The AARP name shows up on more Medicare mailers than almost any other brand, but AARP doesn’t actually insure the coverage. This guide explains how AARP Medicare Advantage plans work, what they cover, what they cost, and what’s changing for 2027.
1. Does AARP Have Medicare Advantage Plans?
Yes, AARP offers AARP-branded Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans insured by UnitedHealthcare (UHC). These plans provide Medicare Part A and Part B benefits through private insurance, with many also including Part D prescription drug coverage.
AARP doesn’t directly provide insurance. Instead, UnitedHealthcare manages the plans and pays AARP royalty fees to use its name.
Do you need to be an AARP member? No, AARP membership isn’t required to enroll in an AARP Medicare Advantage or standalone Part D prescription drug plan.
However, AARP Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans are different. They work alongside Original Medicare to help cover out-of-pocket costs and generally require AARP membership.
Plan availability, benefits, and costs vary by location.
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2. What Types of AARP Medicare Advantage Plans Are Available?
AARP and Medicare Advantage plans come in several types, and availability depends on your county.
Standard HMO and PPO Plans
| Plan Type | How It Works | Best Fit For |
| HMO | Use in-network doctors; you usually need a primary care doctor and referrals | People who want lower costs and coordinated care |
| HMO-POS | HMO with some out-of-network coverage for certain services | People who want an HMO with a little more flexibility |
| PPO | See in- or out-of-network providers without referrals; out-of-network costs more | People who want more choice of doctors or travel often |
Special Needs Plans (SNPs)
UHC also offers special needs plans for people with specific needs:
- D-SNP (UnitedHealthcare Dual Complete): For people who have both Medicare and Medicaid, often with extra benefits and low costs.
- C-SNP: For people with chronic conditions such as diabetes or heart failure, with care built around that condition.
- I-SNP: For people living in a nursing home, or who need that level of care at home.
Note that SNPs are usually sold under the UnitedHealthcare name rather than the AARP brand.
3. What Benefits Do AARP Medicare Advantage Plans Cover?
Medicare Advantage AARP plans must cover everything Original Medicare covers, and most add extras. Depending on your plan, benefits may include:
- Hospital and medical services: Inpatient stays, doctor visits, outpatient care, and preventive services
- Prescription drugs: Part D coverage on most plans
- Dental, vision, and hearing: Routine exams, dental allowances, eyewear, and hearing aids
- OTC allowances and the UCard: A member card that can hold eligible allowances, such as OTC money
- Fitness and wellness: Gym memberships and wellness programs
- Transportation and other extras: Rides to appointments and other benefits on qualifying plans
The UCard isn’t automatically a grocery card. Money for food or utilities is available only on eligible plans, usually D-SNPs or plans for members with qualifying chronic conditions.
4. How Much Do Medicare Advantage AARP Plans Cost?
Many AARP Medicare Advantage plans have $0 monthly premiums, but total costs depend on your plan, location, and healthcare needs. According to NerdWallet, $0-premium options are available in 42 states in 2026.
Other expenses may include:
- Medicare Part B premium: The standard cost is $202.90 per month in 2026, although some plans offer a Part B giveback.
- Medical costs: Deductibles, copays, and coinsurance vary for doctor visits, specialists, and hospital care.
- Prescription drugs: Costs depend on your medications, formulary tiers, and plan rules.
- Out-of-pocket maximum: AARP plans have an enrollment-weighted average annual medical spending limit of approximately $5,324 in 2026.
A $0 plan premium doesn’t mean free healthcare. Compare total costs using Medicare.gov.
5. Are AARP Medicare Advantage Plans Good?
Whether AARP-branded Medicare Advantage plans are a good fit depends on your doctors, location, and budget. Here’s a balanced look.
Pros
- Large provider network: UHC sells plans in 48 states and D.C.
- Widely available $0-premium options: Available in 43 states.
- Solid ratings and extras: NerdWallet reports a 4.1-star enrollment-weighted CMS rating for 2026, above the 3.98 average, plus dental and wellness extras on many plans.
Cons
- Higher premiums on some plans: Some plans cost more than competing options in the same area.
- Below-average member experience in some surveys: UHC scored below average in 6 of 10 major markets in J.D. Power’s member experience study.
- Network limits and 2027 changes: UHC’s unweighted average star rating fell from 3.82 in 2026 to 3.57 in 2027. UHC is also dropping standard plans from 140 counties and trimming some extra benefits.
6. Who Qualifies for AARP Medicare Advantage Plans?
To qualify for an AARP Medicare Advantage plan, you must have Medicare Part A and Part B and live in an area where UnitedHealthcare offers the plan.
Other eligibility requirements include:
- Enrollment period: Apply during your Initial Enrollment Period, Annual Enrollment Period (October 15–December 7), or an eligible Special Enrollment Period.
- Special Needs Plans (SNPs): D-SNPs require qualifying Medicare and Medicaid eligibility, while C-SNPs require an eligible chronic condition.
- Residency status: Meet applicable U.S. citizenship or lawful presence requirements.
You don’t need to be an AARP member to enroll in an AARP-branded Medicare Advantage plan.
7. How to Find and Enroll in Medicare Advantage AARP Plans
Finding AARP Medicare Advantage plans in your area takes four steps:
- Visit the AARP Medicare plans comparison page at aarpmedicareplans.com.
- Enter your ZIP code to see plans offered in your county.
- Compare plans. Look at benefits, premiums, covered drugs, and whether your doctors are in network.
- Check eligibility and apply online, by phone, or through a licensed agent during an eligible period.
Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15 to December 7, and changes take effect January 1. Review your Annual Notice of Change carefully, since 2027 benefits and networks may differ from 2026.
>>> Read more: Additional Medicare Tax 2026: Who Pays the Extra 0.9%?
8. FAQs
Can I switch from an AARP Medicare Advantage plan to Medigap later?
Yes, but outside your Medigap Open Enrollment Period or a guaranteed issue situation, insurers can use medical underwriting. That means they may charge more or deny coverage.
Are AARP Medicare Advantage plans available in every state?
No. UnitedHealthcare sells Medicare Advantage AARP plans in 48 states and Washington, D.C., and plan choices vary by county.
How do I contact customer service for my AARP plan?
Call the number on the back of your member ID card, or sign in to your member account online.
What are the disadvantages of AARP Medicare Advantage?
The main drawbacks are network restrictions, possible prior authorization, out-of-pocket costs, and mixed customer experience scores. Some plans are also cutting benefits for 2027.
9. Final Thoughts
AARP Medicare Advantage plans offer wide availability, $0-premium options, and useful extras through UnitedHealthcare. However, 2027 brings lower star ratings and some benefit cuts. Compare plans by ZIP code and check your doctors and drugs before December 7.
