AARP Medicare Advantage: An Insight into Benefits and Offerings

AARP Medicare Advantage: An Insight into Benefits and Offerings

Medicare Advantage, commonly referred to as Medicare Part C, serves as an integrated alternative to original Medicare. Offered by private insurance companies and approved by Medicare, these plans combine Part A (hospital coverage), Part B (doctor and outpatient services), and often Part D (prescription coverage) into a single comprehensive plan. As of 2022, nearly 48% of Medicare beneficiaries opted for Medicare Advantage over original Medicare.

What Do AARP Medicare Advantage Plans Cover?

While the federal government mandates that Medicare Advantage plans cover everything that Medicare Parts A and B offer, these plans often come with varying deductibles and copayments. Most of these plans also cover prescription drugs. Additionally, many plans extend their coverage to services not covered by original Medicare, such as routine dental, hearing, and vision care. Some even offer additional coverage tailored for individuals with chronic conditions, providing benefits like meal deliveries, shower grips, wheelchair ramps, and transportation to medical appointments.

Understanding the Costs

Before enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan, beneficiaries must first enroll in Medicare Parts A and B. The Part B premium for 2023 stands at $164.90 for most individuals. While some Medicare Advantage plans come with no monthly premium, the average monthly premium for 2023 is $18. It's essential to note that even though these plans must offer coverage equivalent to original Medicare, out-of-pocket costs can differ.

Eligibility Criteria for Medicare Advantage

To be eligible for a Medicare Advantage plan, one must be enrolled in both Medicare Parts A and B. Previously, individuals with end-stage renal disease couldn't enroll in Medicare Advantage, but this changed in 2021, allowing them to choose between original Medicare and Medicare Advantage.

AARP and UnitedHealthcare: A Strong Partnership

AARP, in collaboration with UnitedHealthcare, offers private Medicare plans. AARP's inception in 1958 by Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus aimed to provide group health insurance to all retired individuals. This vision later evolved into the creation of Medicare in 1965. Today, AARP boasts a membership of nearly 38 million individuals, addressing the needs of those aged 50 and above.

AARP Medicare Plans Across States

Thanks to its collaboration with UnitedHealthcare, AARP boasts a nationwide insurance market, offering Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare Part D prescription drug plans, and Medicare Supplement Insurance plans across the country.

A Glimpse into 2023 AARP Medicare Advantage Plans

AARP, in partnership with UnitedHealthcare, offers Medicare Advantage plans that cover all benefits found in Medicare Parts A and B. These plans often provide additional benefits, such as dental and vision coverage, telehealth services, and memberships to fitness programs tailored for older adults.

AARP Medicare Supplement Plans for 2023

Medicare Supplement Insurance, also known as Medigap, supplements original Medicare coverage. AARP's Medigap plans are accepted by any provider that accepts Medicare, ensuring flexibility and coverage during travels within the U.S.

Reviews and Ratings

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) evaluates Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D plans annually based on a 5-star rating system. For 2022, UnitedHealthcare received ratings of 4.2 and 3.9 stars for its Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D plans, respectively.