Core benefits for all AARP Medicare supplement plans
All AARP Medicare supplement plans, regulated at the federal and state level, are designed to work with Original Medicare and cover certain costs that Medicare Parts A and B don't fully pay for. Regardless of the specific plan letter (e.g., A, G, N), a core set of benefits is included in every policy, ensuring a foundational level of financial protection.
These core benefits generally include the following:
- Part A Hospital Coinsurance: After your first 60 days in a hospital, Medicare requires a daily coinsurance payment. All Medigap plans pay for this.
- Extended Hospital Stays: All plans provide coverage for up to 365 additional days of inpatient hospital care after your Original Medicare benefits are exhausted.
- Part B Coinsurance or Copayment: For doctor visits, lab tests, and other outpatient services covered under Medicare Part B, you are typically responsible for 20% of the cost. All Medigap plans help cover this.
- First 3 Pints of Blood: Every plan covers the cost of the first three pints of blood you might need each year for a medical procedure.
- Hospice Care Coinsurance or Copayment: All plans help pay for the coinsurance and copayments associated with Medicare-approved hospice care.
Filling the gaps: variations in AARP Medigap plan options
Beyond the core coverage, AARP offers several different standardized Medigap plans through UnitedHealthcare, each providing varying levels of supplemental coverage and coming with different premiums. The most comprehensive plans cover more out-of-pocket costs but usually have higher monthly premiums.
Popular Medigap plans
- Plan G: For those new to Medicare since 2020, Plan G is the most comprehensive option available. It covers everything except the Medicare Part B deductible. This includes Part B excess charges and skilled nursing facility coinsurance, offering extensive financial predictability.
- Plan N: This plan offers a lower monthly premium compared to Plan G but requires you to pay some copayments. Specifically, you may have copays of up to $20 for some office visits and up to $50 for emergency room visits that don't lead to an inpatient stay.
- Plans K and L: These plans operate as cost-sharing policies. They pay a percentage of some out-of-pocket costs until you reach an annual out-of-pocket spending limit, after which they pay 100% of covered services.
- Plans A and B: These plans offer more basic coverage, covering only some core benefits and leaving you responsible for more of the out-of-pocket expenses compared to plans like G or N.
What AARP Medicare supplement plans do not cover
It is crucial to understand that AARP Medicare supplement (Medigap) plans are designed to fill gaps in Original Medicare only. They do not cover services that Original Medicare itself excludes. Here's what you shouldn't expect your Medigap policy to cover:
- Long-Term Care: This includes non-skilled care you may need in a nursing home or at home.
- Prescription Drugs: Medigap policies explicitly do not include prescription drug coverage. For this, you would need to enroll in a separate AARP MedicareRx (Part D) plan through UnitedHealthcare.
- Routine Vision, Dental, and Hearing: Routine eye exams, eyeglasses, most dental care, and hearing aids are not covered by Medigap. AARP members, however, may receive access to discounts for these services through separate wellness extra programs.
- Custodial Care: This includes help with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and eating.
- Private-Duty Nursing: Services provided by a private-duty nurse are not covered.
Key considerations for AARP Medigap plans
When evaluating AARP Medicare supplement options, remember that the policies are sold by private insurers, in this case, UnitedHealthcare, under the AARP brand. AARP Medigap plans offer several key advantages:
- No Network Restrictions: With a Medigap plan, you can visit any doctor or hospital in the United States that accepts Medicare. You do not need a referral to see a specialist.
- Guaranteed Renewability: As long as you continue to pay your premiums, your policy is guaranteed to be renewed, regardless of any changes in your health status.
- Wellness Extras: Beyond the standardized Medigap benefits, AARP and UnitedHealthcare offer additional perks, such as discounts on vision and hearing services, access to wellness programs like Renew Active, and a 24/7 nurse helpline.
For more detailed information on all standardized Medigap plans, you can visit the official Medicare website at https://www.medicare.gov/health-drug-plans/medigap/basics/compare-plan-benefits.
AARP Medigap plan comparison overview
Below is a simplified table comparing the coverage for some common AARP Medigap plans offered through UnitedHealthcare. Coverage details can vary by state and the plan chosen.
| Coverage Feature | Plan A | Plan B | Plan G | Plan N |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part A Hospital Coinsurance | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Part B Coinsurance (Standard) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes* |
| First 3 Pints of Blood | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Part A Deductible | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Skilled Nursing Facility Coinsurance | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Part B Deductible | No | No | No | No |
| Part B Excess Charges | No | No | Yes | No |
| Foreign Travel Emergency | No | No | Yes | Yes** |
| *Potential copayments for certain office visits and emergency room visits. | ||||
| **Covers 80% up to plan limits after deductible. |
Making the right choice for your needs
When deciding on an AARP Medicare supplement plan, consider your personal health needs, financial situation, and willingness to share costs. If you prefer high predictability and minimal out-of-pocket expenses for Medicare-covered services, a plan like Plan G might be a good fit. If you are comfortable with small copayments in exchange for a lower monthly premium, Plan N could be a strong contender. Remember that these plans work in tandem with Original Medicare and do not provide coverage for prescription drugs, so you may need to purchase a separate Part D plan.
