About AARP Health Care Medicare Supplement

In order to apply for Medicare supplemental coverage through AARP, you must be an AARP member, and be at least 65 years or at least 50 years of age and eligible for Medicare because of a disability. AARP may cover those under 50 and eligible for Medicare due to a disability, as some states mandate coverage for this demographic. In addition, you must have Medicare Part A, which is hospital coverage, and Medicare Part B, which is medical coverage through healthcare providers.

Supplement insurance through AARP Health is open to those residing in the United States and its territories, but an AARP Medicare Supplement Plan may not provide services in your service area. It is not approved for those residing in New Hampshire. Generally, most areas provide service, but plans change each year. AARP offers information on other services, should you not qualify for coverage or within their service areas.

A beneficiary can choose to keep their current doctor or use the doctors within the plan's network, consisting of approved doctors that participate in the plan. Some plans allow coverage for beneficiaries when they travel anywhere in the United States, and cover disastrous expenses incurred outside of the United States. United Healthcare offers several options to choose from, so you can decide what coverage you want and how much you pay for healthcare expenses. Generally, the more you can pay for healthcare expenses, the more freedom you have in choosing your healthcare providers. Your premiums are lower as well.

If you recently became eligible for Medicare, you may join this plan anytime during the calendar year. Otherwise, you may only enroll between November 15 and December 31 each year, when coverage begins January 1 of next year. Some exceptions apply, such as for those moved out of the service area or those who are eligible for Medicare and Medicaid. Opportunities for those who want to change plans must do so during the Open Enrollment Period, which runs from January 1 to March 31. States that mandate acceptance anytime of the calendar year for those eligible for Medicare include Connecticut, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York and Vermont.

Beneficiaries who decide to use a supplemental plan may pay more for healthcare than what they would paying for the Original Medicare Plan, the standard plan given to those who become eligible for Medicare. Some Medicare Advantage Plans require physician referrals and prior authorization before receiving services. This can pose a problem for traveling retirees and those seeking optional or alternative healthcare. Some plans do not cover preventive, dental or vision care. The monthly premium for AARP Health is in addition to the premium you must pay for the Original Medicare Plan. You may not have to pay another premium each month on some AARP plans.

Medicare supplemental plans are standard no matter what insurance company you choose. Whether you choose a provider through AARP Health, or you choose an insurance company from the phone book, all Medigap plans provide the same level of coverage. Available plans in a Medigap policy are Plan A through Plan L, and each insurance company offering Medigap coverage, provides the same standard services and coverage for each plan. The only difference between each insurance company is the customer service and cost for the plan. AARP does not provide insurance, but allows insurance companies and other providers the use of their trademark and the opportunity to serve their members.