AARP Health Care Options Coverage FAQ

AARP is a nonprofit membership organization focused on helping people age 50 and older improve their quality of life. The organization was founded in 1958 and has offices in all 50 states. AARP offers several health care options and related products, services and insurance programs. AARP, however, is not the insurer; it merely contracts with the insurer who will use AARP’s trademark and thereby make the coverage available to AARP members.

Who does AARP insurance cover?

• AARP has insurance policies available for people who are age 50 or older. Most of these insurance policies are only offered to AARP members, but there are others that can be acquired by non-members such as the AARP MedicareComplete Plan and the AARP MedicareComplete Rx Plans.

  AARP health care options cover both the insured and his spouse as the beneficiary. In 2009, the Disabled World website noted that AARP serves over 3.5 million members with their health care programs.

What kind of health insurance is available?

• AARP health care options are designed for the elderly and are underwritten by some of the United State’s popular private insurance companies.

  The AARP Essential Premier Health Insurance Plan is offered to AARP members by the Aetna Life Insurance Company. AARP Essential Premier Health Insurance is a medical insurance policy. This implies that in acquiring the policy, certain coverage may be declined by the insurer depending on the insured’s health condition. In some states, individual senior citizens may qualify for a business group plan and small group health plans.

  Another insurance policy offered to members of AARP is the Hospital Indemnity Insurance Plan insured by United Healthcare Insurance Company of Horsham, Pennsylvania and Islandia, New York. This plan offers supplemental health insurance benefits but not as a supplement to Medicare or other major medical plans. Also, the plan may not be available in some states and locations.

  It is also important for the welfare of an elderly to have his long-term care insured. AARP Long Term Care Insurance offers policy coverage that varies per state through Genworth Life Insurance Company, a subsidiary of Genworth Financial Company.

How do I apply?

• Interested AARP members who wish to enroll for any of AARP’s available health care insurance and programs can seek assistance from a trusted person to administer their online application.

  Applicants who were previously insured under a different health plan should apply at least 63 days prior to the termination date of the previous health plan. A copy of the “Notification of Rights” letter from the previous health care provider must also be furnished.