Available AARP Medicare Advantage Plans
AARP has the same plan types as most other Medicare Advantage providers. These plans include the essential coverage you would expect with Medicare Part C, including Part A, Part B, and Part D. Plus, most AARP plans come with vision, dental, and hearing coverage — benefits you cannot get with Original Medicare. Let's take a closer look at AARP's Medicare Advantage plan types.
HMO
An AARP health maintenance organization (HMO) plan requires you to get the majority of your non-emergency care within a preset network of healthcare providers. Most AARP HMOs include Part D prescription drug coverage and many of the extra benefits that come with all AARP Medicare Advantage plans. You will need to choose a primary care physician and receive treatment within your network, as AARP's traditional HMO does not cover most treatments received outside of your network. HMOs are best for seniors who do not travel much and spend most of their time near in-network providers.
HMO-POS
An AARP HMO with point-of-service (POS) coverage allows you to get some types of treatments outside of your network. While your coverage does extend farther, you will still have to pay more when you go out of network. Like its standard HMO plans, AARP's HMO-POS plans often come with a low or $0 premium, prescription drug coverage, and extra benefits. This type of plan gives older adults more freedom to travel without losing their Medicare coverage. However, both types of HMO plans will generally require prior authorization for treatments and approval from your primary care physician to see specialists.
PPO
When compared to an HMO plan, a preferred provider organization (PPO) plan offers much more freedom, as you can see any physician who accepts Medicare. You won't be required to get referrals, approvals, or prerequisite hospital visits for most services. However, PPOs still operate within the UnitedHealthcare Medicare National Network, and you'll pay more for out-of-network visits. Like HMO plans, you can find many AARP PPO plans with a low or $0 premium.
PFFS
AARP's private fee-for-service (PFFS) plan does not have a network. Instead, you can see anyone who accepts Medicare to get treatment. However, some of AARP's PFFS plans do not automatically come with Part D coverage; you may have to pay to get a stand-alone Part D plan if you want prescription drug coverage. This plan is best for seniors who want autonomy to get treatment from the doctor or facility of their choice without worrying about networks.
SNP
An AARP special needs plan (SNP) has a provider network and is available to those who qualify based on unique healthcare or financial circumstances. This type of plan is not available to everyone. If you do qualify, you can rest easy knowing that all AARP SNP plans come with Part D prescription drug coverage.
