AARP, also known as the American Association of Retired Persons, is a non-profit organization that provides a variety of services to its members, including health insurance plans. AARP health insurance plans are designed to provide coverage for individuals over the age of 50, although some plans may be available to those under the age of 50 as well. In this article, we will explore the different types of AARP health insurance plans, their benefits, and how to choose the right plan for you.
What Are AARP Health Insurance Plans?
AARP health insurance plans are designed to provide coverage for individuals over the age of 50. These plans are offered through UnitedHealthcare, a leading provider of health insurance in the United States. AARP health insurance plans are designed to meet the needs of older adults, with benefits that focus on preventive care, wellness, and chronic care management.
There are several types of AARP health insurance plans, including Medicare Supplement plans, Medicare Advantage plans, and prescription drug plans. Each of these plans has its own benefits and features, and they are designed to meet the needs of different individuals.
Medicare Supplement Plans
Medicare Supplement plans, also known as Medigap plans, are designed to provide coverage for the out-of-pocket costs that are not covered by Medicare. These costs can include deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. AARP offers several Medigap plans, including Plan A, Plan B, Plan C, Plan F, Plan G, and Plan N. Each plan offers different benefits and features, so it is important to choose the right plan for your needs.
Plan A is the most basic Medicare Supplement plan and covers the Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs for up to 365 days after Medicare benefits are used up. Plan B covers the Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs, as well as the Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayment. Plan C is the most comprehensive Medicare Supplement plan and covers all the benefits of Plan A and Plan B, as well as skilled nursing facility care, Medicare Part A and Part B deductibles, and foreign travel emergency care.
Plan F is a popular Medicare Supplement plan that covers all the benefits of Plan C, as well as the Medicare Part B deductible. However, Plan F will no longer be available to new Medicare beneficiaries as of January 1, 2020. Plan G is similar to Plan F, but does not cover the Medicare Part B deductible. Plan N is a lower-cost Medigap plan that covers the Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs, as well as the Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayment, but requires a small copayment for certain office visits and emergency room visits.
Medicare Advantage Plans
Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Medicare Part C, are an alternative to Original Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies, such as UnitedHealthcare, and provide all the benefits of Original Medicare, plus additional benefits, such as prescription drug coverage, dental and vision care, and wellness programs.
There are several types of Medicare Advantage plans, including Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans, Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans, and Special Needs plans. HMO plans require individuals to receive care from a network of providers, while PPO plans allow individuals to receive care from both in-network and out-of-network providers. Special Needs plans are designed for individuals with certain health conditions or who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid.
Prescription Drug Plans
Prescription drug plans, also known as Part D plans, are designed to provide coverage for prescription drugs. AARP offers several Part D plans through UnitedHealthcare, each with its own list of covered drugs and costs. It is important to choose a Part D plan that covers the medications you need at a cost that fits within your budget.
Benefits of AARP Health Insurance Plans
AARP health insurance plans offer a variety of benefits, including coverage for preventive care, wellness programs, and chronic care management. Medicare Supplement plans provide additional coverage for out-of-pocket costs not covered by Medicare, while Medicare Advantage plans provide additional benefits, such as prescription drug coverage and dental and vision care.
One of the biggest benefits of AARP health insurance plans is the network of providers available to members. AARP health insurance plans are offered through UnitedHealthcare, which has a large network of healthcare providers across the United States. This means that members can choose from a wide range of doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare providers when seeking care.
How to Choose the Right AARP Health Insurance Plan
Choosing the right AARP health insurance plan can be challenging, as there are many options available. It is important to consider your healthcare needs, your budget, and your personal preferences when choosing a plan.
If you are already enrolled in Medicare, you may want to consider a Medicare Supplement plan to provide additional coverage for out-of-pocket costs. If you are looking for additional benefits, such as prescription drug coverage or dental and vision care, then a Medicare Advantage plan may be a better option.
When choosing a plan, it is important to consider the costs of premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. You should also consider the network of providers available with each plan, as well as the list of covered medications if you are considering a Part D plan.
FAQs
Question |
Answer |
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What are AARP health insurance plans? |
AARP health insurance plans are designed to provide coverage for individuals over the age of 50. These plans are offered through UnitedHealthcare, a leading provider of health insurance in the United States. |
What types of AARP health insurance plans are available? |
AARP health insurance plans include Medicare Supplement plans, Medicare Advantage plans, and prescription drug plans. |
What are Medicare Supplement plans? |
Medicare Supplement plans, also known as Medigap plans, are designed to provide coverage for the out-of-pocket costs that are not covered by Medicare. |
What are Medicare Advantage plans? |
Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Medicare Part C, are an alternative to Original Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies, such as UnitedHealthcare, and provide all the benefits of Original Medicare, plus additional benefits. |
What are prescription drug plans? |
Prescription drug plans, also known as Part D plans, are designed to provide coverage for prescription drugs. |
What are the benefits of AARP health insurance plans? |
AARP health insurance plans offer a variety of benefits, including coverage for preventive care, wellness programs, and chronic care management. |
How do I choose the right AARP health insurance plan? |
When choosing a plan, it is important to consider your healthcare needs, your budget, and your personal preferences. You should also consider the costs of premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments, as well as the network of providers available with each plan. |