1. What is AARP Health Care Options?
AARP Health Care Options is not the insurer. It's a unique program that offers access to health insurance, special savings services and health information exclusively to AARP members (age 50+). AARP did a lot of research to create its health insurance and service program which they named AARP Health Care Options. They interviewed a long list of companies on benefits and costs before choosing the providers and services they felt were best for people 50+ and they contracted with the various insurers listed below in order to make coverage available to their members.
2. How many insured participants are in the AARP Health Care Options program?
Today, over 3.5 million AARP members and their spouses (based on 2006 internal company data) hold one or more of the health insurance plans offered through AARP Health Care Options.
3. How long has the Program been in existence?
AARP has made a health insurance program available since AARP was founded in 1958 by retired educator Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus. The program was renamed AARP Health Care Options a few years ago, and we have expanded it to include more than just supplemental health insurance. We also offer primary health insurance, long-term care insurance, discounts on eye health services and discounts on prescription and non-prescription medications.
4. What companies offer health insurance through AARP Health Care Options?
United HealthCare Insurance Company (For plans offered in NY, United HealthCare Insurance Company of New York ) insures the AARP Group Hospital Indemnity, Supplemental Medical, Hospital Advantage, Medical Advantage, Personal Health Insurance, and Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans. The A.M. Best Rating for 2006 for United HealthCare Insurance Company (United HealthCare Insurance Company of New York, for New York residents) is A+.
Metropolitan Life Insurance Company is the insurer of the AARP Long-Term Care Insurance Plan and was rated A+ by A.M. Best in 2006.
A.M. Best is an independent organization that evaluates insurance company financial performance.
Who can get AARP Health Care Options products and services? The Program exclusively serves AARP members and their spouses in all 50 states and U.S. territories. To take advantage of our products and services, you have to be an AARP member!
5. What products and services are available?
Through AARP Health Care Options, AARP members and their spouses have the opportunity to apply for and enroll in quality health insurance products, including Medicare supplement insurance plans; hospital indemnity supplemental insurance plans, primary health insurance plans, and long-term care insurance plans. Dental insurance is available in some states. We also offer discounts on eye exams and eyewear, as well as discounts on prescription and non-prescription drugs, and a wide assortment of other healthy living products. And, we offer home delivery of Medicare reimbursable medical supplies.
6. What kind of savings can I get on prescriptions?
Just visit AARP Pharmacy Services* and you'll get information on how to save through the mail or at your local pharmacy.
7. Can I save on vitamins and supplements and other healthy living products?
Yes, our AARP Pharmacy Services, Health Essentials catalog offers exclusive AARP Pharmacy brand products with significant savings over national brands. Plus, we offer a wide assortment of competitively priced, name brand, over-the-counter medicines, skin and hair care, sleep comfort and fitness products, and more.
8. Do you sell Medicare Part B reimbursed medical supplies?
Yes, Medical Supply Services, part of AARP Pharmacy Services, offers a full assortment of diabetes, respiratory, and ostomy supplies, plus mobility products. For Medicare processed orders, we ship free to your home, handle all the claim forms, and bill both Medicare Part B and your supplemental insurance carrier. (Not eligible with HMO's.)
9. Can I save on glasses and contacts?
If you're an AARP member, you can save up to 60% on eyewear at some of your favorite optical retailers! It's easy with AARP Vision Discounts* - just show your Membership card to save.
