Navigating the world of Medicare can be confusing, especially when faced with a variety of plan options, coverage details, and enrollment deadlines. One of the most popular and widely recognized providers of Medicare plans is AARP, in partnership with UnitedHealthcare. This collaboration offers Medicare beneficiaries a range of plans to meet their healthcare needs.
AARP UnitedHealthcare Medicare plans are designed to provide coverage beyond Original Medicare (Parts A and B), offering additional benefits, prescription drug coverage, and lower out-of-pocket costs. But with so many choices, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
This guide provides clear, simple answers to the most common questions about AARP UnitedHealthcare Medicare plans. From understanding plan types to learning how to enroll, we’ve got you covered.
What Are AARP UnitedHealthcare Medicare Plans?
AARP partners with UnitedHealthcare to offer Medicare plans that supplement or enhance traditional Medicare coverage. These plans are designed to reduce healthcare costs, provide prescription drug coverage, and offer additional benefits like vision, dental, and hearing care.
These plans fall into three main categories:
- Medicare Advantage (Part C) Plans
- Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plans
- Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans
Each plan serves a different purpose, and understanding which one is right for you depends on your healthcare needs, budget, and lifestyle.
Types of AARP UnitedHealthcare Medicare Plans
1. Medicare Advantage (Part C) Plans
Medicare Advantage plans provide all the benefits of Original Medicare (Parts A and B) but often include extra coverage for vision, hearing, dental, and fitness benefits. These plans are offered by private insurance companies like UnitedHealthcare and are approved by Medicare.
Key Features
- Includes coverage for hospital stays (Part A) and doctor visits (Part B)
- May include prescription drug coverage (Part D)
- Offers additional perks like dental, vision, and wellness programs
Who It’s Best For
Medicare Advantage plans are ideal for people who want all their coverage in one plan, including prescription drugs and additional benefits.
Example
John, a retired teacher, needs dental coverage, vision exams, and prescription drug coverage. By enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan, he gets comprehensive coverage in one place.
2. Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plans
Medicare Supplement plans help pay for out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare (Parts A and B) doesn’t cover, such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. These plans are also known as Medigap plans.
Key Features
- Fills the “gaps” left by Original Medicare (like copays and coinsurance)
- Allows you to see any doctor that accepts Medicare (no network restrictions)
- No referrals are required to see specialists
Who It’s Best For
Medigap plans are best for people who travel frequently or want the freedom to see any doctor that accepts Medicare. Unlike Medicare Advantage plans, Medigap plans don’t offer prescription drug coverage, so you may need a Part D plan as well.
Example
Mary frequently travels to visit her grandchildren in different states. She chooses a Medigap plan because it allows her to visit any doctor nationwide that accepts Medicare, giving her peace of mind when traveling.
3. Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans
If you have Original Medicare (Parts A and B) or a Medigap plan, you may also want to add Medicare Part D for prescription drug coverage. AARP UnitedHealthcare offers standalone Part D plans to help reduce the cost of medications.
Key Features
- Covers the cost of prescription drugs
- Can be added to Original Medicare or a Medigap plan
- Reduces out-of-pocket costs for medications
Who It’s Best For
If you’re enrolled in Original Medicare or a Medigap plan and need prescription drug coverage, a Part D plan is essential. Without it, you’ll pay full price for medications.
Example
David is enrolled in Original Medicare but needs daily prescriptions for heart medication. He enrolls in a Part D plan to lower his prescription drug costs.
How Do You Enroll in AARP UnitedHealthcare Medicare Plans?
Enrolling in an AARP UnitedHealthcare Medicare plan is a straightforward process, but it’s essential to enroll during specific periods to avoid penalties or coverage gaps.
Enrollment Periods
- Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): This is the 7-month window around your 65th birthday (3 months before, the month of, and 3 months after).
- Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): Occurs from October 15 to December 7 each year. During this time, you can switch plans or enroll in new Medicare coverage.
- Special Enrollment Period (SEP): If you lose employer coverage or experience certain life events, you may qualify for a special enrollment period.
How to Enroll
- Visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE.
- Contact AARP UnitedHealthcare directly to speak with an advisor.
- Enroll online through the UnitedHealthcare website.
Common Questions About AARP UnitedHealthcare Medicare Plans
1. Can I Switch Plans After I Enroll?
Yes, you can switch plans during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) from October 15 to December 7 each year. You can also switch plans if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) due to life events like moving or losing employer coverage.
2. What If I Miss the Enrollment Deadline?
If you miss your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), you may have to wait until the next Annual Enrollment Period. Missing the deadline can result in penalties, especially for Part D (prescription drug) plans.
3. How Much Do AARP UnitedHealthcare Plans Cost?
The cost of plans varies depending on factors like location, plan type, and the level of coverage.
- Medicare Advantage Plans often have low monthly premiums (sometimes $0), but you may have copays.
- Medigap Plans have a monthly premium, but you’ll pay fewer out-of-pocket costs.
- Part D Plans have a monthly premium, but they reduce prescription drug costs significantly.
4. What Does the Plan Cover?
Coverage depends on the type of plan:
- Medicare Advantage covers medical services, hospital stays, and sometimes prescriptions, vision, dental, and hearing.
- Medigap covers copays, deductibles, and coinsurance for Original Medicare services.
- Part D only covers prescription drugs.
Key Benefits of AARP UnitedHealthcare Plans
- Comprehensive Coverage: Offers medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
- Nationwide Network: Medigap plans allow you to see any provider that accepts Medicare, and Medicare Advantage plans have large provider networks.
- Wellness and Fitness Benefits: Plans often include fitness memberships like SilverSneakers to encourage active, healthy living.
- Access to Member Discounts: Members get exclusive discounts on health-related products and services.
How to Choose the Best Plan for You
- Assess Your Healthcare Needs: Do you need prescription drug coverage? Do you want to see doctors nationwide?
- Compare Plan Costs: Compare premiums, copays, deductibles, and prescription drug costs.
- Check the Provider Network: Medicare Advantage plans may limit you to a specific network of doctors, while Medigap plans give you nationwide access.
- Consider Your Budget: If you want low premiums, a Medicare Advantage plan may be best. If you prefer fewer out-of-pocket expenses, a Medigap plan might suit you better.
Final Thoughts
AARP UnitedHealthcare Medicare plans offer comprehensive coverage options to suit a wide range of healthcare needs. Whether you’re looking for the convenience of an all-in-one Medicare Advantage plan, the nationwide flexibility of a Medigap plan, or the affordability of a Part D drug plan, AARP and UnitedHealthcare have you covered.
By understanding the different plan types, enrollment periods, and coverage options, you can choose a plan that fits your lifestyle and healthcare needs. If you’re unsure, speak with a licensed advisor to explore your options and avoid costly mistakes.