Home > AARP Medicare Supplement Review

AARP Medicare Supplement Review

Fact Checked
Jump to section:
A.M. Best financial strength rating: A BBB rating: A+  Consumer Affairs rating: 4

Quick AARP Medicare Supplement plans review: AARP offers a wide selection of Medicare Supplement Insurance plans (also called Medigap) that are underwritten by UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company, the nation’s largest health insurance and Medigap provider.

Formerly known as the American Association of Retired Persons, AARP has advocated for adults aged 50 and older since 1958. In addition to offering discounts and reward programs for seniors and retirees, it licenses its name to the UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company. With more than 4 million beneficiaries, UnitedHealthcare (based in Hartford, Connecticut) is the nation’s leading Medicare Supplement Insurance plan provider, with millions of insured members nationwide. The company underwrites AARP Medicare Supplement plans, Medicare Advantage plans, and Part D prescription drug benefits.

Read on to learn more about AARP’s most popular Medicare Supplement Insurance plans.

Pros and Cons of AARP Medicare Supplement Plans

What we like about AARP Medigap plans: The drawbacks of AARP Medigap plans:
  • Competitive rates
  • Comprehensive coverage
  • Plans with low or no copays and deductibles
  • Handles claims and billing for you
  • Coverage provided by a third-party insurer
  • Average customer satisfaction ratings
  • Medical eligibility requirements

What Do AARP Medicare Supplement Plans Cover?

Also called as Medigap, AARP Medigap plans work with Original Medicare Parts A and B. They help beneficiaries reduce their out-of-pocket costs by lowering or eliminating copays, coinsurance payments, and deductibles. They can even cover expenses such as mental health visits, dental, vision, hearing, emergency room visits, or even care at a skilled nursing facility. Coverage is valid at Medicare-participating doctors and hospitals across the United States even when traveling (though many do not cover foreign travel emergencies), and plans are guaranteed to be renewable as long as you continue to pay your monthly premiums. Medicare Supplement Insurance plans are also compatible with Medicare Part D plans that can lower your prescription drug costs.

Once you are an AARP Medigap plan member, you will be issued an AARP member ID card which can be used when receiving medical services.   The following services and discounts are also included:

  • Gym membership
  • 24/7 nurse line
  • Hearing discount through HearUSA providers
  • Vision discount through EyeMed
  • Dental discount through Dentegra
  • AARP Staying Sharp brain health program
  • AARP Smart Driver Course

AARP Medigap plan members get services and discounts such as a 24/7 nurse line, and gym membership.

AARP Medicare Supplement Plan Options

There are 10 universal Medigap policies known as plans A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N, including standardized benefits and copay reductions. Plans C and F are only available to existing Medicare enrollees who became eligible for Original Medicare before 2020. New beneficiaries can sign up for a Medigap plan without restrictions during their seven-month Initial Enrollment Period. Otherwise, insurers can base eligibility on your medical history. AARP Health Insurance offers six to eight Medicare Supplement Insurance plans in most geographic areas.

Regardless of which plan you choose, you’re responsible for paying your $226 Part B deductible (in 2023) for medical services and diagnostics. Medigap policies can reduce or eliminate your Part A hospital deductible, which can save you up to $1,600 per benefit period. Some plans may pick up excess charges beyond Medicare-approved amounts, and they can limit your out-of-pocket expenses.

Learn more about some of the AARP Medigap plans that may be available in your area:

Plan name Monthly premium† Medicare Part A hospital deductible Medicare Part B medical deductible Member responsibility for excess charges Out-of-pocket cost maximum
Plan A Starting at $85.78 $1,600 $226 All costs N/A
Plan B Starting at $115.56 $0 $226 All costs N/A
Plan G Starting at $118.55 $0 $226 $0 $226
Plan K Starting at $39.18 $800 (50%) $226 All costs $6,940‡
Plan L Starting at $76.09 $400 (25%) $226 All costs $3,110‡
Plan N Starting at $102.31 $0 $226 All costs N/A

*Based on pricing in Denver

†Rates are based on medical eligibility

ǂExcess charges don’t count toward your out-of-pocket cost maximum

AARP Medicare Supplement Plans Reviews and Ratings

AARP Medigap plans offer good value according to customers. Plans typically offer affordable coverage with broad limits. Members appreciate the organization’s responsive customer service team, which received excellent ratings in the Gongos 2019 Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan Satisfaction Posted Questionnaire.

Trusted ratings and reviews can help you understand how an insurer’s plans stack up against the competition. See how A.M. Best, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and more rate AARP Medigap plans.

A.M. Best financial strength rating: A A.M. Best is a credit rating agency that specializes in the insurance industry.

An A rating in this category indicates that A.M. Best believes AARP MedigapAARP Medicare Supplement Insurance company has an excellent ability to meet its ongoing health insurance obligations.
BBB rating: A+ AARP has an A+ rating from the BBB with 51 complaints handled in the last 12 months and 215 complaints closed over the past three years.
Consumer Affairs rating: 3.9 According to Consumer Affairs, AARP Health Insurance has a rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars based on 101 customer reviews. Customers appreciate the easy enrollment process despite occasional billing issues and say the plans are a good value.

For more information or to sign up for a Medigap plan, call UnitedHealthcare at 1-866-941-1542 (TTY 711 toll free). Their customer service department will help you find an AARP Medigap plan that works for you, based on your current ZIP code.  You can also submit your information to the AARP® Medicare Supplement website, who will send you insurance plan and rate information for AARP® Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans from UnitedHealthcare in the mail, along with a free decision guide.

You can also talk to a licensed insurance agent who can help guide you to the best Medicare supplement plan for your area and health needs.

Kelly-Blackwell Headshot
Kelly Blackwell
Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)®

As a health care professional since 1987, Kelly Blackwell has walked alongside and cared for seniors as they journey through the season of their fourth quarter of life. Blackwell holds a Bachelor of Science in nursing from the University of Northern Colorado, a Master of Science in health care administration from Grand Canyon University, an interprofessional graduate certificate in palliative care from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and holds a Certified Senior Advisor® credential from the Society of Certified Senior Advisors.

Blackwell contributes to the University of Colorado-Anschutz blog and has been published in “The Human Touch” distributed by the University of Colorado Center for Bioethics and Humanities. She cowrote “Dying Is” for Pathways Hospice.

A registered nurse, Blackwell understands health insurance choices influence quality of life and are driven by values, goals, and beliefs. She’s passionate about engaging with, educating, and empowering seniors as they navigate the health care system. She’s equipped to lend an experienced, compassionate voice to beneficiaries seeking information about Medicare Advantage Plans.

As a CSA®, Blackwell has access to valuable resources for Medicare beneficiaries. Her work as a bedside nurse and clinical manager has given her the opportunity to see how Medicare rules, regulations, and benefits work when patients need them. With a passion to learn and to make a difference in the lives of seniors, Blackwell supports seniors through Medicare and fourth-quarter life decisions.

Kelly-Blackwell Headshot
Kelly Blackwell
Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)®

As a health care professional since 1987, Kelly Blackwell has walked alongside and cared for seniors as they journey through the season of their fourth quarter of life. Blackwell holds a Bachelor of Science in nursing from the University of Northern Colorado, a Master of Science in health care administration from Grand Canyon University, an interprofessional graduate certificate in palliative care from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and holds a Certified Senior Advisor® credential from the Society of Certified Senior Advisors.

Blackwell contributes to the University of Colorado-Anschutz blog and has been published in “The Human Touch” distributed by the University of Colorado Center for Bioethics and Humanities. She cowrote “Dying Is” for Pathways Hospice.

A registered nurse, Blackwell understands health insurance choices influence quality of life and are driven by values, goals, and beliefs. She’s passionate about engaging with, educating, and empowering seniors as they navigate the health care system. She’s equipped to lend an experienced, compassionate voice to beneficiaries seeking information about Medicare Advantage Plans.

As a CSA®, Blackwell has access to valuable resources for Medicare beneficiaries. Her work as a bedside nurse and clinical manager has given her the opportunity to see how Medicare rules, regulations, and benefits work when patients need them. With a passion to learn and to make a difference in the lives of seniors, Blackwell supports seniors through Medicare and fourth-quarter life decisions.

Learn More From Our Sources