AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance: Coverage, Benefits, and Costs

When it comes to healthcare coverage, there are multiple options available depending upon your needs and budget. One of those options is Medicare. However, Medicare doesn’t cover all healthcare-related expenses, which is where Medicare Supplement Insurance comes into the picture. AARP, the American Association of Retired Persons, offers Medicare Supplement Insurance to eligible individuals to help them cover the costs that aren’t paid for by Original Medicare.

What is AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance?

AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance is also known as Medigap, as it fills the gaps in Original Medicare coverage. It helps pay for things like copayments, coinsurance, deductibles, and other expenses that Original Medicare doesn’t cover. AARP is a nonprofit organization that provides a wide range of services to individuals over 50 years of age. The organization is well-known for its advocacy work and services to help seniors lead fulfilling lives. Its Medicare Supplement Insurance is one such service.

Who is eligible for AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance?

To be eligible for AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance, you must have Original Medicare. You must also be a member of AARP, which is open to anyone over 50 years of age. Additionally, you must reside in a state where AARP offers Medicare Supplement Insurance policies. There are eight states where AARP doesn’t offer these policies, including Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.

What are the benefits of AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance?

AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance policies offer a range of benefits to policyholders. Some of the key benefits include:

Benefits
Description
Choice of plans
AARP offers a range of plans that cater to different coverage needs and budget.
Guaranteed renewability
Your policy is guaranteed renewable, which means AARP cannot cancel your policy due to health reasons or use of benefits.
No network restrictions
Unlike HMOs and PPOs, you can visit any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare.
No referrals needed
You don’t need a referral to see a specialist if you have AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance.
Covers foreign travel emergencies
If you travel abroad and have an emergency, AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance covers the expenses related to urgent medical care.

What are the costs of AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance?

The cost of AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance varies depending on factors like your age, location, gender, and health status. However, some of the factors that can impact the cost of your policy include:

  • The type of plan you choose
  • Your age at the time of enrollment
  • Whether or not you are a smoker
  • Your location

The cost of your policy may increase over time due to factors like inflation, medical cost increases, and other factors. However, AARP cannot cancel your policy due to the increase in your premium.

Which AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance plan is right for you?

AARP offers several Medicare Supplement Insurance plans, including Plans A, B, C, D, F, G, K, and L. Each plan offers different coverage options, benefits, and costs. Here’s a breakdown of what each plan covers:

Plan
Coverage
Plan A
Covers basic benefits like Part A and Part B coinsurance, hospice care, and the first three pints of blood per year.
Plan B
Adds coverage for Part A deductibles and skilled nursing facility coinsurance.
Plan C
Adds coverage for Part B deductibles, foreign travel emergencies, and Part B excess charges.
Plan D
Adds coverage for Part B deductibles.
Plan F
Covers all benefits of Plans A, B, C, and D, as well as Part B excess charges and foreign travel emergencies. This plan will no longer be available to new enrollees, effective January 1, 2020.
Plan G
Covers all benefits of Plan F, except for the Part B deductible.
Plan K
Covers 50% of Part A and Part B coinsurance, as well as the first three pints of blood per year.
Plan L
Covers 75% of Part A and Part B coinsurance, as well as the first three pints of blood per year.

When selecting an AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance plan, it’s important to consider your healthcare needs and budget. Consider working with an agent or representative to help you find the right plan.

How to enroll in AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance

To enroll in AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance, you must be eligible for Original Medicare and be a member of AARP. You can enroll during your open enrollment period, which is a six-month period that starts on the first day of the month you turn 65 years old and have enrolled in Part B. During this period, you have guaranteed-issue rights, which means that you cannot be denied coverage or charged more based on your health status.

If you miss your open enrollment period, you can still apply for AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance, but you may be subject to medical underwriting. This means that AARP may review your medical history and charge you a higher premium based on your health status.

FAQ

What does AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance cover?

AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance covers things like copayments, coinsurance, deductibles, and other expenses that Original Medicare doesn’t cover. Each plan offers different coverage options, benefits, and costs.

What is the cost of AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance?

The cost of AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance depends on factors like your age, location, gender, and health status. The cost may increase over time due to factors like inflation, medical cost increases, and other factors.

How to enroll in AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance?

To enroll in AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance, you must be eligible for Original Medicare and be a member of AARP. You can enroll during your open enrollment period, which is a six-month period that starts on the first day of the month you turn 65 years old and have enrolled in Part B.

Can I choose any doctor or hospital with AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance?

Yes, you can visit any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare. Unlike HMOs and PPOs, there are no network restrictions with AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance.

Which AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance plan is right for me?

The AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance plan that is right for you depends on your healthcare needs and budget. A representative or agent can help you find the right plan.

Is AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance guaranteed renewable?

Yes, your AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance policy is guaranteed renewable, which means that AARP cannot cancel your policy due to health reasons or use of benefits.

Does AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance cover foreign travel emergencies?

Yes, if you travel abroad and have an emergency, AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance covers the expenses related to urgent medical care.