aarp.org/medicare/faq/best-time-to-buy-a-medigap-policy/}

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you get an AARP Medicare Supplement before age 65?

Yes, but only under specific circumstances and depending on your state of residence. If you are eligible for Medicare before age 65 due to a qualifying disability or End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), you may be able to enroll, as some states require insurers to offer Medigap plans to this group.

Do I have to be an AARP member to get an AARP Medicare Supplement plan?

Yes, you must be an AARP member to enroll in an AARP-branded Medicare Supplement plan, which is insured by UnitedHealthcare. Membership is open to anyone 18 or older, but the insurance product itself has age restrictions.

What is the Medigap Open Enrollment Period?

The Medigap Open Enrollment Period is the six-month period that starts the first day of the month you are age 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this time, you have the guaranteed right to purchase any Medigap policy sold in your state, regardless of pre-existing conditions.

What if I miss my Medigap Open Enrollment Period?

If you miss your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, insurers are not obligated to sell you a policy and can use medical underwriting to decide whether to offer you coverage and what to charge. This could result in higher premiums or denial of coverage based on your health history.

Who sells AARP Medicare Supplement plans?

AARP does not sell the plans themselves. They endorse the Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans, which are insured and sold by UnitedHealthcare.

How do state laws affect eligibility for people under 65?

State laws are the primary factor governing eligibility for Medigap plans for people under 65. Federal law does not provide protections for this group, but many states have their own regulations. The availability of plans and the rules for coverage can differ greatly from state to state.

Is there a Medigap plan offered to everyone under 65?

No, there is no blanket federal requirement for insurers to offer Medigap policies to all individuals under 65. Eligibility for those under 65 is typically limited to those on Medicare due to disability or ESRD, and is subject to state-specific rules.