AARP Medicare Advantage: Benefits, Costs, and Coverage Explained

AARP Medicare Advantage is a type of health insurance plan offered by UnitedHealthcare that provides coverage beyond Original Medicare. These plans are available to individuals who are eligible for Medicare and are looking for additional benefits such as prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, and hearing benefits, and wellness programs.

Understanding AARP Medicare Advantage plans is essential for those who are considering enrolling in them. These plans are offered by private insurance companies that contract with Medicare to provide healthcare coverage to beneficiaries. AARP Medicare Advantage plans are designed to provide comprehensive coverage and are often more affordable than other types of Medicare plans.

Key Takeaways

• AARP Medicare Advantage is a type of health insurance plan that provides coverage beyond Original Medicare.


• These plans offer additional benefits such as prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, and hearing benefits, and wellness programs.


• AARP Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies that contract with Medicare to provide comprehensive coverage to beneficiaries.

Understanding AARP Medicare Advantage

AARP Medicare Advantage is an all-in-one alternative to Original Medicare, offered by private insurance companies that are approved by Medicare. It combines Part A hospital coverage, Part B doctor and outpatient services, and usually Part D prescription coverage into one comprehensive plan.

Basics of AARP Medicare Advantage

AARP Medicare Advantage plans are offered by UnitedHealthcare, a leading provider of Medicare Advantage plans. These plans offer additional benefits such as vision, hearing, and dental coverage, as well as fitness programs and wellness resources. Some plans may also include prescription drug coverage, which can be added to the plan for an additional cost.

AARP Medicare Advantage plans are designed to provide flexibility and choice. They offer a wide range of options, from plans that help cover out-of-pocket costs to comprehensive plans that include additional benefits. Each plan has its own set of benefits, costs, and rules, so it's important to carefully review the details of each plan before making a decision.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for AARP Medicare Advantage, individuals must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B, and live in the service area of the plan they are considering. They must also continue to pay their Medicare Part B premium, and may have to pay an additional premium for the AARP Medicare Advantage plan they choose.

In addition, individuals who have end-stage renal disease (ESRD) generally cannot enroll in AARP Medicare Advantage plans, although there are some exceptions. Those who have ESRD and are interested in Medicare Advantage should speak with a licensed insurance agent to learn more about their options.

Overall, AARP Medicare Advantage plans can be a good option for those looking for additional benefits beyond what Original Medicare offers. However, it's important to carefully review the details of each plan and consider individual needs and preferences before making a decision.

Benefits of AARP Medicare Advantage

AARP Medicare Advantage plans offer comprehensive coverage for medical expenses, prescription drugs, and additional benefits. Here are some of the benefits of AARP Medicare Advantage:

Health Coverage

AARP Medicare Advantage plans provide coverage for all the benefits of Original Medicare, including hospitalization, doctor visits, and medical tests. In addition, these plans offer coverage for preventive care services such as wellness visits, cancer screenings, and immunizations. AARP Medicare Advantage plans also cover emergency care and urgent care services.

Prescription Drug Coverage

AARP Medicare Advantage plans provide prescription drug coverage, which is not included in Original Medicare. This coverage is available through Medicare Part D, which covers a wide range of prescription drugs. AARP Medicare Advantage plans offer competitive pricing for prescription drugs, which can help seniors save money on their medications.

Additional Benefits

AARP Medicare Advantage plans offer additional benefits that are not covered by Original Medicare, such as dental, vision, and hearing coverage. These plans also offer fitness programs, wellness programs, and telehealth services. Some plans may also provide coverage for home health care and transportation services.

In summary, AARP Medicare Advantage plans offer comprehensive coverage for medical expenses, prescription drugs, and additional benefits. These plans provide coverage for all the benefits of Original Medicare, as well as additional benefits that can help seniors stay healthy and save money on their healthcare expenses.

Costs Associated with AARP Medicare Advantage

AARP Medicare Advantage plans offer a variety of benefits, but they also come with costs that beneficiaries should be aware of. In this section, we will discuss the different costs associated with AARP Medicare Advantage plans.

Premiums

Most AARP Medicare Advantage plans have a monthly premium, which is the amount that beneficiaries pay for their coverage. The premium amount can vary depending on the plan and the location of the beneficiary. However, many AARP Medicare Advantage plans have low or $0 monthly plan premiums, making them an affordable option for many seniors.

Out-of-pocket Costs

In addition to the monthly premium, AARP Medicare Advantage plans also have out-of-pocket costs that beneficiaries are responsible for paying. These costs can include deductibles, copays, and coinsurance.

• Deductibles: A deductible is a set amount that beneficiaries must pay out of pocket before their plan begins to pay for covered services. AARP Medicare Advantage plans may have deductibles for certain services, such as hospital stays or prescription drugs.


• Copays: A copay is a fixed amount that beneficiaries pay at the time they receive a covered service or benefit. For example, beneficiaries may have to pay a copay when they visit the doctor or fill a prescription.


• Coinsurance: Coinsurance is a percentage of the total cost that beneficiaries pay for a covered medical service. For example, a plan might pay 75% of the cost, and the beneficiary would be responsible for paying the remaining 25%.

AARP Medicare Advantage plans also have an out-of-pocket limit, which is the maximum amount that beneficiaries have to pay for covered services in a given year. Once beneficiaries reach this limit, their plan pays for all covered services for the rest of the year.

Overall, AARP Medicare Advantage plans offer a range of benefits, but beneficiaries should be aware of the costs associated with these plans. By understanding the premiums and out-of-pocket costs, beneficiaries can make an informed decision about which plan is right for them.

How to Apply for AARP Medicare Advantage

AARP Medicare Advantage plans offer additional benefits beyond Original Medicare, such as prescription drug coverage, vision, hearing, and dental care. If you're interested in enrolling in an AARP Medicare Advantage plan, here's what you need to know.

Application Process

The application process for AARP Medicare Advantage plans is straightforward. You can apply online, by phone, or by mail. To apply online, visit the AARP Medicare Plans website and follow the instructions to enroll in a plan. You'll need to provide some basic information, such as your name, address, date of birth, and Medicare number.

To apply by phone, call the AARP Medicare Plans customer service number at 1-800-523-5800. A representative will guide you through the enrollment process and answer any questions you may have.

If you prefer to apply by mail, you can download an enrollment form from the AARP Medicare Plans website and mail it to the address listed on the form.

Required Documents

When applying for an AARP Medicare Advantage plan, you'll need to have your Medicare card and other relevant information on hand. You'll also need to provide proof of eligibility, such as a letter from Social Security or a Medicare card.

In addition, you may need to provide documentation to support your enrollment, such as a list of your current medications or a doctor's note. Be sure to review the enrollment requirements carefully and provide all necessary documentation to ensure a smooth enrollment process.

Overall, the application process for AARP Medicare Advantage plans is simple and straightforward. By following the instructions provided by AARP Medicare Plans, you can enroll in a plan that meets your healthcare needs and provides the additional benefits you're looking for.

Comparing AARP Medicare Advantage with Other Plans

AARP Medicare Advantage plans offer comprehensive coverage that goes beyond Original Medicare. However, it's important to compare AARP Medicare Advantage plans with other types of Medicare plans to determine which one is right for you.

AARP Medicare Advantage vs Original Medicare

Original Medicare is the traditional fee-for-service program offered by the federal government. It covers hospital stays (Part A) and doctor visits and other outpatient care (Part B). While Original Medicare provides basic coverage, it doesn't cover everything. For example, it doesn't cover prescription drugs, dental, vision, or hearing care.

On the other hand, AARP Medicare Advantage plans offer additional benefits such as prescription drug coverage (Part D), dental, vision, and hearing care. They may also offer wellness programs, gym memberships, and other perks.

AARP Medicare Advantage vs Medicare Supplement Insurance

Medicare Supplement Insurance, also known as Medigap, is private insurance that helps pay for some of the costs that Original Medicare doesn't cover, such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. However, Medigap plans don't include prescription drug coverage.

AARP Medicare Advantage plans, on the other hand, offer comprehensive coverage that includes prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, and hearing care, and other benefits. They may also have lower out-of-pocket costs than Medigap plans.

When comparing AARP Medicare Advantage plans with other types of Medicare plans, it's important to consider your healthcare needs and budget. AARP Medicare Advantage plans offer a range of options to fit different needs and budgets.

Managing Your AARP Medicare Advantage Plan

As a member of AARP Medicare Advantage, it is important to understand how to manage your plan effectively. This section will cover two key areas to help you do just that: understanding your coverage and making changes to your plan.

Understanding Your Coverage

When it comes to understanding your AARP Medicare Advantage coverage, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First, it is important to know what services and benefits are covered under your plan. This can include things like doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, and more.

To get a better understanding of your coverage, be sure to review your plan documents carefully. These will outline all of the services and benefits that are covered under your plan, as well as any costs or limitations that may apply.

Another important factor to consider is your network of healthcare providers. Depending on your plan, you may be required to use certain doctors or hospitals in order to receive coverage. Be sure to check your plan documents or contact customer service to find out more about your network.

Making Changes to Your Plan

As your healthcare needs change over time, you may find that you need to make changes to your AARP Medicare Advantage plan. This could include adjusting your coverage options, changing your healthcare providers, or updating your personal information.

To make changes to your plan, you can log in to your AARP Medicare account online or contact customer service for assistance. Keep in mind that there may be certain enrollment periods or restrictions that apply, so be sure to check your plan documents or speak with a representative to find out more.

Overall, managing your AARP Medicare Advantage plan can be a straightforward and hassle-free process. By understanding your coverage and knowing how to make changes when needed, you can ensure that you are getting the most out of your healthcare benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the available Medicare Advantage plans?

AARP Medicare Advantage plans are offered by UnitedHealthcare and provide additional benefits beyond Original Medicare. The available plans vary by state and may include HMO, PPO, and Special Needs Plans. To find out what plans are available in your area, you can visit the AARP Medicare Plans website or call AARP Medicare customer service.

How do I log in to my AARP UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage account?

To log in to your AARP UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage account, you can visit the UnitedHealthcare website and click on the "Sign in" button located in the upper right corner of the page. You will need to enter your username and password to access your account.

How can I access the AARP Medicare Advantage provider portal?

If you are a healthcare provider who accepts AARP Medicare Advantage plans, you can access the provider portal by visiting the UnitedHealthcare website and clicking on the "For Health Care Professionals" link located in the footer of the page. From there, you can log in to your account or register for a new account if you do not already have one.

Which providers accept AARP Medicare Advantage?

AARP Medicare Advantage plans are accepted by a wide range of healthcare providers, including doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies. To find a provider that accepts AARP Medicare Advantage, you can use the "Find a Doctor" tool on the AARP Medicare Plans website or call AARP Medicare customer service.

What are the new AARP Medicare Advantage plans for 2023?

The new AARP Medicare Advantage plans for 2023 have not yet been announced. However, AARP UnitedHealthcare typically releases information about new plans and benefits in the fall of the previous year. To stay up-to-date on the latest news and updates, you can check the AARP Medicare Plans website or call AARP Medicare customer service.

What is the phone number for AARP Medicare Advantage customer service?

To speak with a representative from AARP Medicare Advantage customer service, you can call the toll-free number listed on the back of your AARP Medicare Advantage card. Alternatively, you can visit the AARP Medicare Plans website and click on the "Contact Us" link located in the footer of the page for additional contact information.