Quick answer
Mostly only if you have Medicare. AARP’s health plans are Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage and Part D drug plans, all insured by UnitedHealthcare. AARP doesn’t sell major medical insurance for people under 65, so younger members usually get coverage through the ACA marketplace, an employer or COBRA.
Key takeaways
- AARP isn’t an insurer. It licenses its name to UnitedHealthcare, which pays AARP a royalty.
- AARP Medicare Supplement plans require an AARP membership. AARP Medicare Advantage and Part D plans are open to non-members. You can change plans each year during Medicare open enrollment.
- Membership costs $20 a year, or $15 for the first year with auto-renewal, and anyone 18 or older can join.
- If you’re under 65, the ACA marketplace is usually the place to look, especially if you retire early.
- AARP members can also buy a dental plan through Delta Dental.
On this page
What AARP offers
AARP isn’t an insurance company. It puts its name on products sold by insurers and earns a royalty for it. For health coverage, that partner is UnitedHealthcare.
| Plan | Who it’s for | AARP membership needed? |
|---|---|---|
| AARP Medicare Supplement (Medigap) | People with Original Medicare Parts A and B | Yes |
| AARP Medicare Advantage | People with Medicare who want a private all-in-one plan | No |
| AARP Medicare Prescription Drug (Part D) | People with Original Medicare who need drug coverage | No |
| AARP Dental Insurance Plan | AARP members | Yes |
AARP’s older health plans for people under 65 were discontinued, and its health insurance lineup today is built around Medicare.
If you’re 65 or older
Once you’re on Medicare, AARP-branded plans are one set of choices among many.
- Medicare Supplement (Medigap) helps pay the deductibles and coinsurance Original Medicare leaves to you. Plans with the same letter cover the same benefits no matter which company sells them, so compare prices across insurers. The best time to buy is the six months after you turn 65 and enroll in Part B, when insurers can’t use your health to turn you down or charge more. To weigh Medigap against Medicare Advantage, see Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap.
- Medicare Advantage replaces Original Medicare with a private plan that usually includes drug coverage and extras, in exchange for a network and prior approval rules.
- Part D adds drug coverage to Original Medicare. Out-of-pocket drug costs are capped at $2,100 in 2026 and $2,400 in 2027.
These plans treat long hospital stays differently, so compare how each handles Medicare’s hospital deductible, which is $1,736 in 2026. See who is eligible for Medicare and health insurance for the elderly. If you’ll have Medicare and a spouse’s job-based plan at the same time, read how deductibles work with two health insurance plans.
If you’re under 65
AARP can’t do much for your medical coverage before Medicare. These are the usual options:
- An ACA marketplace plan, which can’t turn you down for pre-existing conditions. Premium tax credits are based on income, and people in their early 60s often get large ones because their premiums are the highest. Above 400% of the poverty level ($62,600 for one person for 2026 coverage), there’s no credit.
- Coverage through your job or your spouse’s job.
- COBRA after leaving a job, usually for up to 18 months at full price.
- Medicaid if your income is low.
Thinking about leaving work before 65? Read can I get health insurance if I retire early and the cheapest ways to get health insurance.
Is an AARP plan a good choice?
UnitedHealthcare is the largest Medicare Advantage insurer, and AARP Medicare Supplement plans are sold in most of the country. That doesn’t make them the cheapest. Medigap prices for the same plan letter vary a lot between insurers, and Medicare Advantage plans differ in networks and drug lists. Compare several companies on Medicare.gov’s plan finder or with a licensed agent. Our list of the best health insurance companies is a place to start.
Under 65 and shopping for your own plan? Compare quotes by ZIP code.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to be 50 to join AARP?
No. Anyone 18 or older can join, though most of AARP’s benefits and advocacy are aimed at people 50 and up.
Do I need AARP membership for an AARP Medicare Advantage plan?
No. AARP-branded Medicare Advantage and Part D plans are open to anyone eligible for Medicare. Membership is required for AARP Medicare Supplement plans.
Is AARP Medicare Supplement cheaper than other Medigap plans?
Not necessarily. Plans with the same letter have the same benefits, so price and service are the real differences. Get quotes from several insurers.
Can AARP help me pay for health insurance?
AARP doesn’t pay premiums for members. If your income is limited, look at premium tax credits on the marketplace, Medicaid, or, if you have Medicare, Medicare Savings Programs and Extra Help.
Sources
This article is general information, not insurance advice. SelfHealthInsurance.com isn’t affiliated with AARP or UnitedHealthcare. Plans and prices vary by state, so compare options on Medicare.gov, HealthCare.gov or with a licensed agent. Last reviewed September 2026.