When it comes to securing your health in your golden years, AARP, formerly known as the American Association of Retired Persons, has your back. Since 1958, AARP has been a staunch advocate for adults aged 50 and older. Today, they offer an array of Medicare Supplement Insurance plans, commonly known as Medigap, underwritten by UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company, the nation's largest health insurance and Medigap provider. Let's delve into the world of AARP Medicare Supplement Plans to see if they're the right fit for you.
The Pros of AARP Medicare Supplement Plans:
1. Competitive Rates: AARP offers competitive rates for their Medigap plans, ensuring you get value for your investment in healthcare.
2. Comprehensive Coverage: AARP Medigap plans provide comprehensive coverage, reducing or eliminating copays, coinsurance payments, deductibles, and even covering expenses like mental health visits, dental, vision, hearing, and emergency room visits.
3. Plans with Low or No Copays and Deductibles: Some AARP Medigap plans come with low or no copays and deductibles, making healthcare more affordable for seniors.
4. Handles Claims and Billing for You: AARP takes the hassle out of claims and billing, allowing you to focus on your health rather than paperwork.
5. Coverage Provided by a Third-Party Insurer: AARP's Medigap plans are underwritten by UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company, a trusted name in the industry.
The Drawbacks of AARP Medicare Supplement Plans:
1. Average Customer Satisfaction Ratings: While AARP Medigap plans offer competitive coverage, their customer satisfaction ratings are average, suggesting there's room for improvement in customer service.
2. Medical Eligibility Requirements: Some Medigap plans may have medical eligibility requirements, potentially limiting your options based on your health history.
What Do AARP Medicare Supplement Plans Cover?
AARP Medigap plans, or Medigap for short, work alongside Original Medicare Parts A and B. They help reduce your out-of-pocket costs by covering copays, coinsurance, and deductibles. These plans can even extend coverage to include services such as mental health visits, dental care, vision and hearing checks, emergency room visits, and skilled nursing facility care. With coverage valid at Medicare-participating providers across the United States, even when traveling, you can enjoy peace of mind. Plus, Medigap plans are compatible with Medicare Part D plans, helping you save on prescription drug costs.
As an AARP Medigap plan member, you'll receive an AARP member ID card, simplifying your access to medical services. In addition to comprehensive coverage, you'll gain access to a range of services and discounts, including gym memberships, a 24/7 nurse line, hearing discounts through HearUSA providers, vision discounts through EyeMed, dental discounts through Dentegra, and even access to AARP's Staying Sharp brain health program and Smart Driver Course.
AARP Medicare Supplement Plan Options
AARP offers a variety of Medigap plans, including Plans A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N, each with standardized benefits and copay reductions. It's important to note that Plans C and F are only available to Medicare enrollees who became eligible for Original Medicare before 2020. New beneficiaries have more flexibility in choosing a Medigap plan. Regardless of your choice, you'll be responsible for the $226 Part B deductible in 2023. Medigap policies can help reduce or eliminate the Part A hospital deductible, potentially saving you up to $1,600 per benefit period. Some plans even cover excess charges beyond Medicare-approved amounts while limiting your out-of-pocket expenses.
Here's a glimpse of some AARP Medigap plans:
- Plan A: Starting at $85.78 per month, covers all costs.
- Plan B: Starting at $115.56 per month, covers all costs.
- Plan G: Starting at $118.55 per month, covers all costs except for a $226 deductible.
- Plan K: Starting at $39.18 per month, covers all costs except for an $800 deductible and has an out-of-pocket maximum of $6,940.
- Plan L: Starting at $76.09 per month, covers all costs except for a $400 deductible and has an out-of-pocket maximum of $3,110.
- Plan N: Starting at $102.31 per month, covers all costs.
Note: Rates may vary based on your location and medical eligibility.
AARP Medicare Supplement Plans Reviews and Ratings
AARP Medigap plans offer good value to customers. They typically provide affordable coverage with broad limits. Customers appreciate the responsive customer service team, which received excellent ratings in the Gongos 2019 Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan Satisfaction Posted Questionnaire.
To gauge the quality of an insurer's plans, trusted ratings and reviews come in handy. AARP Medigap plans are rated as follows:
A.M. Best Financial Strength Rating: A (Excellent) - This rating indicates that A.M. Best believes AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance company has an excellent ability to meet its ongoing health insurance obligations.
Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating: A+ - AARP has an A+ rating from the BBB, with 51 complaints handled in the last 12 months and 215 complaints closed over the past three years.
Consumer Affairs Rating: 3.9 out of 5 stars - According to Consumer Affairs, AARP Health Insurance has a rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars based on 101 customer reviews. Customers appreciate the easy enrollment process despite occasional billing issues and consider the plans a good value.
If you're interested in AARP Medicare Supplement Plans or want more information, you can reach out to UnitedHealthcare at 1-866-941-1542 (TTY 711 toll-free). Their customer service department will help you find an AARP Medigap plan tailored to your needs based on your ZIP code. You can also request insurance plan and rate information for AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans from UnitedHealthcare via mail, along with a free decision guide, by submitting your information on the AARP® Medicare Supplement website.
For personalized guidance, consider talking to a licensed insurance agent who can help you navigate the Medicare supplement plan landscape, ensuring you find the best fit for your location and health needs. AARP Medicare Supplement Plans aim to provide seniors with comprehensive coverage and peace of mind as they embrace their retirement years.
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