If you are looking for a Medicare plan that offers more benefits than Original Medicare, you may want to consider AARP Medicare Advantage from UnitedHealthcare. AARP Medicare Advantage is a type of Medicare Part C plan that combines the coverage of Medicare Parts A and B with additional benefits like prescription drugs, dental, vision, hearing, and fitness.
In this article, we will explain what AARP Medicare Advantage is, how it works, what it covers, how much it costs, and how to enroll.
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What is AARP Medicare Advantage?
AARP Medicare Advantage is a type of Medicare Part C plan that is offered by UnitedHealthcare, the largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans in the country. AARP Medicare Advantage plans are available to both AARP members and non-members, but AARP members may enjoy some exclusive benefits and discounts.
Medicare Advantage plans are an alternative way to get Medicare coverage. They are required to cover everything that Original Medicare covers, but they may also offer extra benefits that Original Medicare does not cover, such as prescription drugs, dental, vision, hearing, and fitness. Some plans may also have lower copays, deductibles, and coinsurance than Original Medicare.
How does AARP Medicare Advantage work?
AARP Medicare Advantage works like a regular Medicare Advantage plan. You need to have both Medicare Part A and Part B to join a plan. You also need to live in the service area of the plan you choose. You will pay a monthly premium for your plan, which may vary depending on the plan type, benefits, and location. You may also pay a separate premium for Medicare Part B.
When you join an AARP Medicare Advantage plan, you will get your Medicare coverage through the plan’s network of providers. You will need to use the plan’s providers for most services unless you have an emergency or urgent care situation. You may also need to get referrals from your primary care provider (PCP) to see specialists or other providers.
You will also get additional benefits that are not covered by Original Medicare through your plan. These benefits may include prescription drug coverage, dental care, vision care, hearing aids, fitness programs, and more. The exact benefits and costs of each plan may vary depending on the plan type and location.
What does AARP Medicare Advantage cover?
AARP Medicare Advantage covers everything Original Medicare covers, plus additional benefits that vary by plan.
Here are some examples of what AARP Medicare Advantage plans may cover:
Hospital care (Part A): This includes inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care and home health care.
Medical care (Part B): This includes doctor visits, preventive services, lab tests, x-rays, surgeries, durable medical equipment and more.
Prescription drugs (Part D): This includes coverage for most generic and brand-name drugs. Some plans may have $0 copays and deductibles on Tier 1 and Tier 2 drugs, plus an extensive pharmacy network including national chains and local options.
Dental care: This includes preventive services like exams, cleanings, and x-rays, as well as basic services like fillings and extractions. Some plans may also cover major services like crowns and dentures.
Vision care: This includes routine eye exams and eyewear such as glasses or contact lenses.
Hearing care: This includes hearing exams and hearing aids from a wide range of brands and styles.
Fitness benefits: This includes access to thousands of participating gyms and fitness centers nationwide through the Renew Active program. Some plans may also offer online classes, personal training sessions, and wellness coaching.
Other benefits: Some plans may offer other benefits such as transportation services, over-the-counter items allowance, telehealth services, nurse helpline, and more.
How much does AARP Medicare Advantage cost?
The cost of AARP Medicare Advantage plans may vary depending on the plan type, benefits and location.
Here are some factors that may affect your costs:
Monthly premium: This is the amount you pay each month for your plan. Some plans may have $0 monthly premiums or offer discounts for AARP members.
Deductible: This is the amount you pay out of pocket before your plan starts to pay for covered services. Some plans may have $0 deductibles or low deductibles for certain services.
Copay: This is the fixed amount you pay each time you get a covered service. Some plans may have $0 copays or low copays for certain services.
Coinsurance: This is the percentage of the cost you pay for a covered service after you meet your deductible. Some plans may have low or no coinsurance for certain services.
Out-of-pocket maximum: This is the most you will pay for covered services in a year. Once you reach this limit, your plan will pay 100% of the cost for covered services for the rest of the year.
To get an idea of how much AARP Medicare Advantage plans may cost in your area, you can use the online tool to compare plans and prices. You can also call UnitedHealthcare at 1-877-699-5710 (TTY 711) to speak with a licensed insurance agent.
How to enroll in AARP Medicare Advantage?
If you are eligible for Medicare and interested in enrolling in an AARP Medicare Advantage plan, you need to know when and how to enroll. Here are some tips to help you enroll in a plan:
Know your enrollment periods: There are different times when you can enroll in or change your Medicare Advantage plan. The most common ones are:
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): This is when you first become eligible for Medicare, usually when you turn 65 or have a disability. Your IEP lasts for seven months, starting three months before your 65th birthday month and ending three months after it.
Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): This is when you can switch or enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan every year. The AEP runs from October 15 to December 7.
Special Enrollment Period (SEP): This is when you can enroll in or change your Medicare Advantage plan due to certain life events, such as moving, losing other coverage, qualifying for extra help or having a chronic condition. The length and timing of your SEP may vary depending on your situation.
Choose a plan that meets your needs: Before you enroll in a plan, you should compare different AARP Medicare Advantage plans available in your area and see what benefits and costs they offer. You should also check if your preferred providers, pharmacies and drugs are covered by the plan’s network and formulary. You can use the online tool to find and compare plans, or call UnitedHealthcare at 1-877-699-5710 (TTY 711) to get personalized assistance from a licensed insurance agent.
Enroll online, by phone or by mail: Once you have chosen a plan, you can enroll in it online, by phone or by mail. To enroll online, visit the AARP Medicare Plans website and follow the instructions. You will need your Medicare number and the date your Parts A and B coverage started. To enroll by phone, call UnitedHealthcare at 1-877-699-5710 (TTY 711) and speak with a licensed insurance agent who can help you complete the enrollment process. To enroll by mail, download and fill out the paper enrollment form, then print it and mail your completed enrollment form to UnitedHealthcare. To get UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plan enrollment forms (PDF), enter your ZIP code below and click the “Find plans” button.
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Conclusion
AARP Medicare Advantage from UnitedHealthcare is a type of Medicare Part C plan that offers more benefits than Original Medicare, such as prescription drugs, dental, vision, hearing, and fitness. AARP Medicare Advantage plans may also have lower costs than Original Medicare for certain services. If you are eligible for Medicare and interested in enrolling in an AARP Medicare Advantage plan, you should know when and how to enroll, and compare different plans available in your area to find one that meets your needs.
We hope this article has helped you understand what AARP Medicare Advantage is, how it works, what it covers, how much it costs and how to enroll. If you have any questions or need more information, please visit the AARP Medicare Plans website or call UnitedHealthcare at 1-877-699-5710 (TTY 711) to speak with a licensed insurance agent.
