AARP supplemental insurance is a type of insurance policy offered by United Healthcare that can help cover some of the out-of-pocket medical expenses that come with Medicare. The plans are designed to work alongside Original Medicare and can help fill in the coverage gaps that exist in that program. AARP Medicare Supplement plans are available to AARP members who are over the age of 65 and enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B.
AARP supplemental insurance plans are standardized and regulated by the federal government, which means that the benefits offered by each plan are the same regardless of which insurance company is selling them. However, the premiums charged by each insurance company may vary, so it’s important to shop around and compare prices before choosing a plan. AARP Medicare Supplement plans are available in most states, and the company offers a variety of plans to choose from, including Plans A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N.
AARP supplemental insurance plans can be a good option for those who want to limit their out-of-pocket expenses and have more predictable healthcare costs. However, it’s important to understand the details of each plan and how they work with Original Medicare before enrolling. AARP offers a range of resources and tools to help members navigate the complex world of Medicare and supplemental insurance, including access to licensed insurance agents who can answer questions and provide guidance.
What is AARP Supplemental Insurance?
AARP Supplemental Insurance is a type of insurance policy designed to cover the gaps in Medicare coverage. Medicare is a federal health insurance program that covers people who are 65 or older, as well as younger people with certain disabilities. However, Medicare does not cover all medical expenses, leaving many people with unexpected out-of-pocket costs. This is where AARP Supplemental Insurance comes in.
AARP Supplemental Insurance is offered by United Healthcare and endorsed by AARP. The policies are designed to work alongside Medicare, providing additional coverage for things like deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. There are several different types of AARP Supplemental Insurance policies available, each covering different types of medical expenses.
One of the benefits of AARP Supplemental Insurance is that it allows people to choose their own doctors and hospitals. This means that policyholders can receive care from the healthcare providers they trust, without worrying about whether or not they are in-network. Additionally, AARP Supplemental Insurance policies are guaranteed renewable, which means that policyholders can keep their coverage as long as they continue to pay their premiums.
It is important to note that AARP Supplemental Insurance policies are only available to AARP members. However, becoming an AARP member is easy and affordable, and comes with many other benefits in addition to access to supplemental insurance.
Types of AARP Supplemental Insurance
AARP offers a variety of supplemental insurance plans to help cover the gaps in Medicare coverage. These plans are designed to provide additional benefits and peace of mind to Medicare beneficiaries. The following sub-sections describe the different types of AARP supplemental insurance plans.
Medigap Plans
Medigap plans, also known as Medicare Supplement Insurance plans, are designed to help cover the out-of-pocket costs that Medicare doesn’t cover. These plans are standardized and are identified by letters A through N. Each plan offers different levels of coverage, so it’s important to choose the plan that best fits your needs.
Hospital Indemnity Insurance
Hospital indemnity insurance is designed to help cover the costs associated with a hospital stay. This type of insurance can help pay for things like hospital room and board, ambulance services, and inpatient surgeries. It can also provide a lump-sum payment if you’re diagnosed with a covered illness.
Dental Insurance
Dental insurance is designed to help cover the costs of routine dental care, such as cleanings, fillings, and extractions. It can also help cover more extensive procedures, such as root canals and crowns. AARP offers dental insurance plans that provide coverage for preventive, basic, and major dental services.
Vision Insurance
Vision insurance is designed to help cover the costs of routine eye care, such as eye exams, glasses, and contact lenses. It can also help cover more extensive procedures, such as cataract surgery. AARP offers vision insurance plans that provide coverage for routine eye exams, glasses, and contact lenses.
Hearing Insurance
Hearing insurance is designed to help cover the costs of hearing aids and other hearing-related services. AARP offers hearing insurance plans that provide coverage for hearing exams, hearing aids, and other hearing-related services.
In summary, AARP supplemental insurance plans can help fill the gaps in Medicare coverage and provide additional benefits to Medicare beneficiaries. These plans include Medigap plans, hospital indemnity insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, and hearing insurance. It’s important to choose the plan that best fits your needs and budget.
How to Enroll in AARP Supplemental Insurance
Enrolling in AARP Supplemental Insurance is a straightforward process that can be done either online or over the phone. Here are the steps to follow:
- Determine your eligibility: To enroll in AARP Supplemental Insurance, you must be an AARP member and be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B.
- Choose a plan: AARP offers several Supplemental Insurance plans, each with different coverage options and costs. You can compare the plans and their benefits on the AARP website or by speaking with a licensed insurance agent.
- Apply for coverage: Once you have chosen a plan, you can apply for coverage online or over the phone. You will need to provide your personal and Medicare information, as well as information about any pre-existing conditions you may have.
- Wait for approval: After you have submitted your application, AARP will review it and determine whether you are eligible for coverage. This process typically takes a few weeks, so be patient.
- Start using your coverage: Once you have been approved for coverage, you can start using your benefits right away. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the coverage options and limitations of your plan so that you can make the most of your benefits.
It’s important to note that AARP Supplemental Insurance plans have eligibility requirements, exclusions, and limitations. For complete details about the plans, including outlines of coverage and costs, speak with a licensed insurance agent or visit the AARP website.
Benefits of AARP Supplemental Insurance
AARP Supplemental Insurance offers many benefits to individuals who are looking for additional coverage to supplement their Medicare plan. Here are some of the key benefits of AARP Supplemental Insurance.
Financial Protection
AARP Supplemental Insurance provides financial protection by helping to cover the costs that are not covered by traditional Medicare plans. This can include things like deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. With AARP Supplemental Insurance, individuals can have peace of mind knowing that they won’t be hit with unexpected medical bills.
Flexibility
One of the great things about AARP Supplemental Insurance is that it offers a lot of flexibility. There are many different plans to choose from, so individuals can find a plan that meets their specific needs. Additionally, AARP Supplemental Insurance plans are accepted by a wide range of healthcare providers, so individuals can continue to see their current doctors and specialists.
Peace of Mind
Having AARP Supplemental Insurance can provide individuals with peace of mind. Knowing that they have additional coverage can help individuals feel more secure and confident in their healthcare decisions. Additionally, AARP Supplemental Insurance offers 24/7 customer support, so individuals can get help with any questions or concerns they may have.
Overall, AARP Supplemental Insurance can provide individuals with financial protection, flexibility, and peace of mind. With many different plans to choose from, individuals can find a plan that meets their specific needs and budget.
Cost of AARP Supplemental Insurance
AARP Supplemental Insurance, also known as Medigap, is designed to help cover some of the out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare does not cover, such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. The cost of AARP Supplemental Insurance varies depending on several factors, including the plan type, the applicant’s age, location, and health status.
Plan Types
AARP offers ten standardized Medigap plans, labeled A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N. Each plan has different benefits and costs. Plan F, for example, offers the most comprehensive coverage, including the Medicare Part B deductible, while Plan A provides the least coverage. The cost of each plan varies depending on the insurance company, location, and age of the applicant.
Factors Affecting the Cost
The cost of AARP Supplemental Insurance depends on several factors, including the applicant’s age, location, and health status. Generally, the younger the applicant, the lower the premium. However, the premium may increase as the applicant ages. The location of the applicant may also affect the cost of the plan, as some areas may have higher healthcare costs than others. Additionally, the applicant’s health status may affect the cost of the plan. Applicants with pre-existing conditions may pay higher premiums than those without.
How to Save Money on AARP Supplemental Insurance
There are several ways to save money on AARP Supplemental Insurance. First, applicants can enroll during their open enrollment period, which is the six-month period following their 65th birthday and enrollment in Medicare Part B. During this period, insurance companies cannot deny coverage or charge higher premiums based on the applicant’s health status. Second, applicants can compare prices from different insurance companies to find the best deal. Finally, applicants can choose a plan with a higher deductible or coinsurance to lower their monthly premium.
Overall, the cost of AARP Supplemental Insurance varies depending on several factors, including the plan type, the applicant’s age, location, and health status. By understanding these factors and comparing prices from different insurance companies, applicants can find a plan that meets their needs and budget.