AARP (formerly known as the American Association of Retired Persons) was founded in 1958. The goal of this special interest group is to help aging people find the best solutions to meet their needs so that they can make the most of their golden years. The group focuses on issues that affect the aging and elderly, including health care.
AARP is an membership-based organization, meaning that you must pay to become a member of the group, and in return, you will receive various benefits. If you are 50 years of age or older, you can purchase a membership to AARP. With your membership, you will receive discounts on a variety of things, such as groceries, travel, movies, and information related to things that interest you and can help you live your best life. A membership also provides you with access to a variety of insurance products that are branded by the organization, including health insurance.
If you are over 50 years of age or older and you are interested in securing health insurance through AARP, read on to learn everything you need to know.
AARP and Health Insurance
AARP provides both comprehensive and supplemental health insurance plans for those who members of the special interest group who are between the ages of 50 and 64. The AARP-branded insurance plans that are available for this age group include:
- Essential premier health insurance, which offers individual medical health plans from major insurance companies. This plan offers the most comprehensive coverage.
- Essential health insurance, a hospital indemnity plan that provides coverage for some services at a reduced premium.
- Essential plus health insurance, another hospital indemnity plan that provides low cost options for medical insurance.
- Hospital indemnity insurance, which offers affordably priced indemnity plans and fixed-cash benefits.
For those who are members of AARP and are over the age of 65, the group offers a variety of Medicare plans, including Medicare advantage, Medicare supplement, and Medicare prescription drug plans. These health insurance plans are specifically intended for those individuals who are eligible for Medicare (as anyone who is 65 or older is). The Medicare plans offered through AARP include:
- Medicarecomplete, which is a comprehensive plan that provides all of the benefits that are provided by Medicare, as well as additional benefits, including coverage for prescription medications, and non-limited pre-existing conditions.
- MedicareRx, or coverage for prescription medications.
- Medicare supplement, which are plans that assist with some of the costs of health care that aren’t covered by Medicare alone.
Should You Purchase Health Insurance Through AARP?
It depends on what your needs are. For many people, the health insurance plans that are branded by AARP may be beneficial, as they do provide extra benefits. For example, while anyone who is over the age of 65 is eligible for Medicare coverage, the Medicarecomplete plan offered by AARP offers the same coverages that Medicare provides, but even more, including coverage for prescription medications and no limits for pre-existing conditions. In the long run, this can actually help you save more money than Medicare alone.
However, it should be noted that in order for retired people to purchase health insurance through AARP, you must be a member of the group. To become a member of AARP, you will have to pay annual fees. These fees vary; however, they are relatively inexpensive. They can range from just over $12 to $16 a year. When you consider the benefits that the AARP-branded health insurance plans can offer, paying the nominal membership fee may just be worth your while. Plus, as a member, you will also receive a number of other benefits, which, as mentioned above, includes things like information about traveling, health, and fitness, as well as discounts on things like accommodations and movie tickets.
Given the benefits that an AARP membership and insurance through the group can provide, it may be a good option for you if you carry private health insurance. Even if you are insured through your employer, investing in AARP-branded insurance can supplement your plan and provide you with even more comprehensive coverage so that you can get the health care that you need at rates that are more affordable.
Summing It Up
AARP health insurance plans may be beneficial for many people. These plans do offer the basics that a standard private health insurance plan would offer, as well as some additional benefits. To learn more about AARP health insurance and to find out if it’s a good option for your specific needs, speak to a reputable and experienced insurance agent. Together, you can weigh your options to find the coverage that will provide you with access to the healthcare that you need at prices that are more manageable for your budget.
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