AARP Summary
AARP, formerly the American Association of Retired Persons, has built a reputation as a non-profit advocate of Americans over the age of 50. Today, an estimated 7 million people have AARP-branded health insurance including Medicare Supplement Insurance and prescription plans. Keep in mind, AARP is not an insurer, it allows its name to be used in the sale of products for which it is paid a commission. Additionally, it’s important to note that AARP exclusively offers Medicare plans from UnitedHealthcare (UHC), some of the nation’s best-selling Medicare Supplement Insurance plans, although availability differs on a state-to-state basis.
Along with branded Medicare insurance offerings, AARP members can receive discounts on everything from entertainment and travel to financial services and shopping. The group also provides advice on topics important to people 50 and over. Along with expansive website content, AARP also publishes “AARP The Magazine,” featuring celebrity interviews, health and tech feature articles, recipes and entertainment reviews.
Pros
- Straightforward website
- Convenient quotes
- Great customer service
Considerations
- Higher costs in some areas
- Communication can be excessive
- Only offers UHC Medigap plans
Top 3 Supplement Companies
Overview
Quick and Easy Quotes
The AARP website makes it simple to get a quote and see what UHC plans are available in your area. By just typing in your zip code, you can see a full list of AARP Medicare Supplement insurance plans available in your area, as well as the lowest starting costs for monthly premiums. This lets you get a quick snapshot of what may be available to you.
Customer Satisfaction
AARP is a household name when it comes to customer satisfaction, and AARP and UHC can boast consistently high reviews from members. In addition, those enrolled in an AARP Medigap insurance plan enjoy professional and courteous customer service and overall satisfaction with their Medicare Supplement coverage.
Reliability
AARP is a household name and a trusted company with a strong reputation, and UHC is one of the world’s largest healthcare insurance providers in the world. These two companies have been working together since 1997. The strength and consistency of this partnership can offer invaluable peace of mind to anyone considering an AARP Medicare Supplement plan through UHC.
Medicare Made Clear
This section of the AARP website provides information resources to answer any questions you might have about Medicare. The simple layout allows you to quickly and easily find what you are looking for. There is even an entire section dedicated to Medicare Supplement insurance coverage to understand exactly what your options are.
Why Medicare Supplement Insurance?
Having Medicare Supplement Insurance (also called Medigap) in addition to Original Medicare benefits helps to protect you from unexpected costs, allowing you to receive the care you need without worry of financial burden. Because of the guaranteed coverage protection offered during the Open Enrollment Period, it's a great option for those with pre-existing conditions as well. Plus, it allows you to continue to receive the federal Medicare benefits you’ve been paying toward throughout your working years.
Key advantages of Medicare Supplement Insurance:
- Guaranteed renewability each year
As long as you pay your premium, your coverage will continue year after year and cannot be cancelled (except in specific cases, like providing inaccurate information on your application).
- Simple, straightforward plan options
Because they are federally standardized, it’s fairly straightforward to understand and compare your options when it comes to Medigap coverage.
- Nationwide network of doctors and specialists
Medicare Supplement enrollees can visit any doctor that accepts Medicare coverage. Doctors or hospitals that accept Medicare are required to accept all Medigap plans, regardless of insurance carrier.
- More flexibility with treatment options.
Some Medicare plans require you to choose a primary care physician, who has the final say on what providers you can see. Medigap plans allow you the flexibility to select any treatment option you prefer.
