AARP Medicare Part D Information

Drug coverage under Medicare Part D is available from AARP

AARP is one of the most recognizable names in advocacy groups. The organization has been lobbying and advocating on behalf of the elderly and retirees since 1958. AARP recently teamed up with the private health insurance company UnitedHealthcare in order to offer Medicare private health plans, including a group of Medicare Part D prescription drug plans called AARP Medicare Rx. These plans are available nationwide.

AARP Medicare Rx Saver

For those who can't keep up with high priced premiums and co-payments, AARP offers the AARP Medicare Rx Saver plan. This plan offers lower monthly premiums and lower co-payments at one trade-off; there is an annual deductible which was reported by Medicare Consumer Guide to be $265 in 2007 and AARP reported at $310 in 2010. AARP recommends this plan for those with few prescriptions.

AARP Medicare Rx Preferred

According to the Medicare Consumer Guide, the AARP Medicare Rx Preferred Plan (formerly just “AARP Medicare Rx”) covers every drug covered by Medicare Part D with pre-set co-payments determined by tiers. The premium is mid-priced and varies from region to region. Enrollees in this plan will have coverage immediately as there is no deductible for this plan. AARP says this plan is best for those who want drug insurance that will keep them protected from surprise costs.

AARP Medicare Rx Enhanced

Like the AARP Medicare Rx plan, the Enhanced plan also covers every Medicare Part D drug. However, since it's enhanced, it also includes additional drugs that are not typically covered by Part D. This plan also offers coverage of Tier 1 generic drugs during the Part D coverage gap. This plan also has no deductible and pre-set co-payments for prescriptions. AARP recommends this plan for those with high drug costs, specifically those most at risk to enter the Part D coverage gap.

Pharmacy Network

AARP has a large pharmacy network. Medicare Consumer Guide reports that the company has over 60,000 pharmacies in-network. AARP Medicare Rx enrollees can also take advantage of a preferred mail order system which may offer discounts.

Tiers and Co-payments

AARP Medicare Rx determines co-payments based on a tier system. There are four tiers. Tier 1 includes mostly generic drugs and is the most affordable. Tier 2 is medium priced and includes brand name drugs that are preferred by AARP. Tier 3 is higher in cost and includes brand name drugs not preferred by AARP. Finally, there is a specialty tier of drugs that are at the highest price.

References

• AARP Medicare Plans: Medicare Prescription Drug Plans
• Medicare Consumer Guide: AARP Medicare Rx Plan
• AARP: About AARP

Resources

• Medicare.gov: Medicare Plan Finder
• Medicare & You Handbook