Orlando Harmon
AARP Medicare Advantage is an insurance plan offered by UnitedHealthcare. It is an all-in-one alternative to original Medicare, bundling Part A hospital coverage, Part B doctor and outpatient services, and usually Part D prescription coverage into one comprehensive plan. AARP Medicare Advantage plans offer additional benefits not covered by Original Medicare, such as dental, vision, and hearing coverage. The plans are available to both AARP members and non-members, and the pricing and specific benefits depend on the plan and the user's location.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Medicare Advantage plan type | All-in-one alternative to original Medicare, also known as Medicare Part C |
| Provider | Private insurance companies, approved by Medicare |
| Coverage | Part A hospital coverage, Part B doctor and outpatient services, Part D prescription coverage |
| Additional benefits | Dental, vision, hearing |
| Availability | Available to AARP members and non-members |
| Cost | Monthly premiums, copayments, deductibles, out-of-pocket costs for medications |
| Comparison tools | Plan Finder to compare costs and coverage for MA plans in your zip code |
| Limitations | Does not cover healthcare abroad, has geographic limits within the US |
| Enrollment | Requires enrollment in Medicare Parts A and B before choosing a Medicare Advantage plan |
| Medigap compatibility | Medigap policies cannot be purchased with a Medicare Advantage plan |
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What You'll Learn
Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage
When enrolling in Medicare, it's important to understand the differences between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage to determine the best option for your healthcare needs and costs.
Original Medicare, also known as traditional Medicare, is not a single policy. It includes several separate plans: Part A covers inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing care, and some home care services, while Part B covers doctor visits and outpatient services. You can also choose to add Part D for prescription drug coverage, as it is not automatically included. Original Medicare allows you to use any doctor and can be used anywhere in the US. However, it does not cover routine dental, hearing, and vision care, and you may need to pay deductibles and copayments. Additionally, Medigap policies can be purchased to help cover these out-of-pocket expenses.
Medicare Advantage, also known as Part C, is an all-in-one alternative to Original Medicare. It combines Part A, Part B, and often Part D into a single comprehensive plan. These plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans may have lower premiums, but they have geographic restrictions and limited provider networks. You may need a referral to see a specialist, and your costs may increase if you use an out-of-network provider. While both Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage are required to cover the same essential medical services, Medicare Advantage plans may offer additional benefits such as dental, vision, and hearing coverage. It's important to review the costs and coverage of Medicare Advantage plans annually during open enrollment as they can change.
The choice between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage depends on your specific needs and preferences. Consider factors such as provider flexibility, out-of-pocket costs, coverage limits, and the convenience of having an all-in-one plan. Review the plans available in your area and compare their benefits, costs, and provider networks to make an informed decision.
AARP offers Medicare Advantage plans through UnitedHealthcare, the nation's #1 provider of Medicare plans. These plans may include additional benefits, such as dental, vision, and hearing coverage. However, it's important to note that AARP Medicare Advantage plans are subject to geographical availability and may not be available in all areas.
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Medicare Advantage costs and coverage
Medicare Advantage, also known as Medicare Part C, is an alternative to original Medicare. It is offered by private insurance companies and includes Part A hospital coverage, Part B doctor and outpatient services, and usually Part D prescription drug coverage. Medicare Advantage plans may also cover dental, vision, and hearing, which original Medicare does not cover.
The path you take when enrolling in Medicare will determine how you get your medical care and how much it will cost. Medicare Advantage plans have limited networks of doctors and geographic limits, whereas original Medicare lets you use any doctor across the US. Medicare Advantage plans may have lower premiums, but other costs differ from original Medicare.
Medicare Advantage plans usually involve a monthly premium, which was on average $18 in 2023 and $18.50 in 2024. More than half of the plans charge no premium, and some even offer a premium refund. However, you may have different out-of-pocket costs with Medicare Advantage, such as copayments and deductibles. For example, you may have a daily copayment for the first few days in the hospital, rather than paying the Part A hospital deductible. You will also have copayments or coinsurance for prescription drugs.
Medicare Advantage plans have an annual maximum out-of-pocket spending limit for services covered under Parts A and B, which was $8,300 in 2023. In 2025, the maximum out-of-pocket spending limit is expected to be $9,350. Some plans may have lower limits. Additionally, if your plan includes prescription drug coverage, you will have a separate out-of-pocket maximum for prescription drug costs.
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Medicare Advantage insurers
Medicare Advantage, also known as Medicare Part C, is an all-in-one alternative to original Medicare. Private insurance companies offer Medicare Advantage plans that are approved by Medicare. These plans bundle Part A hospital coverage, Part B doctor and outpatient services, and usually Part D prescription drug coverage into one comprehensive plan.
AARP Medicare Advantage plans are provided by UnitedHealthcare. These plans offer additional benefits not covered by Original Medicare, such as dental, vision, and hearing coverage. They are available to both AARP members and non-members.
The path you take when enrolling in Medicare will determine how you receive your medical care and how much it will cost. Original Medicare lets you use any doctor, while Medicare Advantage has limited networks. Both must provide the same care, but Medicare Advantage may cover more while also restricting more. Medicare Advantage premiums, copayments, covered services, drug coverage, and lists of doctors can change every year, so it is important to review the costs and coverage for plans available in your area annually during open enrollment.
Medicare Advantage plans must provide at least as much coverage as original Medicare, but out-of-pocket costs may differ. For example, you may have a daily copayment for the first few days in the hospital, rather than paying the Part A hospital deductible. These copayments can vary by plan, and you will also have copayments or coinsurance for your prescription drugs. Unlike original Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans have an annual maximum out-of-pocket spending limit for services covered under Parts A and B.
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Medicare Advantage from UnitedHealthcare
Medicare Advantage, also known as Medicare Part C, is an all-in-one alternative to original Medicare. Medicare Advantage from UnitedHealthcare offers all the benefits of Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), with extras like dental, vision, hearing, and prescription drug coverage.
UnitedHealthcare offers a range of Medicare Advantage plans, including Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans, Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans, Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS) plans, and Special Needs Plans (SNPs). These plans may have different costs, such as premiums, deductibles, and cost-sharing like copayments and coinsurance.
Medicare Advantage plans from UnitedHealthcare are available to anyone, regardless of whether they are an AARP member. However, AARP does endorse the AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans, which are insured by UnitedHealthcare. These plans offer additional benefits to insured members, such as access to exclusive products and discounts.
When choosing a Medicare Advantage plan from UnitedHealthcare, it is important to review the costs and coverage options available in your area. You can use the Plan Finder tool to compare costs and coverage for plans in your zip code. Additionally, you can contact UnitedHealthcare to discuss your preferences and find the right plan for your needs and budget.
UnitedHealthcare is the #1 provider of Medicare plans in the nation, and its Medicare Advantage plans are recommended by 4 out of 5 members. The company offers a wide range of plan options and a large provider network, making it a popular choice for those seeking Medicare coverage.
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Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap
Medicare Advantage, also known as Medicare Part C, is an all-in-one alternative to original Medicare. It is offered by private insurance companies and includes Medicare Part A (hospital coverage) and Part B (doctor and outpatient services). Many plans also include Part D prescription coverage. Medicare Advantage plans may also offer extra benefits such as dental, vision, and hearing care coverage, which are not covered by Original Medicare.
Medicare Advantage plans may have lower premiums than Original Medicare, but they have limited provider networks and may restrict coverage to your home state. They also require preauthorization for some care, which can delay treatment.
Medigap, on the other hand, is a supplemental insurance plan that can be purchased to cover the out-of-pocket costs associated with Original Medicare, such as deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. Medigap plans are offered by private, Medicare-approved insurance companies and must adhere to federal and state laws. They allow you to seek services from any doctor or hospital in the United States that accepts Medicare.
The decision between Medicare Advantage and Medigap with Original Medicare depends on your healthcare and financial needs. Medicare Advantage plans tend to have lower monthly premiums and offer extra benefits, but they restrict your choice of providers and may have higher out-of-pocket costs. Medigap plans, while more expensive upfront, provide more flexibility in choosing your healthcare providers and can help cover the costs that Original Medicare doesn't pay.
It is important to consider how your health needs may change over time, as switching plans later may lead to higher costs. Additionally, you cannot buy a Medigap policy while you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan.
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Frequently asked questions
AARP Medicare Advantage Insurance is a type of insurance plan offered by UnitedHealthcare that offers additional benefits not covered by Original Medicare.
AARP Medicare Advantage Insurance plans offer benefits such as dental, vision, hearing, and prescription drug coverage. They also offer comprehensive plans that include additional benefits and plans that help cover out-of-pocket costs.
You can sign up for AARP Medicare Advantage Insurance by visiting the UnitedHealthcare website or by calling them toll-free at (TTY 711) 1-800-905-6061.
AARP Medicare Advantage Insurance has limited networks of doctors, so you may need to switch to a new doctor. You can contact the plan directly to see if your doctor is covered.
The costs for AARP Medicare Advantage Insurance plans vary and may include monthly premiums, copayments, and deductibles. You can review the costs and coverage for plans available in your area during open enrollment.
