If you’re over 65 and enrolled in Original Medicare, you may want to consider purchasing a Medicare Supplement plan, also known as Medigap. These plans are offered by private insurance companies and can help you cover the out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare does not cover. One popular Medicare Supplement plan available in the market is the AARP Medicare Supplement plan, offered by UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company. In this article, we’ll provide an overview of AARP Medicare Supplement plans, including their benefits, coverage options, eligibility criteria, costs, enrollment periods, and how to choose the right plan.
What Are AARP Medicare Supplement Plans?
AARP Medicare Supplement plans are Medigap policies offered by UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company, designed to help seniors pay for the out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare does not cover, such as copayments, deductibles, and coinsurance. These plans are available in different coverage options, which can vary by state, including Plan A, B, C, F, G, K, L, N. Each plan offers different coverage benefits and has different costs.
Benefits of AARP Medicare Supplement Plans
One of the main benefits of AARP Medicare Supplement plans is that they can help you save money on healthcare costs.
With these plans, you can enjoy the following benefits:
No network restrictions: You can choose any healthcare provider that accepts Medicare patients.
Guaranteed acceptance: You cannot be denied coverage due to pre-existing conditions.
Coverage for Part A and B deductibles: AARP Medicare Supplement plans cover the deductibles for both Part A and B.
Coverage for Part B excess charges: If your healthcare provider charges more than the Medicare-approved amount, AARP Medicare Supplement plans can cover the excess charges.
Coverage for international travel emergencies: Some AARP Medicare Supplement plans cover emergency medical expenses while traveling abroad.
Coverage Options:
AARP Medicare Supplement plans are available in different coverage options, each offering different benefits. Here is a brief overview of the coverage options available:
Plan A: Covers basic benefits, such as Part A and B coinsurance, hospice care coinsurance, and the first three pints of blood.
Plan B: Covers basic benefits and Part A deductible. Plan C: Covers basic benefits, Part A and B deductibles, and foreign travel emergency.
Plan F: Covers basic benefits, Part A and B deductibles, and excess charges.
Plan G: Covers basic benefits, Part A deductible, excess charges, and foreign travel emergency.
Plan K: Covers 50% of basic benefits, Part A coinsurance, hospice care coinsurance, and the first three pints of blood.
Plan L: Covers 75% of basic benefits, Part A coinsurance, hospice care coinsurance, and the first three pints of blood.
Plan N: Covers basic benefits and Part B coinsurance, except for a copayment of up to $20 for office visits and up to $50 for emergency room visits. E
ligibility Criteria
To be eligible for AARP Medicare Supplement plans, you must be enrolled in Original Medicare, which includes Part A and B. You must also be over the age of 65 or have a qualifying disability. AARP Medicare Supplement plans are available in most states, but the availability of each plan can vary by location.
Cost of AARP Medicare Supplement Plans
The cost of AARP Medicare Supplement plans can vary depending on several factors, including the plan you choose, your age, gender, location, and the pricing method used by the insurance provider. The three pricing methods used by most states include community-rated, issue-age-rated, and attained-age-rated.
Community-rated plans have the same premium for everyone, regardless of their age. Issue-age-rated plans are based on your age when you first enroll in the plan, and attained-age-rated plans are based on your current age and increase as you get older. It’s essential to compare the costs of different AARP Medicare Supplement plans before choosing one that fits your budget and healthcare needs. Some factors to consider include deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance amounts.
In general, AARP Medicare Supplement plans tend to have higher monthly premiums than Medicare Advantage plans. However, they also offer more comprehensive coverage and greater flexibility in choosing healthcare providers.
To get an idea of the costs of AARP Medicare Supplement plans in your area, you can visit the UnitedHealthcare website or contact a licensed insurance agent who can provide you with personalized quotes and help you compare plans. Additionally, it’s worth noting that AARP members may be eligible for discounts on their premiums, which can help lower their healthcare costs.