Do You Have to be a Member of AARP to Get UnitedHealthcare?

UnitedHealthcare offers a wide range of Medicare plans, including Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, and Medicare Part D plans. A common question is whether you need to be an AARP member to enroll in UnitedHealthcare’s Medicare plans.

The short answer is no, you do not need to be an AARP member to get Medicare coverage through UnitedHealthcare. However, there is some nuance depending on the specific type of plan you are considering.

AARP Membership and UnitedHealthcare Plans

Here is a breakdown of how AARP membership relates to different UnitedHealthcare Medicare plans:

Medicare Advantage and Part D Plans

For UnitedHealthcare’s Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) and Medicare Part D prescription drug plans, AARP membership is NOT required. These plans are available to anyone eligible for Medicare. As the UnitedHealthcare website states:

You do not need to be an AARP member to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan or Medicare Prescription Drug plan.

Medicare Supplement Plans

For UnitedHealthcare’s Medicare Supplement plans (also called Medigap plans), AARP membership IS required. These plans are branded as “AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans, insured by UnitedHealthcare”.

So if you want to purchase a UnitedHealthcare Medicare Supplement plan, you will need to be an AARP member. Membership costs $16 per year.

The reason for this AARP membership requirement is that UnitedHealthcare has an arrangement with AARP to brand and market supplemental plans under the AARP name. AARP receives royalty fees from UnitedHealthcare for the use of its intellectual property.

Enrolling in UnitedHealthcare Medicare Plans

When it comes time to enroll, you can explore UnitedHealthcare’s Medicare plan options and pricing without needing to provide any information about AARP membership.

• For Medicare Advantage and Part D plans, you can compare, select, and enroll in a plan completely independently of AARP.

• For Medicare Supplement plans, you will need to provide your AARP membership information before finalizing enrollment.

UnitedHealthcare agents can walk you through the specifics for the type of plan you are interested in. But the key point is that AARP membership is only required for Medicare Supplement, not for Medicare Advantage or Part D drug plans.

Conclusion

For Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D plans from UnitedHealthcare, you can explore your options and enroll regardless of AARP membership status. Only those interested in a UnitedHealthcare Medicare Supplement plan will need to have active AARP membership.