AARP Supplemental Insurance: What You Need to Know

by

Are you over 65 and looking for additional health insurance coverage? AARP, in collaboration with United Healthcare, offers a range of supplemental insurance plans designed to fill the gaps left by Medicare. In this article, we’ll provide an overview of AARP supplemental insurance and the benefits of enrolling, as well as answer some frequently asked questions.

Table Contents show

What is AARP Supplemental Insurance?

AARP supplemental insurance, also known as Medigap, is a type of health insurance policy that provides extra coverage for services that Medicare doesn’t fully cover. These policies are sold by private insurance companies, such as United Healthcare, and are designed to supplement your Original Medicare benefits.

There are ten standardized Medigap plans, labeled A through N, each offering a different level of coverage. All plans include coverage for Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs, as well as the first three pints of blood. However, coverage for other benefits, such as skilled nursing facility care or foreign travel emergency, will depend on the specific plan you choose.

Who is Eligible for AARP Supplemental Insurance?

To be eligible for AARP supplemental insurance, you must be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. You can enroll in a Medigap policy during your six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which begins when you are 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B.

If you have a pre-existing condition, you may still be able to enroll in a Medigap policy, but you may be subject to medical underwriting, which could affect your premiums or eligibility. It’s important to compare Medigap policies and understand your options before enrolling.

The Benefits of AARP Supplemental Insurance

Enrolling in AARP supplemental insurance can provide several benefits, including:

Benefits of AARP Supplemental Insurance
Explanation
Lower Out-of-Pocket Costs
Medigap policies can help cover out-of-pocket costs, such as deductibles, co-payments, and coinsurance, which can add up quickly.
Guaranteed Coverage
Medigap policies are standardized and guaranteed renewable, meaning you can keep your coverage as long as you pay your premiums.
Choice of Doctors and Hospitals
Medigap policies allow you to choose any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare, without referrals or network restrictions.
Predictable Costs
Medigap policies can help you budget for healthcare costs, as your premiums will be consistent and predictable.

How Much Does AARP Supplemental Insurance Cost?

The cost of AARP supplemental insurance will depend on various factors, such as your age, location, and plan selection. Premiums for Medigap plans can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per year, but the additional coverage can be well worth the investment.

It’s important to note that AARP supplemental insurance policies are sold by private insurance companies, such as United Healthcare, and not directly by AARP. However, AARP members may be eligible for discounts or other benefits when enrolling in Medigap policies through United Healthcare.

Frequently Asked Questions about AARP Supplemental Insurance

1. What is the difference between AARP and United Healthcare?

AARP is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for people over 50, while United Healthcare is a private health insurance company that sells AARP-branded insurance policies. AARP works with United Healthcare to offer supplemental insurance plans, including Medigap policies.

2. Are AARP Supplemental Insurance policies standardized?

Yes, all Medigap policies are standardized and must follow federal and state laws. This means that each plan, labeled A through N, offers the same benefits, regardless of which insurance company you purchase it from.

3. Can I switch Medigap policies?

Yes, you can switch Medigap policies at any time. However, you may be subject to medical underwriting and could potentially be denied coverage or face higher premiums. It’s important to compare Medigap policies and understand your options before making a decision.

4. What do Medigap policies not cover?

Medigap policies do not cover prescription drugs, dental, vision, long-term care, or hearing aids. However, you may be able to purchase separate insurance policies to cover these services.

5. How do I enroll in AARP Supplemental Insurance?

To enroll in AARP supplemental insurance, you will need to contact United Healthcare directly. It’s important to compare Medigap policies and understand your options before enrolling.

Conclusion

AARP supplemental insurance can provide valuable coverage for services that Medicare doesn’t fully cover. By enrolling in a Medigap policy, you can lower your out-of-pocket costs, have the freedom to choose any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare, and have predictable healthcare costs. It’s important to compare policies and understand your options before enrolling to ensure you have the coverage that best meets your needs.

Rekomendasi: