AARP Medicare Advantage

AARP Medicare Advantage plans are private health insurance plans offered by private insurance companies that have been approved by Medicare and carry the AARP brand name. These plans provide all the benefits of Original Medicare (Parts A and B), plus additional benefits such as prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, and hearing services, wellness programs, and more.

AARP Medicare Advantage plans may have different costs, coverage, and provider networks than Original Medicare, so it’s important to compare plans and choose one that best meets your healthcare needs and budget. Some AARP Medicare Advantage plans may have low or $0 monthly premiums, while others may have deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance for services.

To enroll in an AARP Medicare Advantage plan, you must first be eligible for Medicare Part A and Part B, and then enroll during the annual enrollment period (AEP) or special enrollment period (SEP). AEP runs from October 15 to December 7 each year, while SEPs allow you to enroll outside of AEP if you meet certain criteria, such as moving to a new area or losing your current health coverage.

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people aged 65 and over, as well as some younger people with disabilities or certain medical conditions. There are different parts to Medicare, including Part A (hospital insurance), Part B (medical insurance), Part C (Medicare Advantage plans), and Part D (prescription drug coverage).

AARP provides educational resources and tools to help its members understand the different parts of Medicare, compare plans, and make informed decisions about their healthcare coverage. AARP also partners with private insurance companies to offer Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans that carry the AARP brand name.

AARP Medicare plans may offer additional benefits and services beyond what Original Medicare covers, such as vision, hearing, and dental care. However, it’s important to note that AARP itself does not provide insurance coverage, but rather partners with insurance companies to offer plans to its members.

1. Educational resources: AARP provides educational resources to its members to help them understand the different parts of Medicare, compare plans, and make informed decisions about their healthcare coverage. This includes articles, guides, webinars, and other materials.
2. Personalized assistance: AARP offers personalized assistance to its members through its toll-free Medicare helpline. Members can call the helpline to get help with their Medicare questions and concerns.
3. Plan comparison tools: AARP offers tools and resources to help its members compare different Medicare plans, including Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare Supplement plans, and prescription drug plans.
4. Advocacy: AARP advocates for policies and programs that benefit its members and all older Americans. This includes advocating for improvements to the Medicare program, such as expanding coverage and lowering costs.
5. Insurance plans: AARP partners with private insurance companies to offer Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans that carry the AARP brand name. These plans may offer additional benefits and services beyond what Original Medicare covers.

Overall, AARP Medicare is designed to help its members navigate the complex Medicare system and make informed decisions about their healthcare coverage.

1. Articles and guides: AARP Medicare provides articles and guides on its website that cover a range of topics related to Medicare. These resources can help members learn about the different parts of Medicare, enrollment periods, coverage options, and more.
2. Webinars and workshops: AARP Medicare offers webinars and workshops that cover a range of Medicare-related topics. These events are led by experts in the field and provide members with the opportunity to ask questions and get personalized advice.
3. Medicare Made Easy Guide: AARP Medicare provides a comprehensive guide to Medicare called Medicare Made Easy. This guide covers everything from the basics of Medicare to how to choose the right plan for your needs.
4. Plan comparison tools: AARP Medicare offers online tools that allow members to compare different Medicare plans, including Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare Supplement plans, and prescription drug plans. These tools can help members find the plan that best meets their needs and budget.
5. Medicare helpline: AARP Medicare offers a toll-free helpline that members can call to get help with their Medicare questions and concerns. The helpline is staffed by Medicare experts who can provide personalized assistance.

Overall, AARP Medicare’s educational resources are designed to help its members understand the ins and outs of the Medicare system and make informed decisions about their healthcare coverage.

1. Medicare helpline: AARP Medicare provides a toll-free helpline that members can call to get help with their Medicare questions and concerns. The helpline is staffed by Medicare experts who can provide personalized assistance and guidance.
2. Individual consultations: AARP Medicare offers individual consultations with licensed insurance agents who can help members understand their Medicare options and find the plan that best meets their needs and budget.
3. Assistance with enrollment: AARP Medicare can assist members with enrolling in Medicare or changing their Medicare coverage during the annual enrollment period or a special enrollment period.
4. Help with claims and billing: AARP Medicare can assist members with claims and billing issues related to their Medicare coverage.
5. Appeals assistance: AARP Medicare can provide members with assistance if they need to file an appeal related to their Medicare coverage.

Overall, AARP Medicare’s personalized assistance is designed to help its members navigate the complex Medicare system and get the most out of their healthcare coverage.

1. Medicare Plan Finder: AARP Medicare provides access to the Medicare Plan Finder tool, which is an official government tool that allows users to compare different Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, and prescription drug plans. The tool allows users to enter their zip code, medications, and other information to see a list of plans that are available in their area.
2. AARP Medicare Supplement Plans Comparison Tool: AARP Medicare offers a tool that allows members to compare different Medicare Supplement plans offered by UnitedHealthcare, which is the insurance company that partners with AARP to offer Medicare Supplement plans. The tool allows users to compare plan benefits, premiums, and other factors.
3. AARP Medicare Advantage Plans Comparison Tool: AARP Medicare offers a tool that allows members to compare different Medicare Advantage plans offered by UnitedHealthcare. The tool allows users to compare plan benefits, premiums, and other factors.
4. AARP Prescription Drug Plan Finder: AARP Medicare provides access to the AARP Prescription Drug Plan Finder tool, which allows users to compare different Medicare prescription drug plans based on their medications and other factors.

Overall, these plan comparison tools can help AARP Medicare members compare different Medicare plans and find the one that best meets their needs and budget.

1. Protecting Medicare benefits: AARP Medicare advocates for policies that protect Medicare benefits and ensure that seniors have access to the healthcare services they need.
2. Lowering healthcare costs: AARP Medicare works to lower healthcare costs for seniors by advocating for policies that reduce the cost of prescription drugs and other healthcare services.
3. Expanding coverage: AARP Medicare advocates for policies that expand coverage options for seniors, such as allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices and offering a public option for health insurance.
4. Fighting fraud and abuse: AARP Medicare works to prevent fraud and abuse in the Medicare program by advocating for policies that strengthen anti-fraud measures and increase penalties for those who engage in fraudulent activities.
5. Supporting caregivers: AARP Medicare advocates for policies that support caregivers, who play a critical role in caring for seniors with chronic illnesses and disabilities.

Overall, AARP Medicare’s advocacy efforts are focused on improving the Medicare program and ensuring that seniors have access to affordable, high-quality healthcare.

1. Medicare Advantage plans: AARP Medicare offers Medicare Advantage plans, which are offered by private insurance companies and provide coverage for hospital stays, doctor visits, and other healthcare services. These plans may also include additional benefits, such as dental, vision, and hearing coverage.
2. Medicare Supplement plans: AARP Medicare offers Medicare Supplement plans, which are also known as Medigap plans. These plans help pay for out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare doesn’t cover, such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.
3. Prescription drug plans: AARP Medicare offers Medicare Part D prescription drug plans, which provide coverage for prescription drugs. These plans can be added to Original Medicare, Medicare Supplement plans, or Medicare Advantage plans that don’t already include prescription drug coverage.
4. Dental, vision, and hearing plans: AARP Medicare offers standalone dental, vision, and hearing plans that provide coverage for these services. These plans can be added to Medicare Advantage plans or Medicare Supplement plans that don’t already include these benefits.

Overall, AARP Medicare’s insurance plans are designed to help its members meet their healthcare needs and manage their healthcare costs.

Advantages:

1. Comprehensive coverage: AARP Medicare Advantage plans can offer comprehensive coverage for hospital stays, doctor visits, and other healthcare services. They may also include additional benefits, such as dental, vision, and hearing coverage, that Original Medicare doesn’t cover.
2. Coordination of care: AARP Medicare Advantage plans often offer coordinated care through a network of providers, which can help ensure that members receive the right care at the right time.
3. Predictable costs: AARP Medicare Advantage plans often have predictable costs, such as copays and deductibles, which can help members budget for their healthcare expenses.
4. Prescription drug coverage: Many AARP Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage, which can help members save money on their medications.

Disadvantages:

1. Network restrictions: AARP Medicare Advantage plans may have network restrictions, which means members may need to see providers within the plan’s network to receive full coverage.
2. Cost-sharing: AARP Medicare Advantage plans often require cost-sharing in the form of copays and deductibles, which can add up over time.
3. Plan changes: AARP Medicare Advantage plans can change from year to year, including changes to benefits, premiums, and provider networks, which can be difficult for members to keep up with.
4. Referral requirements: Some AARP Medicare Advantage plans require members to get referrals from their primary care provider before seeing specialists, which can be an inconvenience for some members.

Overall, AARP Medicare Advantage plans can be a good option for some people, but it’s important for members to carefully consider the plan’s benefits, costs, and network restrictions before enrolling.