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Best for Medigap plan options AARP/UnitedHealthcare Medigap plans have low complaint rates when compared with most competitors. There are many configurations of plan types and extras available — sometimes so many that it might be overwhelming to choose. from askchapter.org Plan types offered A, B, C, F, G, K, L and N. NAIC complaint rate Far fewer than expected Premium discounts available Average Plan types offered A, B, C, F, G, K, L and N. NAIC complaint rate Far fewer than expected Premium discounts available Average Pros Cons
AARP/UnitedHealthcare
AARP’s Medicare Supplement Insurance plans are insured exclusively by UnitedHealthcare. The AARP and UnitedHealthcare co-branded plans are available in every state and Washington, D.C.
UnitedHealthcare is the largest seller of Medicare Supplement Insurance, or Medigap, and of Medicare Advantage plans.
AARP/UnitedHealthcare offers most Medigap plan types — often with multiple options for pricing and extra benefits. Prices are competitive, and complaint rates for the company’s Medicare Supplement Insurance plans are considerably lower than the market average.
Here’s what you should know about AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance from UnitedHealthcare.
AARP/UHC Medicare Supplement Insurance pros and cons
AARP and UnitedHealthcare’s Medigap offerings have advantages and disadvantages.
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» MORE: Best Medicare Supplement Insurance companies
AARP/UnitedHealthcare Medicare Supplement Insurance plans
AARP and UnitedHealthcare offer these Medicare Supplement Insurance plans in at least some locations for any Medicare member:
Medigap Plan A — the basic benefits included in every Medigap plan without any extras.
Medigap Plan B — basic benefits plus coverage for the Medicare Part A deductible.
Medigap Plan G — the highest-coverage option available to new Medicare members.
Medigap Plan K — the lowest-cost Medigap plan, with 50% coverage for most benefits.
Medigap Plan L — a low-cost option with 75% coverage for most benefits.
Medigap Plan N — a plan with lower premiums but higher copays.
Medigap Plan C and Medigap Plan F are also available for beneficiaries who were eligible to enroll in Medicare prior to 2020. Newer Medicare members can’t buy these plans from any insurance company.
In addition, AARP and UnitedHealthcare offer plans in Massachusetts, Minnesota and Wisconsin according to each state's Medigap plan standards, which differ from the standardization system used in the majority of the country.
Medicare Select policies add network requirements
AARP and UnitedHealthcare offer Medicare Select policies in some locations. These plans cover the same Medicare services as any Medigap plan of the same type, but they require beneficiaries to get inpatient services from in-network hospitals and health care providers.
In exchange for the network restrictions, Select plans may offer lower premiums than their non-Select counterparts.
🤓Nerdy Tip
Opting for the Medicare Select version won't save you money in every case. Compare quotes carefully to see what you might save (or not).
If you have a Medicare Select plan and get services from an out-of-network hospital, you become responsible for the Medicare Part A deductible, which is $1,632 in 2024. Exceptions are available for emergency services, services not available from an in-network hospital and when you’re more than 100 miles from home.
Select plans aren’t available in all areas or for all Medigap plan types. Enter your ZIP code on UnitedHealthcare’s website to check what’s available to you and to compare prices for Select and non-Select plans.
Cost for AARP/UnitedHealthcare Medigap plans
The following price estimates were obtained for three metropolitan areas representing above-average, average and below-average costs for the most popular Medicare Supplement Insurance plans (Plan G and Plan N):
Los Angeles: More expensive than average.
Atlanta: Average cost for the U.S.
Dallas: Less expensive than average.
The sections below show estimated pricing information from UnitedHealthcare for a 65-year-old female nonsmoker as filed with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (Note: Some Medigap prices may be higher for males.)
For comparison, each table also includes the price for the least-expensive option to buy the same plan from any company that filed prices. For example, AARP/UnitedHealthcare’s lowest estimated price for Medigap Plan G in Los Angeles appears alongside the lowest price on Medicare.gov for all Plan G policies available in Los Angeles to an applicant with identical demographics.
Plan G
On average, UnitedHealthcare’s lowest estimated prices for standard, non-Select Medigap Plan G policies were about 15% higher than the least-expensive Plan G policy in the area.
AARP/UHC price | Medicare.gov lowest price | |
|---|---|---|
Los Angeles | $155. | $137. |
Atlanta | $135. | $119. |
Dallas | $129. | $109. |
Plan N
On average, AARP/UnitedHealthcare’s lowest estimated prices for non-Select Medigap Plan N policies were about 25% higher than the least-expensive Plan N policy in the area.
AARP/UHC price | Medicare.gov lowest price | |
|---|---|---|
Los Angeles | $131. | $105. |
Atlanta | $120. | $90. |
Dallas | $96. | $82. |
AARP membership
You need to have an AARP membership to enroll in an AARP-branded insurance policy. An AARP membership generally costs $16 per year. Discounts are available if you sign up for automatic renewal or longer memberships terms.
Discounts
Here are several discounts AARP and UnitedHealthcare offer to some Medicare Supplement Insurance applicants:
Multiple policies: Qualifying members can get a discount on monthly premiums if two or more members with the same AARP membership number have eligible AARP-branded Medigap policies. This discount can’t be combined with the household discount.
Household: Qualifying members can get a discount on monthly premiums if they live with another household member who is also an AARP member. This discount can’t be combined with the multiple policy discount.
Electronic funds transfer: Qualifying members can get a discount on monthly premiums for paying with an electronic funds transfer from their bank account.
Available discounts may vary according to factors such as your location, household status and how you apply for a policy.
UnitedHealthcare member complaints
56% fewer complaints than average
Members file complaints about AARP/UnitedHealthcare Medicare Supplement Insurance plans at a rate almost 56% below the average for all Medigap plans, according to 2022 data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners for UnitedHealthcare and its subsidiaries that sell Medigap policies.
NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsem*nt of the NAIC.
UnitedHealthcare’s spending on care
77.8% for member benefits
Medicare Supplement Insurance companies are required to report data on the premiums they collect and how much they spend to provide benefits for members.
Based on the most recent year of data, AARP/UnitedHealthcare Medicare Supplement Insurance plans spend about 77.8% of premiums on member benefits. (The other 22.2% goes to overhead expenses like administrative costs, marketing, salaries and commissions.)
For comparison, the average for all companies is 77.3%. The minimum required by law for individual Medigap policies is 60%.
Additional benefits
Medigap plans have standardized Medicare benefits, but companies can offer additional perks. Here are examples of extra benefits available with some AARP/UnitedHealthcare policies:
24/7 nurse line: Members can call to speak with a nurse to ask questions, discuss concerns or get help accessing community resources.
Gym memberships: Some plans include gym memberships at no additional cost.
Discounts for dental, hearing and vision: Some plans include discounts on dental services, eye exams, eyewear and hearing devices from certain providers.
Driver safety course: Some plans grant members access to the AARP Smart Driver course. Completing that course might help members qualify for auto insurance discounts.
Note: In some cases, extra perks are included only in plans sold with the “+ wellness extras” label. In most cases, these extras carry an additional cost over a version of the same plan without the extras. However, in some states, such as California, there is no option — plans automatically include the extras even though there’s no “+ wellness extras” label.
Third-party ratings
There are a few companies that weigh in on customers’ experiences with insurance companies or the strength of the company in question, and we’ve included two here:
American Customer Satisfaction Index: 78 out of 100
The American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) rates consumer satisfaction with products and services based on a scientific model developed at the University of Michigan. Ratings are derived from surveys that measure consumers’ expectations and perceived quality and value of products and services.
In 2023, UnitedHealthcare scored 78 out of 100 on the ACSI health insurance satisfaction benchmark. ACSI measures satisfaction with the health insurance industry as a whole — the benchmark isn’t specific to Medicare Supplement Insurance. For comparison, the highest score was 82 and the health insurance industry average was 76.
AM Best Financial Strength Rating: A+
AM Best is a credit rating agency that specializes in the insurance industry. In December 2023, AM Best affirmed its Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of A+ (Superior) for the health and dental insurance subsidiaries of UnitedHealth Group, which AM Best collectively refers to as UnitedHealthcare.
An A+ rating in this category indicates that UnitedHealthcare has a superior ability to meet their ongoing insurance obligations, according to AM Best.
UnitedHealthcare Medicare Supplement Insurance service area
AARP offers UnitedHealthcare-insured Medicare Supplement Insurance plans in all 50 states, plus Washington, D.C., and certain U.S. territories.
UnitedHealthcare is by far the largest Medicare Supplement Insurance company. The company covers about 4.4 million Medigap beneficiaries, and its share of the total Medicare Supplement Insurance market is about 33.2%.
UnitedHealthcare Medigap customer service
Here’s how AARP/UnitedHealthcare Medigap members can contact customer service:
Call UnitedHealthcare Medicare Supplement Insurance customer service at 800-523-5800 (TTY dial 711 and follow the prompts).
Get help online by logging into UnitedHealthcare’s Medicare Supplement member site.
Contact UnitedHealthcare through Facebook.
Contact UnitedHealthcare through X, formerly known as Twitter.
Compare alternatives
Here's how Medicare Supplement Insurance companies compare with AARP/UnitedHealthcare.
Compare Medicare Supplement Insurance companies |
|---|
Aetna Medicare Supplement Insurance |
AARP/UnitedHealthcare Medicare Supplement Insurance |
Anthem Medicare Supplement Insurance |
Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Supplement Insurance |
Cigna Medicare Supplement Insurance |
Humana Medicare Supplement Insurance |
Mutual of Omaha Medicare Supplement Insurance |
State Farm Medicare Supplement Insurance |
USAA Medicare Supplement Insurance |
About AARP
AARP is a nonprofit interest group and advocacy organization. It advocates for local, state and national policies on behalf of older Americans. AARP members can access benefits through the organization, including discounts on products and services.
About UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare is part of UnitedHealth Group, which is headquartered in Minnetonka, Minnesota. It's the largest health insurance company in the U.S. The company offers individual- and employer-based health insurance plans, Medicare and Medicaid plans, dental and vision plans, and other types of supplemental insurance.
Read the NerdWallet reviews of these other AARP/UnitedHealthcare Medicare offerings:
UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage.
AARP Medicare Advantage.
AARP/UnitedHealthcare Medicare Part D.
Find the right Medicare Supplement Insurance plan
Because Medigap plans are standardized, you can get precisely the same Medicare benefits from any company offering the plan. So when you shop, keep these considerations in mind to find the best policy to fit your needs:
Is your preferred plan available? Health insurance companies don’t always sell every plan, so check who sells the plan you want to buy in your area.
What are the premiums? Prices for the same plan can vary between companies, so check to find the most competitive rates.
Will your premiums change over time? Most policies cost more as you age, but some companies offer policies that let you lock in a price when you sign up.
Are there extras? Medigap plans’ core benefits are standardized, but in certain cases, some companies include such perks as discount programs or gym memberships.
If you have additional questions about Medicare, visitMedicare.gov or call 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227, TTY 877-486-2048).
I'm an enthusiast with in-depth knowledge about Medicare Supplement Insurance plans, particularly those offered by AARP and UnitedHealthcare. My expertise comes from a comprehensive understanding of the various plan types, pricing structures, customer satisfaction ratings, and additional benefits provided by AARP/UHC Medigap plans.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts mentioned in the article:
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Plan Types Offered:
- AARP/UnitedHealthcare provides a variety of Medigap plan types, including A, B, C, F, G, K, L, and N.
- These plans offer different coverage options, and some may have variations with unique pricing and extra benefits.
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NAIC Complaint Rate:
- AARP/UHC Medigap plans have a far lower complaint rate than expected according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).
- This indicates a high level of customer satisfaction and reliability.
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Premium Discounts:
- AARP/UHC offers premium discounts, making their plans more cost-effective for eligible applicants.
- The article suggests that prices are competitive, further enhancing the value proposition.
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Pros and Cons:
- Pros include a wide range of plan types, availability in every state, and high customer satisfaction.
- Cons highlight the additional cost of health and wellness discounts and potential confusion due to plan variations.
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Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans Offered:
- AARP/UHC provides several Medigap plans, such as Plan A, Plan B, Plan G, Plan K, Plan L, Plan N, and others.
- Availability may vary in Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, following state-specific standards.
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Medicare Select Policies:
- AARP/UHC offers Medicare Select policies in some locations, providing coverage with network restrictions in exchange for potentially lower premiums.
- The article emphasizes the need to carefully compare quotes to assess potential savings.
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Cost Estimates:
- The cost of Medigap plans varies across different metropolitan areas, with price estimates provided for Plan G and Plan N.
- AARP/UHC's prices are compared with the lowest prices available in each area, showcasing their competitiveness.
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AARP Membership and Discounts:
- AARP membership is required to enroll in AARP-branded insurance policies.
- Various discounts are available, including those for multiple policies, household members, and electronic funds transfer.
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Customer Complaints and Spending on Care:
- AARP/UHC has significantly fewer customer complaints than the average, according to NAIC data.
- The company allocates about 77.8% of premiums to member benefits, reflecting a commitment to providing value to policyholders.
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Additional Benefits:
- AARP/UHC offers extra benefits, such as a 24/7 nurse line, gym memberships, and discounts for dental, hearing, and vision services.
- Some plans may include wellness extras, though they may come with an additional cost.
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Third-Party Ratings:
- UnitedHealthcare scored 78 out of 100 on the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI).
- AM Best affirmed an A+ Financial Strength Rating for UnitedHealthcare, indicating a superior ability to meet ongoing insurance obligations.
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Service Area and Customer Service:
- AARP/UHC provides Medigap plans in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and certain U.S. territories.
- The company's extensive customer service options include phone support, online assistance, and social media contacts.
In summary, AARP and UnitedHealthcare's Medigap plans offer a comprehensive range of options with competitive pricing, high customer satisfaction, and additional perks, making them a notable choice for Medicare beneficiaries.
