AARP Group Health Insurance Plans

Getting and keeping access to good quality health insurance is a key concern of America's senior citizens. Therefore it should come as no surprise that their premier interest group and association, AARP, not only lobbies for it on their behalf, but also offers an array of health, optical and dental plans of its own.

Identification

AARP stands for the American Association of Retired Persons and is a non-profit interest group. They are best known for their political lobbying efforts on behalf of Americans over the age of 50, but as part of their mission to improve the quality of life of their members, they also provide "a wide range of unique benefits, special products, and services." This includes health insurance plans.

Ages 50-64

AARP offers three plans for members aged 50 to 64. This first and most basic is their Essential Health Insurance Plan, which offers a fixed-cash hospital indemnity with limited coverage, but at a substantially discounted premium. Next is the Essential Plus Plan, which is a step up in terms of coverage and indemnity and is meant to compete with normal health insurance. At the top of the ladder is the Essential Premier Plan. Rates and details vary depending on where the applicant for the insurance lives. There is also the Hospital Indemnity Insurance, which is meant to supplement whatever other insurance plans are held by the customer.

Ages 65+

These plans offered by AARP are designed as modules to supplement Medicare. The Medicare RX Plan is designed to cover increases in the price of drugs or unanticipated changes in a customer's drug requirements. The Medicare Supplement Plan is intended to help cover some of the expenses not covered by Medicare and thereby limit the expenses born directly and out of pocket by the customer. The top plan is the Medicare Complete Plan, which is a comprehensive scheme that features no limits based on pre-existing conditions, and offers discounts and benefits based on customer fitness.

Dental

AARP offers a dental plan through the Delta Dental Insurance Company. The plan limits the costs of preventative and emergency dental work and allows the customer to keep their existing dentist. Premiums are guaranteed for 2-year periods.

Optical

The AARP optical plan works through a network of selected optometrists and opthamologists, and offers a 30 percent discount on eyeglasses and a 20 percent discount on contacts through participating major chains, such as Pearle Vision and Lenscrafters.

Resources

• AARP Health Care