AARP Supplemental Medicare Insurance: Everything You Need to Know

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Medicare provides an essential healthcare safety net for millions of Americans, but it doesn’t cover everything. If you’re a Medicare beneficiary, you may want to consider purchasing supplemental insurance to help pay for out-of-pocket expenses. AARP, the largest advocacy group for older Americans, offers a range of supplemental Medicare insurance plans that can help bridge the gap. In this article, we’ll explore what AARP supplemental Medicare insurance is, what it covers, how to enroll, and more.

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What is AARP Supplemental Medicare Insurance?

AARP supplemental Medicare insurance is a type of insurance that provides coverage for out-of-pocket expenses that aren’t covered by Medicare. These expenses may include things like deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. AARP offers a range of different supplemental plans, each designed to meet the unique needs of Medicare beneficiaries.

It’s important to note that AARP is not an insurance company itself, but rather a membership organization that partners with insurance companies to offer a range of insurance products, including supplemental Medicare insurance. AARP works with UnitedHealthcare, one of the largest health insurance companies in the United States, to offer its supplemental Medicare insurance plans.

What Does AARP Supplemental Medicare Insurance Cover?

The specific benefits of each AARP supplemental Medicare insurance plan can vary depending on the plan you choose, but in general, these plans can help cover the following expenses:

Expense
Coverage
Part A Coinsurance and Hospital Costs
Yes
Part B Coinsurance and Copayment
Yes
Blood (First 3 Pints)
Yes
Part A Hospice Care Coinsurance or Copayment
Yes
Skilled Nursing Care Coinsurance
Yes
Part A Deductible
Yes
Part B Deductible
Yes
Part B Excess Charges
Yes
Foreign Travel Emergency (Up to Plan Limits)
Yes

Some plans may also offer additional benefits, such as coverage for vision, dental, or hearing expenses, but these benefits will vary depending on the plan you choose.

Who is Eligible for AARP Supplemental Medicare Insurance?

To be eligible for AARP supplemental Medicare insurance, you must be a Medicare beneficiary. This means that you must be 65 years of age or older and eligible for Medicare Part A and/or Part B. If you are under the age of 65 but have a qualifying disability, you may also be eligible for Medicare and therefore eligible for AARP supplemental insurance.

How Do I Enroll in AARP Supplemental Medicare Insurance?

To enroll in AARP supplemental Medicare insurance, you must first become a member of AARP. Membership is open to anyone who is 50 years of age or older, and there is a yearly membership fee. Once you are a member, you can then enroll in one of the available supplemental insurance plans through AARP’s partner, UnitedHealthcare.

You can enroll in AARP supplemental Medicare insurance during your initial enrollment period, which is the seven-month period that begins three months before the month you turn 65 and ends three months after the month you turn 65. You can also enroll during the annual open enrollment period, which runs from October 15th to December 7th each year.

FAQ

What is the difference between Medicare and AARP supplemental Medicare insurance?

Medicare is a federal health insurance program that provides coverage for hospital and medical expenses for Americans who are 65 years of age or older or who have a qualifying disability. AARP supplemental Medicare insurance is a type of insurance that provides coverage for out-of-pocket expenses that aren’t covered by Medicare.

How much does AARP supplemental Medicare insurance cost?

The cost of AARP supplemental Medicare insurance can vary depending on the plan you choose and where you live. You can contact AARP or UnitedHealthcare directly to get a quote for the specific plan you’re interested in.

Can I switch my AARP supplemental Medicare insurance plan?

Yes, you can switch your AARP supplemental Medicare insurance plan during the annual open enrollment period, which runs from October 15th to December 7th each year. You may also be able to switch during a special enrollment period if you experience a qualifying life event, such as a move to a new state or the loss of other health coverage.

What happens if I don’t have supplemental Medicare insurance?

If you don’t have supplemental Medicare insurance, you will be responsible for paying for any out-of-pocket expenses that aren’t covered by Medicare, such as deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. Depending on your healthcare needs, these expenses can add up quickly and become a significant financial burden.

Does AARP supplemental Medicare insurance cover prescription drugs?

No, AARP supplemental Medicare insurance plans do not cover prescription drugs. To get coverage for prescription drugs, you will need to enroll in a separate Medicare Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage plan that includes prescription drug coverage.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a Medicare beneficiary, AARP supplemental Medicare insurance can be a valuable tool for managing your healthcare expenses. By filling in the gaps left by Medicare, these plans can help ensure that you have access to the care you need without breaking the bank. To get started, contact AARP or UnitedHealthcare to learn more about the available plans and enroll today.

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