In this article, we will explore one of the most popular topics among seniors: AARP Medicare Supplement Plans 2023. 

If you are looking for a way to reduce your out-of-pocket medical expenses and enjoy more peace of mind, you might want to consider enrolling in one of these plans. But what are they, how do they work, and what are the benefits? Read on to find out.

What are AARP Medicare Supplement Plans?

AARP Medicare Supplement Plans, also known as Medigap plans, are insurance policies that help cover some of the costs that Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not pay, such as deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. 


These plans are offered by private insurance companies that are licensed and regulated by the state, but they are standardized by the federal government. This means that each plan of the same letter (A through N) offers the same basic benefits, regardless of the company or location.

AARP Medicare Supplement Plans


However, some companies may offer additional benefits or discounts to their customers. One of these companies is UnitedHealthcare, which has been endorsed by AARP since 1997 to offer Medicare Supplement Plans to its members. 

UnitedHealthcare is one of the largest and most reputable insurance companies in the country, with more than 4 million insured members nationwide. 

It also has a high customer satisfaction rate, with 94% of members renewing their plan each year and 94% of members surveyed being satisfied with the customer service.

How do AARP Medicare Supplement Plans work?

To enroll in an AARP Medicare Supplement Plan, you must be an AARP member and have Original Medicare. You can join AARP for $16 per year in 2023 and enjoy a number of savings and discounts on travel, dining, shopping, and more. 

You can also apply for a plan during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which is a six-month period that begins when you turn 65 and enroll in Part B. During this period, you can choose any plan available in your area without having to answer any health questions or undergo any medical underwriting. 

This means that you cannot be denied coverage or charged more because of your age or health condition.

Once you enroll in a plan, you will pay a monthly premium to UnitedHealthcare in addition to your Part B premium. You will also continue to use your Original Medicare card when you visit your doctor or hospital. 

Your plan will pay its share of the Medicare-approved amount for covered services after Original Medicare pays its share. You can see any doctor or specialist that accepts Medicare patients without needing a referral or prior authorization. 

You can also travel anywhere in the U.S. and receive coverage from any provider that accepts Medicare3. Your plan is guaranteed renewable for life as long as you pay your premium on time and do not make any false statements on your application.

What are the benefits of AARP Medicare Supplement Plans?

There are nine Medicare costs that can be covered by Medicare Supplement Plans, and each plan covers a different combination of them. The most comprehensive plan is Plan F, which covers all nine costs, but it is no longer available to new enrollees since January 1, 2020. 

The next best option is Plan G, which covers everything except the Part B deductible ($226 in 2023). Plan G is also the most popular plan among AARP members.

Here is a summary of what Plan G covers (all costs are for 2023):


  1. Part A deductible: $1,600 per benefit period

  2. Part A coinsurance: 100% for hospital stays up to 365 days after Medicare benefits are used up

  3. Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment: 100%

  4. Part A skilled nursing facility care coinsurance: 100%

  5. Part B coinsurance or copayment: 100% (except for $226 deductible)

  6. Part B excess charges: 100% (these are charges above the Medicare-approved amount that some providers may charge) 

  7. Blood: First three pints per year

  8. Foreign travel emergency: 80% up to $ 50,000-lifetime limit (subject to $250 deductible)


AARP United Healthcare Providers

As you can see, Plan G offers comprehensive coverage for most of the common medical expenses that seniors face. It can help you save thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket costs and avoid unexpected bills. It can also give you peace of mind knowing that you have access to quality 

How much do AARP Medicare Supplement Plans cost?

The cost of AARP Medicare Supplement Plans depends on several factors, such as the plan you choose, your age, your location, and your health status. You can compare plans and rates in your area by entering your ZIP code on the AARP Medicare Plans website. You can also request a free information kit or speak with a licensed insurance agent to get a personalized quote.

Generally speaking, the more benefits a plan offers, the higher the premium will be. For example, Plan G typically has a higher premium than Plan A or Plan B, but it also covers more costs. 

However, the premium is not the only factor to consider when choosing a plan. You should also think about how much you expect to spend on out-of-pocket costs throughout the year, such as deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. A plan with a lower premium may end up costing you more in the long run if you have frequent or expensive medical services.

Another factor that affects the cost of AARP Medicare Supplement Plans is how the premium is calculated. There are three ways that insurance companies can set their premiums:


  • Community-rated: The premium is the same for everyone in a certain area, regardless of age or health status. The premium may increase over time due to inflation or other factors, but not because of your age.


  • Issue-age-rated: The premium is based on your age when you first enroll in the plan. The premium may increase over time due to inflation or other factors, but not because of your age.


  • Attained-age-rated: The premium is based on your current age and increases as you get older. The premium may also increase over time due to inflation or other factors.


UnitedHealthcare uses an issue-age-rated method for its AARP Medicare Supplement Plans2. This means that your premium will not increase because of your age once you enroll in a plan. However, your premium may vary depending on where you live and when you enroll. 

For example, if you enroll during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, you will pay the same premium as someone who is 65 years old and lives in your area. But if you enroll later or move to a different area, you may pay a different premium.

To give you an idea of how much AARP Medicare Supplement Plans cost in 2023, here are some sample monthly premiums for Plan G for a 65-year-old female non-smoker living in different states3:


  • Alabama: $140.25

  • California: $182.75

  • Florida: $192.25

  • New York: $341.00

  • Texas: $144.50

These are just examples and do not reflect actual rates for any specific individual or location. To get an accurate quote for your situation, you can visit the AARP Medicare Plans website or call UnitedHealthcare at MEDSUPP TFN (TTY 711) (toll-free) 7 a.m. - 11 p.m. ET, Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. ET, Saturday1.

How do I enroll in an AARP Medicare Supplement Plan?

If you are interested in enrolling in an AARP Medicare Supplement Plan, you can do so online, by phone, or by mail. You can also request a free information kit or speak with a licensed insurance agent to learn more about your options and get help with the enrollment process.

The best time to enroll in an AARP Medicare Supplement Plan is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which is a six-month period that begins when you turn 65 and enroll in Part B. During this period, you can choose any plan available in your area without having to answer any health questions or undergo any medical underwriting. This means that you cannot be denied coverage or charged more because of your age or health condition.

If you miss your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, you can still apply for an AARP Medicare Supplement Plan at any time, but you may have to go through medical underwriting and pay a higher premium or be denied coverage based on your health status.

 However, there are some exceptions that allow you to enroll in a plan without medical underwriting if you have certain situations that qualify you for a guaranteed issue right. 

Some of these situations include:


  • Losing your employer-sponsored health coverage

  • Moving out of your AARP Medicare Advantage plan’s service area

  • Dropping your Medicare Advantage plan within 12 months of joining

  • Losing your Medicaid eligibility

  • Having your Medicare Supplement plan end through

no fault of your own

To learn more about these situations and how they affect your eligibility for an AARP Medicare Supplement Plan, you can visit the AARP Medicare Plans website or call UnitedHealthcare at MEDSUPP TFN (TTY 711) (toll-free) 7 a.m. - 11 p.m. ET, Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. ET, Saturday.

Conclusion

AARP Medicare Supplement Plans are a great option for seniors who want to reduce their out-of-pocket medical expenses and enjoy more peace of mind. These plans offer comprehensive coverage for most of the common medical costs that Original Medicare does not pay, such as deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. 

They also offer additional benefits and discounts from UnitedHealthcare and AARP that can help you save money and enhance your well-being.

If you are ready to take charge of your health care and enroll in an AARP Medicare Supplement Plan, don’t wait any longer. The sooner you enroll, the more likely you are to get the best plan and rate for your needs. You can compare plans and rates in your area by entering your ZIP code on the AARP Medicare Plans website. 

You can also request a free information kit or speak with a licensed insurance agent to get a personalized quote and assistance with the enrollment process. 

Call UnitedHealthcare today at MEDSUPP TFN (TTY 711) (toll free) 7 a.m. - 11 p.m. ET, Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. ET, Saturday and join the millions of satisfied members who trust AARP and UnitedHealthcare for their Medicare Supplement coverage. Don’t miss this opportunity to secure your health and financial future with an AARP Medicare Supplement Plan. Enroll today and enjoy the benefits of being an AARP member.