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AARP Health Insurance Supplement for Medicare: What You Should Know

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What AARP Medicare Supplement Plans Cover

AARP Medicare Supplement plans, also called Medigap, are private insurance policies designed to fill gaps in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). They can help pay for deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments that Medicare does not cover. Because these plans are standardized by letter in most states, benefits for the same plan letter are generally similar across insurers, though premiums vary. AARP itself does not sell insurance directly; it partners with UnitedHealthcare and other carriers to offer these plans through its endorsement.

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How Medigap Works with Medicare

When you have Original Medicare, it pays its share of approved costs, and a Medigap plan covers what remains up to the plan's limits. For example, if Medicare Part A covers hospital care but leaves a deductible and coinsurance, a Medigap Plan G or Plan N can pick up those charges depending on the plan. Medigap does not coordinate with Medicare Advantage plans, so you must be enrolled in Original Medicare to use it. Enrollment is best during the six-month Medigap open enrollment period that starts when you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B, during which insurers must offer coverage without medical underwriting.

Comparing AARP-Endorsed Medigap Plans

AARP Medicare Supplement plans are available through UnitedHealthcare and include the standardized Plan F, Plan G, Plan N, and others where permitted by state law. Plan F was phased out for new enrollees after 2020, so Plan G has become a common alternative that covers most out-of-pocket costs except the Part B deductible. Plan N typically offers lower premiums but may require copayments for office visits and emergency room visits. Premiums depend on your age, location, gender, and tobacco use, and they can differ significantly between insurers even for the same plan letter.

How to Enroll and What to Check

To enroll in an AARP Medicare Supplement plan, visit the AARP website or call the licensed insurance advisors listed there. You can compare plans side by side using the Medigap Policy Finder tool on Medicare.gov, which lets you see standardized benefits and premium ranges by state. Before you buy, confirm the insurer's licensing in your state through the National Association of Insurance Commissioners directory, check the plan's renewal and rate-increase history, and verify that your doctors and hospitals accept Medicare assignment, since Medigap plans pay based on Medicare-approved amounts.

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