A Guide to AARP Medicare Advantage Plans in 2025
Almost 90 percent of U.S. adults 65 and older — over 68 million people — are enrolled in Medicare, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. About half of these Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in Medicare Advantage as opposed to traditional Medicare, according to KFF, an organization that covers health policy. The advantage of, well, Medicare Advantage, is that plans often have no premiums and offer other benefits like hearing, dental, and vision insurance. If you’re an AARP member, you may have come across their Medicare Advantage plan and wondered if it’s worth it.
AARP Medicare Advantage from UnitedHealthcare offers a variety of plan types, such as HMO, PPO, and special needs programs (SNPs). These include extra benefits like hearing, dental, and vision coverage, $0 copays on exams, drugs, and medical visits, plus free gym memberships, classes, clubs, and events. AARP Medicare plans are great if you want additional coverage beyond Original Medicare.
FYI: To learn more about our favorite Medicare Advantage plans, check out our guide to this year’s best Medicare Advantage providers.
AARP Medicare Advantage Pros and Cons
Pros
- $0 copays: Many AARP Medicare Advantage plans have $0 copays for physical exams, lab tests, and preventative care such as mammograms.
- Low monthly premiums: Many AARP Medicare Advantage plans require $0 in monthly premiums.
- Prescription drug coverage: If prescription drug coverage is included in your Medicare Advantage plan, you may have a $0 copay and deductible on prescription drugs, both generic and brand name. You’ll also have access to a vast pharmacy network, both local and national.
- Vision coverage: Many Medicare Advantage plans offer you one free yearly eye exam, which includes a free pair of frames and prescription lenses, something that Original Medicare will not cover.
Cons
- Higher premiums: If you have a PPO Medicare Advantage plan, the premium cost may be higher than average compared to other areas.
- Subpar customer service: Many customer service reviews are often negative.
- Limited service areas: While AARP Medicare Advantage is available in every state except Alaska, not all counties offer it.
AARP Medicare Advantage Costs
AARP Medicare Advantage plans cost as low as $0 per month in terms of premiums; however, you’ll also want to consider your deductibles, copays, and other applicable charges.
AARP HMO Pricing
| Location | Monthly Premium | Deductible | Maximum Annual Out of Pocket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | $0 | $0 | $6,400-$6,700 |
| Florida | $0-$20.30 | $0-$257 | $0-$9,350 |
| New York | $0-$59 | $0 | $0-$8,900 |
| Texas | $0-$25 | $0-$257 | $0-$9,350 |
AARP PPO Pricing
| Plan | Monthly Premium | Deductible | Maximum Annual Out of Pocket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | $0-$53.10 | $0-$1,500 | $0-$6,700 |
| Florida | $0-$23 | $0-$257 | $0-$9,350 |
| New York | $0-$75 | $0 | $0-$8,900 |
| Texas | $0-$64 | $0-$257 | $0-$9,350 |
Current Medicare Advantage Plans
HMO
HMO plans are the most popular due to their low premiums and costs. When you choose an HMO, you’ll have a tighter network with a primary care physician that manages your health care. You’ll need a referral or authorization to see specialists and receive some health care services.
PPO
PPO plans offer more freedom than their HMO counterparts but usually have higher costs when using the plan. You can save money by using in-network providers.
UHC has programs that allow you to see providers out of your service area as well as within the network. You’ll want to review your plan materials and plan ahead to use these benefits.
SNP
If you have a chronic condition, are dual-eligible for Medicare and Medicaid, or reside in a long-term care facility, SNPs are for you. While they’re HMO-designed, they’re not as available as other plans.
Additional Benefits
If your AARP Medicare Advantage plan offers additional benefits, these can entail:
Fitness
With Renew Active, you’ll have access to:
- A free membership at one of 17,000 gyms across the U.S.
- Brain games from AARP Staying Sharp
- Health and wellness classes
- Events and clubs like fishing, hiking, walking, arts and crafts, dancing, gardening, and more
Did You Know: Cognitive training can help keep your mind engaged. The National Institute on Aging’s The ACTIVE Study found that cognitive training had an immediate improvement in cognitive ability, even five years later.
Dental
Your dental coverage will cover various services like X-rays, exams, fluoride, and routine cleaning. Depending on the coverage type, you may also receive fillings, deep cleanings, crowns/bridges, root canals, and dental implants at no or little cost.
Vision/Hearing
Many Medicare Advantage plans have a $0 copay on yearly routine eye exams. You’ll also receive an allowance for frames and contacts and a free standard prescription lens.
Hearing coverage is typically available. If so, you can get a routine exam at $0. You’ll also be able to choose from a wide range of brand-name hearing aids or UnitedHealthcare Hearing’s brand Relate.
Telemedicine
Virtual visits may be covered, where you’ll have a $0 copay to discuss non-emergency medical concerns or general mental health.
Customer Service
You can reach an AARP Medicare Advantage representative in several ways.
- Chat with an agent in the UnitedHealthcare app or via your member account online.
- Make an appointment with your licensed insurance agent/provider.
- Call the number on the back of your member ID card.
AARP Medicare Advantage Service Area
AARP Medicare Advantage plans are available in every state except Alaska. However, not all counties offer it, so check if coverage is available in your area.
UnitedHealthcare Financial Strength Ratings
Before choosing a Medicare Advantage plan, it’s a good idea to research the insurer, UnitedHealthcare, to make sure they have a good track record for paying customer claims. Here are their financial strength ratings from the most trustworthy sources:
- AM Best: Rated AARP an A (excellent)
- Moody’s: A3 (positive)
- S&P Global: A+ (stable)
Bottom Line
AARP Medicare Advantage plans are managed by UnitedHealthcare, which is a trustworthy, affordable, and stable insurance provider. To learn more about our favorite Medicare Advantage providers, check out our other reviews:
Methodology
We use the following criteria to evaluate Medicare Advantage plans:
- Services provided: Medicare Advantage plans typically include dental, vision, and hearing insurance along with coverage for prescription drugs. We also like plans that include gym memberships, transportation benefits, and other extras.
- Cost: Medicare Advantage plans often are available at no monthly cost and with no deductible or out-of-pocket maximum. We prioritize companies that charge seniors the least amount of money out-of-pocket.
- Customer service: The company must be easy to contact if they experience a problem, with availability via phone, live chat, or even in-person at insurance agencies.
- Financial strength: It’s important that an insurer is able to pay out claims in a timely manner, which is why we consider creditworthiness and financial strength ratings from S&P Global, Moody’s, and AM Best.
- Availability: Finally, we look for companies that offer plans in all 50 states.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Which Medicare Advantage plans are offered by AARP?
AARP offers a variety of HMO, PPO, and SNPs. However, not all are available in every location.
-
How many states have AARP Medicare Advantage plans?
AARP Medicare Advantage plans are available in all states except Alaska, but some counties in states with availability might not offer them.
-
What does AARP Medicare Advantage cover?
You’ll receive all the coverage of Original Medicare, as well as over-the-counter discounts, prescription drug coverage, and extra benefits like fitness memberships; telehealth access; and dental, vision, and hearing insurance.
-
Which is better: AARP Medigap or Medicare Advantage?
Whether AARP Medigap or AARP Medicare Advantage is better comes down to personal preference. Medigap is a supplement to original Medicare, while Medicare Advantage is an alternative provided by private insurance. If you have original Medicare, Medigap will make more sense, but if you want additional services like hearing, dental, and vision insurance; lower prescription drug costs; and other benefits, opt for Medicare Advantage.
