As we age, healthcare becomes more important than ever. That’s where Medicare comes in – a federal health insurance program for those over 65 or with certain disabilities. However, Medicare doesn’t cover everything, and that’s where Medicare supplement plans, also known as Medigap, come into play. The AARP Medicare Supplement is one of many options available to help fill in the gaps left by Medicare.
What is the AARP Medicare Supplement?
The AARP Medicare Supplement is a Medigap plan offered by UnitedHealthcare, in partnership with AARP. Medigap plans are designed to cover the costs that Original Medicare doesn’t, such as deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. There are ten standardized Medigap plans, labeled A through N, each with varying levels of coverage. The AARP Medicare Supplement offers Plans A, B, C, F, G, K, L, N, and high-deductible Plan F.
What Does the AARP Medicare Supplement Cover?
The specific coverage provided by the AARP Medicare Supplement depends on the plan you choose. However, all Medigap plans, including the AARP Medicare Supplement, must cover certain basic benefits. These include Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs up to an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits are used up, Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayment, blood (first 3 pints), and hospice care coinsurance or copayment.
Beyond these basic benefits, the AARP Medicare Supplement plans offer additional coverage. For example, Plan F offers the most comprehensive coverage, covering all Medicare deductibles and coinsurance costs, as well as excess charges. Plan N, on the other hand, offers lower premiums but requires some cost-sharing, such as copayments for doctor visits and emergency room visits.
Who is Eligible for the AARP Medicare Supplement?
In order to be eligible for the AARP Medicare Supplement, you must first be enrolled in Original Medicare, which includes Medicare Part A and Part B. You must also live in the service area of the plan. The AARP Medicare Supplement is offered in all 50 states, as well as Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.
It’s important to note that the AARP Medicare Supplement is a private insurance plan, not a government program. As such, you will be responsible for paying a monthly premium in addition to your Medicare premiums. The cost of the AARP Medicare Supplement varies depending on the plan you choose, your location, and your age.
How to Enroll in the AARP Medicare Supplement
If you’re interested in enrolling in the AARP Medicare Supplement, the first step is to compare the available plans and determine which one best fits your needs and budget. You can do this by visiting the Medicare website or by contacting a licensed insurance agent.
Once you’ve chosen a plan, you can enroll during your initial enrollment period (IEP) or during a special enrollment period (SEP). Your IEP begins three months before the month of your 65th birthday and ends three months after the month of your 65th birthday. During this time, you can enroll in any Medigap plan without being subject to medical underwriting.
If you miss your IEP, you may still be able to enroll during an SEP. Some common reasons for an SEP include losing your employer coverage or moving to a new area that is not served by your current plan.
Conclusion
The AARP Medicare Supplement is a private insurance plan designed to help fill in the gaps left by Original Medicare. With a variety of plans to choose from, you can select the one that best fits your needs and budget. If you’re interested in enrolling in the AARP Medicare Supplement, take the time to compare the available plans and determine which one is right for you.
