Understanding Medicare | AARP Medicare Plans

There's a lot to learn about Medicare. We're here to help you understand the Medicare basics, your different coverage options, enrollment and more. Through helpful resources and tools, discover the information you need to make confident Medicare decisions.

Medicare is individual health insurance offered to U.S. citizens and other eligible individuals based on age, disability or qualifying medical condition. Medicare coverage includes Medicare Part A and Part B (Original Medicare) offered by the federal government, and Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Part D prescription drug coverage, which are offered by private insurance companies. Medicare supplement insurance (Medigap) plans are also offered by private insurance companies and help pay for some out-of-pocket expenses that Medicare Part A and Part B don't pay.

Let's Get to Know Medicare

Whether you're just starting out with Medicare, need to brush up on the facts, or are helping a loved one, start your journey here.

Medicare Eligibility

Find out when you can enroll in Medicare Parts A and B (also known as Original Medicare), and when you can apply for additional coverage.

Enrollment

Learn how to enroll in Medicare for the first time.

Coverage Choices

You have options. Learn about Medicare Part A, Part B, Part C, Part D and Medigap, and the seven ways these different coverage options can be combined to help make your health care easier.

Medicare Cost Basics

How much you pay, when you pay it, and what to do if you need help with Medicare costs.

Prescriptions, Providers & Benefits

A quick guide of important points to consider when reviewing your coverage needs.

Shop Medicare and Medigap insurance plans

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Types of Medicare and Medigap Plans

Original Medicare doesn't cover everything—and it isn't free. Private insurers offer additional coverage to meet a wide range of needs.

Medicare Advantage Plans

The coverage of Original Medicare plus additional benefits in one convenient plan. Most Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage, too.

Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans

Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans help pay for some of the out-of-pocket costs not covered by Original Medicare.

Medicare Prescription Drug Plans

Prescription drugs aren't covered by Original Medicare. Get Part D prescription drug coverage alone or through a Medicare Advantage plan.

Special Needs Plans

Special Needs Plans (SNPs) have benefits that cover special health care or financial needs. All SNPs include prescription drug coverage.

Overview of Plan Types

10 Things to Help You Understand Medicare

Video transcript

An animation of clouds forms on a blue screen. Illustrated trees pop up out of a blue island. A large number 10 appears.

ON SCREEN TEXT: 10 Things to help you understand Medicare

The illustration disappears. A large number 1 appears next to a small island and an outline of a house. Small white text appears next to the illustration. Bubbles appear connected by dots--in one, an official-looking building; in another, the letters "A" and "B."

ON SCREEN TEXT: Original Medicare - Parts A & B comes from the federal government. It covers hospital and medical insurance.

More dotted lines protrude from the second bubble to form two new ones: documents with the letters "H" and "M." A number 2 appears next to an "Rx" prescription bottle. Stray pills adorn the illustration.

ON SCREEN TEXT: There are 2 ways to get Part D prescription drug coverage

ON SCREEN TEXT: A standalone Part D plan OR A Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan with prescription drug coverage

"Standalone Part D plan" and "Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan" are underlined in yellow. A bubble reads "Part D" next to a small drawing of a prescription bottle.

ON SCREEN TEXT: To get a standalone Part D plan you must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and/or Part B.

A new bubble reads "Part C" next to small illustrations of a bed and a stethoscope.

ON SCREEN TEXT: To get a Medicare Advantage plan, you must be enrolled in BOTH Parts A & B.

"BOTH" is underlined in yellow.

A new illustration forms: a number "3" surrounded by colored trees, dollar signs, and a clock. A rubber stamp appears next to a yellow box that reads "Late Enrollment PENALTIES."

ON SCREEN TEXT: Part B & Part D Late Enrollment PENALTIES

You could pay more if you don't enroll when first eligible & don't qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

A number "4" appears next to a pair of binoculars. Stray leaves surround the illustration.

ON SCREEN TEXT: Medicare doesn't cover everything. Your overall health costs can vary and you'll need to consider what your overall

expenses could be. Review premiums, deductibles, copays, etc.

A number "5" appears next to a white box with a green dollar bill. More than a dozen small bubbles read "A" and "B," with many different illustrations to represent different costs.

ON SCREEN TEXT: Medicare supplement insurance plans, also called Medigap, may be able to help by paying some of the out-of-pocket costs Medicare Parts A & B don't cover.

A number "6" is surrounded by a document, pencil, and colored trees. Above white text, a white and green document reads "Medicare Advantage Plan." Small lettered bubbles connect to the document by dotted lines.

ON SCREEN TEXT: Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies and usually combine Parts A, B and D in one plan.

A number "7" overlooks a drawn house.

ON SCREEN TEXT: Where you live makes a difference when it comes to plan coverage, costs and availability.

Above the text, a map of the United States is dotted with compass points.

ON SCREEN TEXT: Medicare Advantage and Part D prescription drug plans vary by state, and in some cases, even by county.

A number "8" is surrounded by clipboard and paper, trees, and leaves. Above text, two illustrated cogs show the word "Medicare" and a small building.

ON SCREEN TEXT: If you have employer or group retiree health insurance, find out how it may work with Medicare. This could impact when

you enroll and what coverage you choose.

A number "9" is surrounded by an island and a document with check marks and X's. A pencil rests on the document. Above text, an illustration of a clock appears next to an arrow trending upward; green dollar signs appear in rows below it in escalating number.

ON SCREEN TEXT: Don't put off enrolling, as you could have higher costs and fewer choices down the road.

A number "10" appears above a small set of steps and stray leaves. Illustrated calendars reading "October," "November," and "December" appear above text.

ON SCREEN TEXT: Medicare Annual Enrollment Period

You have the chance to change plans each year during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period Oct. 15 - Dec. 7.

ON SCREEN TEXT: It's a good idea to evaluate your coverage each year to make sure it still meets your health care needs.

ON SCREEN TEXT: Medicare Made Clear® by UnitedHealthcare®

Getting Medicare the First Time

When you first become eligible for Medicare, you have a Medicare Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), during which you can enroll in Medicare Part A, Part B, Part C and Part D without penalty. However, some people can delay enrolling if working past 65. It's important to understand your options to avoid late penalties and have the health coverage you need.

Your Medicare Initial Enrollment Period

Learn more about your 7-month Initial Enrollment Period for enrolling in Medicare.

Learn More about Medicare Initial Enrollment Period

Medicare When Working Past 65

If you plan to work past 65, your Medicare enrollment choices may be different. You may be able to delay. Discover how Medicare works when you plan to work past 65.

Learn More about Working Past 65

Scroll for Important Disclosures

UnitedHealthcare pays royalty fees to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. AARP and its affiliates are not insurers. AARP does not employ or endorse agents, brokers or producers.

AARP encourages you to consider your needs when selecting products and does not make product recommendations for individuals.

Please note that each insurer has sole financial responsibility for its products.

AARP^® Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans

AARP endorses the AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans, insured by UnitedHealthcare.

Insured by UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company, Hartford, CT or UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company of America, Schaumburg, IL (for ND residents) or UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company of New York, Islandia, NY (for NY residents). Each insurer has sole financial responsibility for its products. Policy form No. GRP 79171 GPS-1 (G-36000-4).

In some states, plans may be available to persons under age 65 who are eligible for Medicare by reason of disability or End-Stage Renal Disease.

Not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or the federal Medicare program.

This is a solicitation of insurance. A licensed insurance agent/producer may contact you.

You must be an AARP member to enroll in an AARP Medicare Supplement Plan.

THESE PLANS HAVE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS, EXCLUSIONS AND LIMITATIONS. FOR COSTS AND COMPLETE DETAILS (INCLUDING OUTLINES OF COVERAGE), CALL A LICENSED INSURANCE AGENT/PRODUCER AT THE TOLL-FREE NUMBER ABOVE.

Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Prescription Drug plans
Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract and a Medicare-approved Part D sponsor. Enrollment in these plans depends on the plan's contract renewal with Medicare. You do not need to be an AARP member to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan or Medicare Prescription Drug plan.

This information is not a complete description of benefits. Contact the plan for more information.

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Medicare Made Clear

Medicare Made Clear

There's a lot to learn about Medicare. We're here to help you understand the Medicare basics, your different coverage options, enrollment and more. Through helpful resources and tools, discover the information you need to make confident Medicare decisions.

Let's Get to Know Medicare

Shop Medicare and Medigap insurance plans

Need help?

Need help?

Types of Medicare and Medigap Plans

10 Things to Help You Understand Medicare

Video transcript

Getting Medicare the First Time

Your Medicare Initial Enrollment Period

Medicare When Working Past 65