Choosing a healthcare plan feels like trying to solve a Rubik's cube in the dark. Honestly, it’s frustrating. You've got "Original Medicare" on one side, which sounds official but leaves huge holes in your wallet, and then you've got this sea of private options. Among the most recognizable are the AARP Medicare supplemental plans.
But here’s the thing: most people assume that because it has the AARP name, it’s a government program or that AARP itself is the insurance company. Neither is true. These plans are actually insured by UnitedHealthcare. AARP just puts their stamp of approval on them and collects a royalty.
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If you’re staring at a stack of mailers and wondering if these plans are actually any good, or if you’re just paying for a brand name, you aren't alone. Let’s get into the weeds of what these plans actually do in 2026.
The Medigap Reality Check
First off, we need to call these by their real name: Medigap. AARP Medicare supplemental plans are designed to sit on top of your Part A and Part B. Think of it like a safety net. Medicare pays its 80%, and the supplement picks up the remaining 20%.
Without one? A single "hiccup" in your health could result in a $10,000 hospital bill because Original Medicare has no out-of-pocket maximum. That’s terrifying.
One of the biggest misconceptions is that these plans cover everything. They don't. They won't pay for your prescriptions—you'll need a separate Part D plan for those. They also don't typically cover long-term nursing home care or private-duty nursing. They are strictly there to pay the "gaps" (deductibles and coinsurance) of medical services that Medicare already approves.
Which Plan Actually Wins in 2026?
You’ve probably seen the alphabet soup: Plan G, Plan N, Plan F. It’s a mess.
Plan G is the heavy hitter. Since 2020, it has become the gold standard for anyone new to Medicare. Why? Because it covers everything except the Part B deductible. In 2026, that deductible is $283. Once you pay that first $283 of the year, Plan G pays 100% of your covered medical bills. No copays. No surprises.
Plan N is for the budget-conscious. It’s cheaper than Plan G, but there’s a catch. You’ll pay up to a $20 copay for some doctor visits and up to $50 for an emergency room visit. Also, it doesn't cover "excess charges." If a doctor doesn't accept the Medicare-approved amount as full payment, they can charge you an extra 15%. Most doctors don't do this, but if yours does, Plan N won't help you there.
Then there’s Plan F. If you were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020, you might still have this. It covers everything, including that $283 deductible. It’s the "Cadillac" plan. But if you're just turning 65 now, sorry—it's off the table for you.
The AARP "Extra" Perks (The Renew Active Factor)
What makes the AARP Medicare supplemental plans stand out from a random plan from Mutual of Omaha or Aetna? It’s usually the "wellness" stuff.
Most Medigap plans are just... insurance. But UnitedHealthcare bundles in a program called Renew Active.
- Gym Memberships: You get a free membership to thousands of gyms.
- Dental/Vision Discounts: Note the word discounts. These aren't full insurance policies for your teeth or eyes, but you get lower rates at places like LensCrafters or through the Dentegra network.
- Brain Health: Access to AARP Staying Sharp, which is basically video games for your brain to keep you sharp.
Is it worth the premium? Maybe. If you actually go to the gym, a $30/month gym membership value basically offsets a chunk of your insurance cost. If you're a couch potato? Not so much.
What It Costs: A No-Nonsense Breakdown
Pricing isn't a "one size fits all" deal. It depends heavily on where you live and how old you are.
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In 2026, a 65-year-old woman in a mid-cost state might see a Plan G premium around $130 to $160 a month. If you’re in Florida or New York? Good luck. It’ll be higher.
UnitedHealthcare uses something called "leveling" or enrollment discounts. They give you a big discount when you first sign up—often around 30% to 39%. But here is the "gotcha" nobody tells you: that discount disappears by about 3% every year. So, your rate goes up because of inflation and because your discount is expiring. By the time you’re 81, that "introductory" price is long gone.
The "Under 65" Trap
If you're on Medicare because of a disability and you're under 65, things get tricky. Federal law doesn't require insurance companies to sell you a Medigap policy.
In about 35 states, there are some protections, but the premiums for under-65 enrollees can be triple what a 65-year-old pays. AARP/UnitedHealthcare is often one of the few carriers that will even talk to people in this situation in certain states, but you have to check your specific zip code. It's a regional patchwork that makes no sense.
Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage: The Great Debate
You’ve seen the celebrities on TV yelling about "Zip Code Lookups" and $0 premiums. That’s Medicare Advantage (Part C). It is not the same as a supplement.
With AARP Medicare supplemental plans, you can see any doctor in the country that takes Medicare. No referrals. No "network." If you want to see a specialist in another state, you just go.
Medicare Advantage usually locks you into a network of doctors in your city. If you go out of network, you pay the whole bill. Advantage plans often have $0 premiums, but you pay as you go—$35 for this, $300 for that. Supplements have a high monthly cost but $0 when you actually get sick.
If you travel a lot or have a favorite specialist, the supplement is almost always the better (though pricier) move.
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Real-World Nuance: The Medical Underwriting Wall
Here is the most important thing you need to know. You have a "guaranteed issue" window when you first turn 65. During those six months, the insurance company must give you a plan at the best rate, regardless of your health.
Once that window closes? If you want to switch plans later, you usually have to go through medical underwriting. They will ask if you have heart disease, cancer, or diabetes. They can—and will—deny your application or charge you a fortune if you're "unhealthy."
Don't assume you can start with a cheap Medicare Advantage plan and "just switch" to an AARP supplement later if you get sick. You might find the door locked.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check your local rates: Prices for the exact same Plan G can vary by $50 a month between companies. Use the Medicare.gov lookup tool to see if the AARP/UHC price is actually competitive in your specific zip code.
- Audit your gym use: If you already pay for a gym, the Renew Active benefit in the AARP plan might make it the "cheapest" option even if the premium is $10 higher than a competitor.
- Join AARP first: You cannot buy these plans without an AARP membership. It’s about $16-$20 a year. Factor that into your math.
- Look at the "High-Deductible G": If you’re healthy and want the freedom of a supplement but hate the $150 premium, look at the High-Deductible Plan G. The premium is often under $50, but you have to pay the first $2,950 of your bills yourself. It’s a great "catastrophic" middle ground.
The bottom line is that AARP plans are popular because they are predictable. You know the company isn't going bust, and the customer service is generally better than the cut-rate carriers. Just don't let the "discount" schedule catch you by surprise ten years down the road.