AARP's Strategic Network Partnerships
Since AARP does not function as an insurance company or a telecommunications provider, it relies on commercial agreements with established network operators to deliver services to its members. This model allows AARP to offer a wide range of benefits and products without the immense operational costs of building its own infrastructure. For consumers, it is crucial to understand that these networks are operated by third-party companies, which set the coverage and service standards.
The Health Insurance Network: UnitedHealthcare
AARP has a longstanding and exclusive partnership with UnitedHealthcare for its Medicare-related insurance products. When an AARP member enrolls in an AARP-branded Medicare plan, they are using a product underwritten by UnitedHealthcare, not AARP itself. This partnership covers several types of health plans:
- Medicare Advantage (Part C) Plans: These plans are offered by UnitedHealthcare and include all the benefits of Original Medicare plus additional coverage, such as dental, vision, and hearing.
- Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Insurance Plans: AARP endorses these plans, which are insured by UnitedHealthcare to help cover out-of-pocket costs not paid by Original Medicare.
- Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans: UnitedHealthcare also offers AARP-branded Part D plans to help cover prescription drug costs.
The provider networks for these plans are determined by UnitedHealthcare. Members can access provider directories on the UnitedHealthcare website to find in-network doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies. UnitedHealthcare pays a royalty fee to AARP for using its name, with those funds used for AARP's general purposes.
The Cell Phone Network: Consumer Cellular
For mobile phone services, AARP has a dedicated partnership with Consumer Cellular. This mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) is the exclusive provider of AARP member discounts on cell phone plans and accessories. Consumer Cellular does not have its own cellular towers but instead leases network capacity from major carriers.
Since 2024, Consumer Cellular has exclusively used the AT&T network for all new activations, although it has historically also used T-Mobile. This means that Consumer Cellular's nationwide coverage is provided by AT&T's network infrastructure, including its extensive 5G network.
AARP member benefits with Consumer Cellular include:
- A 5% discount on monthly service charges.
- A 30% discount on select accessories.
- An exclusive plan featuring two unlimited lines for $55 per month.
- An extended 45-day risk-free guarantee.
Comparison of AARP's Health and Mobile Networks
| Feature | AARP's Health Insurance Network | AARP's Mobile Phone Network |
|---|---|---|
| Partner Provider | UnitedHealthcare | Consumer Cellular |
| Underlying Infrastructure | UnitedHealthcare's national and local network of doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies | AT&T's nationwide wireless network |
| Type of Service | Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement (Medigap), Part D plans | No-contract monthly cell phone plans with unlimited talk, text, and data |
| Network Coverage | Varies by UnitedHealthcare plan and location. Includes large nationwide networks | Operates on the AT&T network for broad nationwide coverage, including 5G |
| Customer Service | Handled by UnitedHealthcare | U.S.-based customer service is a key feature |
| Specific AARP Benefit | Endorsement and access to AARP-branded plans | Discounts on monthly service and accessories |
Potential Network Alternatives and Considerations
While AARP has exclusive or strong partnerships, members always have choices outside of these endorsed providers. For health insurance, individuals can explore other insurers that offer Medicare plans. For cell phone service, other carriers provide senior discounts or operate on different networks.
- Health Insurance Alternatives: Other insurers like Humana, Anthem, and Cigna also offer a wide array of Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans. The best choice often depends on specific healthcare needs, local provider availability, and plan costs.
- Mobile Phone Service Alternatives: Major carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile offer their own 55+ plans, some of which are very competitive. Mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) like Mint Mobile also offer low-cost plans.
Conclusion: AARP's Network Strategy
AARP's approach to networks is to collaborate with industry-leading partners to offer exclusive benefits to its members. The answer to "What network does AARP use?" is not a single entity but a strategic set of alliances: primarily UnitedHealthcare for health insurance and Consumer Cellular for mobile phone service. These partnerships ensure that AARP members can access well-established, reliable networks for essential services, while the partners benefit from AARP's strong brand and membership base. By understanding these partnerships, members can make informed decisions and compare AARP's offerings against the broader market to find the best fit for their needs.
Compare AARP-endorsed health plans on the UnitedHealthcare website.
AARP's Partner Networks: Important Points
- AARP is not an insurance company: It does not directly manage a health network but partners with UnitedHealthcare for Medicare-related plans.
- Exclusive health partner: UnitedHealthcare is the sole insurer for AARP's endorsed Medicare supplement, Advantage, and Part D plans.
- Cell phone partner is an MVNO: Consumer Cellular is AARP's primary mobile partner and operates on the AT&T network.
- Coverage depends on the partner's network: Health plan coverage depends on UnitedHealthcare's network, while mobile coverage relies on AT&T's network.
- Member benefits through partnerships: AARP members receive exclusive benefits like discounts and special plan options through these partner relationships.
- Alternatives are available: Members can explore other providers for both health insurance and mobile service, which may also offer competitive pricing or network options.
Why do AARP's partners pay a royalty fee?
AARP partners like UnitedHealthcare and Consumer Cellular pay royalty fees to AARP for the use of its brand and intellectual property. These fees help support AARP's non-profit advocacy work and educational programs, and they give the partners a valuable connection to AARP's large membership base. The fees are a core part of the business model that funds AARP's general operations.
