Find the Best AARP Medicare Supplement Plan for Your Needs

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Choosing the right AARP Medicare Supplement Plan can be a daunting task, especially with so many options available. AARP offers 10 different Medicare Supplement plans, each with its own unique benefits and costs.

Plan F, for example, covers 100% of Medicare's copays and coinsurance, making it a popular choice among retirees. However, it's also the most expensive option.

Plan G, on the other hand, offers similar coverage to Plan F but with a lower premium. It's a great option for those who want comprehensive coverage without breaking the bank.

Ultimately, the best AARP Medicare Supplement Plan for you will depend on your individual needs and budget.

What to Know

If you're looking to save money on your Medicare expenses, you'll want to know that the most popular AARP Medicare Supplement Plan is Plan F. This plan covers 100% of Medicare-approved expenses for hospital stays, doctor visits, and other services, with no deductible or copay.

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Plan F is particularly appealing because it has the highest coverage level, covering all Medicare-approved expenses, including deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. This can be a huge relief for those with ongoing medical needs.

However, it's essential to note that Plan F is also the most expensive option, with premiums ranging from $100 to $300 per month. You'll need to weigh the cost against the benefits to decide if it's right for you.

AARP Medicare Supplement Plans are standardized, meaning that Plan F offers the same coverage across all insurance companies, so you can shop around for the best price. This can help you save money without sacrificing coverage.

Choosing a Plan

Choosing a Plan can be overwhelming, but let's break it down. Consider your coverage needs, and ask yourself how much coverage you really need. This will help you determine which plan is best for you.

Think about your budget and how much you're willing to spend on monthly premiums, as well as out-of-pocket costs for services like hospital stays and doctor visits. You'll want to consider the trade-off between premium costs and out-of-pocket expenses.

If you're looking for a plan with comprehensive coverage, you may want to consider Plan F or Plan C, which are often called "first-dollar coverage" plans. These plans pay for Medicare deductibles, copays, and other costs for most Medicare-covered services, leaving you with little to no out-of-pocket expenses.

What Do A and B Cover?

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Original Medicare, which includes Parts A and B, covers a wide range of medical services, including doctor visits, hospital stays, and diagnostic tests.

You can get coverage for doctor visits, including office visits, inpatient and outpatient care, and surgeries.

Original Medicare also covers hospital stays, including semi-private rooms, meals, and hospital care.

It covers diagnostic tests, such as X-rays, MRIs, and lab tests, as well as preventive services like flu shots and mammograms.

Original Medicare does not cover services like routine eye exams, dental care, or hearing aids.

How to Apply

You can apply for an AARP Medicare Supplement Plan from UnitedHealthcare online or by phone.

To apply online, simply enter your ZIP code to begin the process.

Friendly licensed insurance agents/producers are available to help you apply by phone, Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET.

When to Apply for Insurance?

You can apply for a Medicare Supplement insurance plan any time during the year. However, it's best to enroll during your Open Enrollment period, which is the six-month period that starts the first day of the month in which you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B.

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This special enrollment period is a great opportunity to sign up for a plan that suits your needs without worrying about being turned down. Some states may have additional open enrollment periods, including those for people under 65, so it's worth checking with your local insurance provider for more information.

K and L: Lower Premium

If you're looking for a Medicare Supplement plan with lower premiums, Plans K and L are worth considering. These cost-sharing plans pay a percentage of the coinsurance instead of the full amount, which can lead to lower monthly premiums.

Plan K has an out-of-pocket yearly limit of $7,220 in 2025, after which it pays 100% of covered services. This means you'll pay a portion of the coinsurance until you reach the limit.

Plan L has a lower out-of-pocket yearly limit of $3,610 in 2025, making it a more affordable option for those who want to pay less upfront. Once you've reached this limit, Plan L also pays 100% of covered services.

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Here's a quick comparison of Plans K and L:

Both Plans K and L can be a good choice for those who want to save on premiums, but keep in mind that you'll still need to pay a portion of the coinsurance until you reach the out-of-pocket limit.

F the Best?

Is Medigap Plan F the Best?

Plan F offers coverage for more out-of-pocket Medicare costs than any other type of standardized Medigap plan.

It pays for Medicare deductibles, copays, and other costs for most Medicare-covered services, making it a popular choice for beneficiaries.

One reason for Plan F's popularity is that it offers first-dollar coverage, meaning it covers all of the Medicare deductibles and coinsurance.

However, it's not available to Medicare beneficiaries who first became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020.

If you became eligible for Medicare before Jan. 1, 2020, you may still be able to enroll in Plan F if it's offered in your area.

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If you already had Plan F, you'll be able to keep it after 2020.

There's also a high-deductible version of Plan F available, which typically offers a lower monthly premium in exchange for having to meet a deductible ($2,800 in 2024) before coverage kicks in.

Here are some key points to consider about Plan F:

  • Pays for Medicare deductibles, copays, and other costs for most Medicare-covered services
  • Offers first-dollar coverage
  • Not available to Medicare beneficiaries who first became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020
  • High-deductible version available with a lower monthly premium

Coverage and Cost

The most popular Medicare Supplement plans are often those with first-dollar coverage, but some beneficiaries may choose other plans based on their premiums and costs. Medigap Plan A is one such option, with an average annual premium of $2,688.

The cost of Medicare Supplement plans can vary depending on the type of plan and the insurance company. For example, Medigap Plan B has an average monthly premium of $121, while Plan C has an average monthly premium of $238.

To make an informed decision, it's essential to consider not only the monthly premium but also other costs such as the annual Part B deductible and copayments or coinsurance. Here's a breakdown of the costs to consider:

By considering all these factors, you can make an informed decision about which Medicare Supplement plan is best for you.

What Covers and What Does Not

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Original Medicare covers a lot, but it doesn't cover everything. Medicare Part B generally covers about 80% of Part B expenses, leaving you responsible for paying the rest.

A Medicare Supplement insurance plan can help pay your share of out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare doesn't pay. These plans work with Original Medicare and are offered by private insurance companies.

Some Medicare Supplement plans pay most of your out-of-pocket costs, but have a higher monthly premium. Other plans pay fewer out-of-pocket costs, but have a lower monthly premium. Benefits and costs vary depending on the plan chosen.

Here's a breakdown of some common Medicare Supplement benefits:

*Plan F and Plan C are not available to Medicare beneficiaries who became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020.

Coverage vs Cost

Coverage vs Cost is a crucial consideration when choosing a Medicare Supplement plan. It's essential to factor in all the costs you'll be responsible for, including your monthly premium, annual Part B deductible, copayments, and coinsurance.

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Your monthly premium will vary depending on the plan you choose, with some plans offering lower premiums but higher out-of-pocket costs. For example, Plans K and L have lower monthly premiums but require you to pay a higher percentage of coinsurance for some services.

To get a clear picture of the costs involved, add up all the expenses you'll incur, including your monthly premium, annual Part B deductible, copayments, and coinsurance. This will help you determine which plan is the best fit for your budget.

Here's a breakdown of the costs you should consider:

  • Monthly premium
  • Annual Part B deductible
  • Copayments (if applicable)
  • Coinsurance (if applicable)

By considering all these costs, you can make an informed decision about which Medicare Supplement plan is right for you.

Does it Cover?

Medicare can be a bit confusing, but let's break it down. Medicare may cover SilverSneakers, a popular fitness program, through Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage plans.

Some Medicare plans offer wellness benefits, which can be a great way to stay active and healthy. If you're interested in a plan that covers SilverSneakers, be sure to research your options.

Medicare offers some coverage for medication and prescription drugs. You can find out if the medicine you need may be covered by checking your plan's details.

It's always a good idea to double-check your plan's coverage before filling a prescription.

Comparing Plans

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Comparison shopping is essential when it comes to Medicare Supplement plans because two different insurance companies can charge you a different price for a plan with the same benefits. This can result in significant cost savings.

To compare plans effectively, you should consider factors such as how much coverage you need, the monthly premium, and the out-of-pocket costs associated with each plan.

You should add up all the costs you're responsible for, including the monthly premium, annual Part B deductible, copayments, and coinsurance. This will give you a comprehensive understanding of the total cost of each plan.

Here's a breakdown of the costs associated with each plan:

Remember to consider your individual needs and circumstances when choosing a plan. By carefully evaluating the costs and benefits of each plan, you can make an informed decision that suits your budget and healthcare requirements.

Why Compare?

Comparing plans is important because it helps you get a competitive rate for the plan you want. Two different insurance companies can charge you very different prices for a plan with the same benefits.

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Plan G policies provide the same benefits, but insurance companies may charge you different prices for them. You can enroll in any available Medigap plan, regardless of its popularity.

Comparing prices from multiple insurance carriers is crucial to ensure you get a fair deal. Hundreds of thousands or even millions of people choose one plan over another, but it's helpful to review the options and understand why.

Different insurance companies offer the same benefits at varying prices. This is why comparing plans is essential to find the best value for your money.

When Comparing, Add Up All Costs

Comparing plans requires considering more than just the monthly premium. You also need to factor in the annual Part B deductible, copayments, and coinsurance, if applicable. This can add up quickly.

The average cost of each type of Medicare Supplement plan varies greatly, as seen in the chart below. For example, Plan A has a monthly premium of $224, while Plan B has a monthly premium of $121.

To get a clear picture of the costs, add up all the expenses, including the monthly premium, annual Part B deductible, copayments, and coinsurance, if applicable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the highest rated Medicare Supplement company?

According to Investopedia's research, AARP/UnitedHealthcare is the highest rated Medicare Supplement company, known for excellent customer satisfaction and financial strength ratings.

Which Medicare Supplement plan has the highest level of coverage?

Medigap Plan F offers the highest level of coverage among Medicare Supplement plans, covering 100% of Medicare cost-sharing. However, it may not be the most cost-effective option.

What is the average cost of AARP Medicare Supplement insurance?

The average cost of AARP Medicare Supplement insurance varies by age, with prices starting around $150 per month for a 65-year-old woman who doesn't smoke. Costs increase with age, reaching $254 per month by age 85.

Felicia Koss

Junior Writer

Felicia Koss is a rising star in the world of finance writing, with a keen eye for detail and a knack for breaking down complex topics into accessible, engaging pieces. Her articles have covered a range of topics, from retirement account loans to other financial matters that affect everyday people. With a focus on clarity and concision, Felicia's writing has helped readers make informed decisions about their financial futures.

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