AARP Medicare
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization for people age 50 and over that is dedicated to enhancing quality of life for all as they age. Members of AARP receive a bimonthly magazine, “AARP The Magazine” that addresses the needs and concerns of the 50+ population. Members also receive the “AARP Bulletin,” published 11 times a year, full of news and practical information. It carries reports about national state legislation and programs that affect the older population. This Bulletin is also available online.
AARP evolved from the National Retired Teachers Association and officially became AARP in 1958. The National Retired Teachers Association had been established in 1947 in response to the need of retired teachers for health insurance. At that time, private health insurance was essentially unavailable to older Americans; it was not until 1965 that the government enacted Medicare. Today, with over 35 million members, AARP is the leading nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization for people age 50 and over in the United States. About 25 percent of the US population is in the 50+ category and nearly half of all people in this age bracket are AARP members. US citizenship is not a requirement for membership and over 40,000 members live outside the United States. Also, it is not required that members be retired in order to join. 44% of AARP members work part time or full time.
AARP offers various plans, broken down into three categories: MedicareComplete, MedicareRx, and Medicare Supplement.
AARP MedicareComplete is a group of Medicare Advantage plans. These are comprehensive plans that offer all the benefits covered under original Medicare and more such as prescription drug coverage, no limitations on pre-existing conditions, and fitness benefits. These plans are offered through Secure Horizons, an affiliate of UnitedHealthcare. These plans have no limitations for preexisting conditions for enrollment and they do not require a physical exam. You may have several health plans to choose from depending on where you live.
AARP MedicareRx is a group of Medicare Part D plans. These plans are designed to help make prescription drug costs more predictable. The AARP MedicareRx plans are insured through United Healthcare and are available to you if you are eligible for Medicare, even if you are not a member of AARP. Even if you are relatively healthy, enrolling could save you money in the future. During 2007, AARP MedicareRx members saved over $15 billion on prescription drugs all together.
AARP Medicare Supplement plans are insured by United Healthcare Insurance Company and provide coverage for eligible AARP members.
AARP offers an extremely comprehensive range of plans and is a good option for members and non-members alike. Ask our Medicare specialists to take a look at which AARP plans could be beneficial for your needs.
States offering AARP Medicare plans include Massachusetts, Idaho, Delaware, Montana, and Rhode Island.
Competiting carriers include: Independent Blue Cross, Empire, Health Alliance, Empire, Regence,HAP, Presbyterian, Pyramid and Fidelis Care.
