Secure Your Health and Finances with AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance

adminFebruary 25, 2023

12 minutes read

Understanding AARP Medicare Supplement Plans

AARP Medicare Supplement plans, also known as Medigap plans, are private insurance policies designed to help cover the out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare doesn’t pay for. These costs can include deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.

AARP Medicare Supplement plans are standardized and regulated by the federal government, which means that each plan has the same coverage, regardless of the insurance company that provides it. There are ten different Medigap plans, labeled with letters A through N. Each plan covers a different combination of benefits, with Plan A being the most basic and Plan F (no longer available to new beneficiaries) being the most comprehensive.

AARP Medicare Supplement plans are only available to individuals who are enrolled in Original Medicare, which includes Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Medicare Part B (medical insurance). If you have a Medicare Advantage plan (Medicare Part C), you cannot enroll in a Medigap plan.

In addition to the standard benefits provided by each plan, AARP Medicare Supplement plans also offer additional benefits such as gym memberships and access to wellness programs. Some plans may also provide coverage for services that are not covered by Medicare, such as vision, dental, and hearing services.

Benefits of AARP Medicare Supplement Plans

There are several benefits of enrolling in an AARP Medicare Supplement plan, also known as a Medigap plan. Here are some of the key benefits:

Coverage of Out-of-Pocket Costs: One of the primary benefits of a Medigap plan is that it helps cover the out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare doesn’t pay for, such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. This can help reduce the financial burden of healthcare costs.

Standardized Coverage: Medigap plans are standardized and regulated by the federal government, which means that each plan offers the same benefits regardless of the insurance company that provides it. This can make it easier to compare plans and choose the one that best meets your needs.

Access to Doctors and Hospitals: With a Medigap plan, you can see any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare. There are no networks to worry about, which can provide greater flexibility and choice.

Guaranteed Renewable: Once you enroll in a Medigap plan, your coverage is guaranteed renewable as long as you pay your premiums on time. This means that you can keep your coverage even if you have health issues.

Additional Benefits: Some Medigap plans, such as those offered by AARP, offer additional benefits such as gym memberships and access to wellness programs. Some plans may also provide coverage for services that are not covered by Medicare, such as vision, dental, and hearing services.

Travel Coverage: Some Medigap plans provide coverage for emergency medical care when you’re traveling outside of the United States.

Overall, AARP Medicare Supplement plans can provide peace of mind and help reduce the financial burden of healthcare costs for individuals enrolled in Original Medicare.

Eligibility for AARP Medicare Supplement Plans

To be eligible for an AARP Medicare Supplement plan, you must meet the following criteria:

You must be enrolled in Original Medicare: AARP Medicare Supplement plans are designed to work alongside Original Medicare, which includes Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Medicare Part B (medical insurance). You cannot enroll in a Medigap plan if you have a Medicare Advantage plan (Medicare Part C).

You must be 65 years or older: You can enroll in a Medigap plan during your initial enrollment period, which begins three months before your 65th birthday and ends three months after your birthday month. If you miss this initial enrollment period, you may be subject to medical underwriting, which could impact your ability to enroll or the cost of your premiums.

You must live in the plan’s service area: AARP Medicare Supplement plans are available in most states, but not all plans are available in all areas. You can check with AARP or UnitedHealthcare to see if plans are available in your area.

You must not have end-stage renal disease (ESRD): In most cases, individuals with ESRD are not eligible to enroll in a Medigap plan. However, there are some exceptions, so it’s important to check with AARP or UnitedHealthcare to see if you are eligible.

It’s important to note that if you enroll in a Medigap plan during your initial enrollment period, you have guaranteed issue rights, which means that insurance companies cannot deny you coverage or charge you higher premiums based on your health status. If you enroll in a Medigap plan outside of your initial enrollment period, you may be subject to medical underwriting, which could impact your ability to enroll or the cost of your premiums.

Different Types of AARP Medicare Supplement Plans

There are ten different types of AARP Medicare Supplement plans, labeled with letters A through N. Each plan covers a different combination of benefits, with Plan A being the most basic and Plan F (no longer available to new beneficiaries) being the most comprehensive. Here’s an overview of each plan:

Plan A: Covers basic benefits such as Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs, as well as Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayment.

Plan B: Covers the same benefits as Plan A, plus the Medicare Part A deductible.

Plan C: Covers the same benefits as Plan B, plus the Medicare Part B deductible, skilled nursing facility coinsurance, and some foreign travel emergency costs.

Plan D: Covers the same benefits as Plan B, plus skilled nursing facility coinsurance and some foreign travel emergency costs.

Plan F: No longer available to new beneficiaries, Plan F was the most comprehensive plan and covered all Medicare deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments.

Plan G: Covers the same benefits as Plan F, except for the Medicare Part B deductible.

Plan K: Covers a percentage of the costs for basic benefits, such as Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs, as well as the Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayment. It also includes an out-of-pocket limit.

Plan L: Covers the same benefits as Plan K, plus the Medicare Part A deductible and a higher percentage of the costs for basic benefits.

Plan M: Covers the same benefits as Plan D, plus 50% of the Medicare Part A deductible and some foreign travel emergency costs.

Plan N: Covers the same benefits as Plan D, except for some Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayments, and it requires a copayment for some office visits and emergency room visits.

It’s important to note that each AARP Medicare Supplement plan provides standardized benefits, regardless of the insurance company that provides it. So, for example, if you enroll in Plan G with AARP, you’ll receive the same benefits as someone who enrolls in Plan G with another insurance company.

Enrolling in AARP Medicare Supplement Plans

To enroll in an AARP Medicare Supplement plan, you must first be enrolled in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). Here are the steps to follow:

Determine which plan you want to enroll in: There are ten different AARP Medicare Supplement plans to choose from, each providing different levels of coverage. Review the plan options carefully to find the one that best fits your needs.

Check plan availability in your area: Not all AARP Medicare Supplement plans may be available in your area. Check with AARP or UnitedHealthcare to see what plans are available where you live.

Compare plan prices: AARP Medicare Supplement plans are offered by private insurance companies, so prices can vary between plans and companies. Compare prices to find the plan that offers the coverage you need at the most affordable price.

Enroll during the initial enrollment period: Your initial enrollment period for Medigap plans begins three months before the month you turn 65 and ends three months after that month. During this time, you have guaranteed issue rights, which means you can enroll in any plan without being subject to medical underwriting. If you enroll outside of this period, you may be subject to medical underwriting, which could impact your ability to enroll or the cost of your premiums.

Complete the enrollment process: To enroll in an AARP Medicare Supplement plan, you’ll need to provide some personal information, such as your Medicare number and information about your health history. You may also need to answer questions about your current health status.

Once you’ve enrolled, your coverage will begin on the first day of the month after you enroll. It’s important to note that Medicare Supplement plans do not include prescription drug coverage, so you may also need to enroll in a Medicare Part D plan to get prescription drug coverage.

Coverage of AARP Medicare Supplement Plans

AARP Medicare Supplement plans, also known as Medigap plans, are designed to help fill in some of the gaps in coverage left by Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). Here are some of the benefits you can expect from an AARP Medicare Supplement plan:

Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs: AARP Medicare Supplement plans help cover the costs of hospital stays and inpatient care after you meet your Medicare Part A deductible.

Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayments: AARP Medicare Supplement plans help cover the costs of doctor visits, outpatient care, and other medical services after you meet your Medicare Part B deductible.

Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance: AARP Medicare Supplement plans help cover the costs of skilled nursing care after you’ve been in the hospital for at least three days.

Medicare Part A deductible: AARP Medicare Supplement plans can help cover the cost of the Medicare Part A deductible, which is the amount you must pay before Medicare starts covering your hospital costs.

Medicare Part B deductible: Some AARP Medicare Supplement plans cover the Medicare Part B deductible, which is the amount you must pay before Medicare starts covering your outpatient care costs.

Foreign travel emergency coverage: Some AARP Medicare Supplement plans provide coverage for emergency medical care outside of the United States.

It’s important to note that AARP Medicare Supplement plans do not include prescription drug coverage. If you need prescription drug coverage, you’ll need to enroll in a Medicare Part D plan. Additionally, AARP Medicare Supplement plans do not cover dental, vision, or hearing care.

Cost of AARP Medicare Supplement Plans

The cost of AARP Medicare Supplement plans, also known as Medigap plans, can vary depending on several factors, including the plan type, your age, and where you live. Here are some factors that can affect the cost of your AARP Medicare Supplement plan:

Plan type: AARP Medicare Supplement plans are available in ten different types, each offering different levels of coverage. Plans with more comprehensive coverage tend to have higher premiums.

Age: The age at which you enroll in an AARP Medicare Supplement plan can also affect the cost. Premiums are generally lower for younger enrollees, but can increase as you age.

Location: The cost of AARP Medicare Supplement plans can also vary by location. In some states, insurance companies are allowed to use different pricing structures, which can affect the cost of your plan.

Underwriting: If you enroll in an AARP Medicare Supplement plan outside of your initial enrollment period, you may be subject to medical underwriting. This means that insurance companies can use your health status to determine your premiums. If you have a pre-existing condition or a history of medical issues, you may be charged higher premiums.

Discounts: Some insurance companies offer discounts on AARP Medicare Supplement plans for couples, non-smokers, or if you pay your premiums annually.

It’s important to compare plans from different insurance companies to find the best coverage at the most affordable price. You can also contact AARP or UnitedHealthcare to get more information on plan costs in your area.

Comparison of AARP Medicare Supplement Plans with Other Medicare Plans

AARP Medicare Supplement plans, also known as Medigap plans, are designed to work alongside Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) to help cover some of the costs that Medicare doesn’t cover. Here’s how AARP Medicare Supplement plans compare to other Medicare plans:

Original Medicare: Original Medicare provides coverage for hospital stays (Part A) and doctor visits and outpatient services (Part B). However, it doesn’t cover all of the costs associated with these services, and there are deductibles and coinsurance that beneficiaries must pay out of pocket. AARP Medicare Supplement plans can help cover some of these costs.

Medicare Advantage: Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) are offered by private insurance companies and provide all of the benefits of Original Medicare, plus additional benefits like prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, and hearing benefits. However, Medicare Advantage plans typically have network restrictions and may require referrals to see specialists. AARP Medicare Supplement plans do not include prescription drug coverage or other additional benefits, but they do provide more flexibility in choosing healthcare providers.

Medicare Part D: Medicare Part D plans provide prescription drug coverage. If you enroll in an AARP Medicare Supplement plan, you may also need to enroll in a Medicare Part D plan to get prescription drug coverage.

Overall, AARP Medicare Supplement plans can provide more comprehensive coverage than Original Medicare alone, but they do not include prescription drug coverage or other additional benefits. If you’re looking for more comprehensive coverage, a Medicare Advantage plan may be a better option, but you’ll need to weigh the costs and benefits of each plan to find the best option for your healthcare needs.

Frequently Asked Questions about AARP Medicare Supplement Plans

Q: What are AARP Medicare Supplement Plans?
A: AARP Medicare Supplement Plans, also known as Medigap plans, are private health insurance plans that help cover some of the costs that are not covered by Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). These plans are sold by private insurance companies and are designed to work alongside Original Medicare to help pay for deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.

Q: How many AARP Medicare Supplement Plans are there?
A: AARP Medicare Supplement Plans are offered in 10 standardized plan types, labeled A through N. Each plan type provides a different level of coverage, with Plan F being the most comprehensive and Plan A being the least comprehensive.

Q: Who is eligible for AARP Medicare Supplement Plans?
A: To be eligible for AARP Medicare Supplement Plans, you must be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B. You must also live in the state where the plan is offered and be age 65 or older, or have a qualifying disability.

Q: What do AARP Medicare Supplement Plans cover?
A: AARP Medicare Supplement Plans cover some of the costs that are not covered by Original Medicare, such as deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. The specific coverage and benefits vary depending on the plan type you choose.

Q: Can I see any doctor with AARP Medicare Supplement Plans?
A: Yes, you can see any doctor or specialist who accepts Medicare patients. AARP Medicare Supplement Plans do not have provider networks, so you can go to any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare patients.

Q: How much do AARP Medicare Supplement Plans cost?
A: The cost of AARP Medicare Supplement Plans varies depending on several factors, including the plan type, your age, your gender, and where you live. In general, premiums for these plans can range from less than $100 per month to several hundred dollars per month.

Q: Can I switch AARP Medicare Supplement Plans?
A: Yes, you can switch AARP Medicare Supplement Plans at any time, but you may be subject to medical underwriting if you switch to a plan with more comprehensive coverage.

Q: How do I enroll in an AARP Medicare Supplement Plan?
A: To enroll in an AARP Medicare Supplement Plan, you must first be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B. You can then contact an insurance company that offers AARP Medicare Supplement Plans in your area to enroll.

Choosing the Right AARP Medicare Supplement Plan

Choosing the right AARP Medicare Supplement Plan can be a challenging task, as there are several plan types to choose from. Here are some tips to help you choose the right plan for your needs:

Understand the coverage: Each plan type offers a different level of coverage, so it’s essential to understand what is covered and what is not covered by each plan type. The more comprehensive plans, such as Plan F and Plan G, offer more coverage but come with higher premiums.

Consider your healthcare needs: Consider your healthcare needs, such as any ongoing medical conditions or prescription medications that you take regularly. Some plans may be a better fit for your healthcare needs than others.

Compare costs: Compare the premiums for each plan type, as well as any deductibles or out-of-pocket costs. You should also consider the rate at which premiums may increase in the future.

Check provider networks: AARP Medicare Supplement Plans do not have provider networks, but some providers may not accept Medicare patients. Check to make sure that your preferred healthcare providers accept Medicare patients.

Consider future needs: Consider any upcoming healthcare needs or potential changes in your health status that may affect your healthcare needs. It may be beneficial to choose a plan with more comprehensive coverage if you anticipate needing more medical care in the future.

Seek expert advice: Speak with a licensed insurance agent or financial advisor who can help you understand the options available and find the right plan for your needs.

Remember that once you enroll in a plan, you have a six-month open enrollment period during which you can switch plans without being subject to medical underwriting.