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Which health insurance does AARP endorse? A Detailed Look at AARP-Endorsed Plans

4 min read

Over 38 million seniors are members of AARP, a non-profit advocacy group that partners with specific providers to offer members-only benefits, including insurance. When people ask, "Which health insurance does AARP endorse?", it's important to understand that AARP itself is not an insurance company but rather a promoter of plans that meet its standards.

Quick Summary

AARP has a long-standing and exclusive partnership with UnitedHealthcare to offer a variety of Medicare products, including Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage, and Medicare Part D plans, which are all endorsed by the organization.

Key Points

  • Exclusive Partnership: AARP exclusively endorses and licenses its name for all of UnitedHealthcare’s Medicare Supplement (Medigap), Medicare Advantage, and Medicare Part D plans.

  • AARP is Not an Insurer: AARP is a non-profit advocacy organization, not an insurance provider. It receives royalty fees from its insurance partners for the use of its brand.

  • Membership for Medigap: An AARP membership is required to enroll in an AARP-branded Medicare Supplement plan from UnitedHealthcare.

  • No Membership for Other Plans: AARP membership is not a prerequisite to purchase AARP-branded Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part D plans from UnitedHealthcare.

  • Other Endorsements Exist: AARP also endorses other insurance companies for different products, such as New York Life for life insurance and The Hartford for auto and home insurance.

  • Compare Carefully: The AARP endorsement should be considered a starting point. Consumers should still compare costs, coverage, and benefits of different plans from UnitedHealthcare and other providers.

  • Long-standing Relationship: The partnership between AARP and UnitedHealthcare has been in place for over 20 years, making their co-branded products highly recognizable.

In This Article

AARP's Endorsement of UnitedHealthcare for Medicare

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) maintains a prominent and exclusive partnership with UnitedHealthcare for its entire suite of Medicare-related insurance products. While AARP is a non-profit organization dedicated to advocacy and information for those 50 and over, it does not underwrite or sell insurance policies directly. Instead, it lends its name and endorsement to specific, carefully evaluated plans from select third-party insurers in exchange for a royalty fee. For the vast majority of its health insurance offerings for seniors, UnitedHealthcare is the exclusive insurer.

This partnership, which has been in place for decades, means that all health insurance plans branded with the AARP name, whether they are Medicare Supplement (Medigap), Medicare Advantage, or Medicare Part D prescription drug plans, are actually underwritten and administered by UnitedHealthcare. This arrangement allows AARP to offer access to insurance options for its members while UnitedHealthcare leverages the trusted AARP brand to reach its target market.

AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans (Medigap)

For those enrolled in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), a Medigap policy can be a crucial way to manage out-of-pocket costs such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. AARP endorses several standardized Medicare Supplement plans insured by UnitedHealthcare, which fill these "gaps" in coverage.

To enroll in an AARP-branded Medicare Supplement plan, you must be a member of AARP, though some exceptions may apply based on your location and circumstances. The specific Medigap plans offered by UnitedHealthcare and endorsed by AARP vary by state, but often include the popular Plan G and Plan N options. As mandated by law, all Medigap plans of the same letter provide the same basic benefits, regardless of the insurance company selling them. However, costs can vary significantly, which is why it's important to compare premiums.

AARP Medicare Supplement Plans: A Comparison

Feature Plan G Plan N
Part A Deductible Covers 100% Covers 100%
Part B Coinsurance Covers 100% Covers 100% (after a small copayment)
Part B Excess Charges Covers 100% Does not cover
Foreign Travel Emergency 80% coverage 80% coverage
Primary Difference No copayments for office visits. Fixed copayments for doctor visits and ER use.

AARP Medicare Advantage (Part C) Plans

For those who prefer an all-in-one approach to their health coverage, AARP also endorses Medicare Advantage plans insured by UnitedHealthcare. These plans, also known as Part C, offer all the benefits of Original Medicare, along with a number of extra benefits that vary by plan. These often include prescription drug coverage (Part D), vision, dental, and hearing coverage.

Unlike Medigap plans, you do not need to be an AARP member to enroll in an AARP Medicare Advantage plan, though many are offered to members. These plans come with different copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles than Original Medicare, and typically operate within a managed care network, such as an HMO or PPO.

AARP Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans

For individuals with Original Medicare who need prescription drug coverage, AARP endorses several Medicare Part D plans administered by UnitedHealthcare. These plans are also offered to all Medicare-eligible individuals and do not require AARP membership for enrollment.

Part D plans can be purchased as a standalone policy to supplement Original Medicare and a Medigap plan. Enrollment depends on the plan's contract renewal with Medicare, and benefits and costs vary.

AARP's Endorsement of Other Insurance Products

While UnitedHealthcare is the exclusive endorser for AARP's health insurance products, AARP works with other prominent insurers for different types of coverage.

  • Life Insurance: The AARP Life Insurance Program is underwritten by New York Life Insurance Company, offering a variety of term, permanent, and guaranteed acceptance policies for members.
  • Auto and Home Insurance: For auto and home coverage, AARP has an exclusive partnership with The Hartford. This relationship provides members with access to special rates and benefits on their auto and homeowners insurance policies.

Considerations When Choosing an AARP-Endorsed Plan

While the AARP endorsement can serve as a mark of trust, it is critical for consumers to do their own research and compare plans. The best plan for one person may not be the best for another, depending on their individual healthcare needs, financial situation, and location.

Key steps to take when evaluating these plans include:

  1. Compare Costs: Examine premiums, copayments, deductibles, and any potential out-of-pocket maximums.
  2. Review Coverage Details: Check what the plan covers beyond Original Medicare, including any limitations or exclusions.
  3. Check Provider Networks: For Medicare Advantage plans, ensure your doctors and preferred hospitals are in-network.
  4. Evaluate Extra Benefits: Consider the value of any included benefits like vision, dental, or fitness programs.

Conclusion

In summary, the answer to which health insurance does AARP endorse is clear: AARP partners with UnitedHealthcare for all its Medicare-related offerings, including Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage, and Prescription Drug plans. The endorsement is a result of a long-standing, exclusive business relationship where UnitedHealthcare pays a royalty fee to AARP for the use of its brand. However, AARP is not an insurance company itself and also endorses other insurers, like New York Life and The Hartford, for other products. A consumer-centric approach involves using the endorsement as a starting point for further research to ensure the plan truly meets their individual needs.

To learn more about the UnitedHealthcare plans endorsed by AARP, you can visit their official website AARP Medicare Plans from UnitedHealthcare.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, AARP does not sell its own health insurance. It is a non-profit organization that endorses and partners with other insurance companies, such as UnitedHealthcare, to offer health and other insurance products to its members and the public.

AARP endorses UnitedHealthcare as its exclusive provider for Medicare products (Medicare Supplement, Advantage, and Part D). This long-standing partnership is a business arrangement where UnitedHealthcare pays AARP a royalty fee for the use of its intellectual property and brand name.

You must be an AARP member to enroll in an AARP Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan. However, you do not need to be a member to enroll in an AARP Medicare Advantage or Part D Prescription Drug plan from UnitedHealthcare.

AARP endorses a variety of Medicare products through UnitedHealthcare, including Medicare Supplement plans (Medigap), Medicare Advantage plans (Part C), and Medicare Part D Prescription Drug plans.

No. While the AARP brand signifies that a plan has met certain standards, it does not guarantee it is the best fit for everyone. Costs and coverage vary, so it is essential to compare AARP-endorsed plans with other options based on your individual needs and budget.

Yes, in addition to health insurance, AARP endorses other insurance products through different partners. For example, it works with New York Life for life insurance and The Hartford for auto and home insurance.

For complete details on AARP-branded Medicare plans, you should visit the dedicated AARP Medicare Plans website, which is administered by UnitedHealthcare. You can compare different plan options and find information on coverage, eligibility, and costs.

An AARP Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) is an all-in-one plan that replaces Original Medicare and often includes Part D and other benefits. An AARP Medicare Supplement plan (Medigap) works alongside Original Medicare to help cover out-of-pocket costs, but you cannot have both at the same time.

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding personal health decisions.