Prescription drugs aren't covered by Original Medicare (Parts A & B). Once you've enrolled in Medicare, there are two ways to get Medicare prescription drug coverage: a stand-alone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan (PDP) or a Medicare Advantage plan with prescription drug coverage (MAPD).
You can purchase a stand-alone Medicare Prescription Drug (Part D) plan to help pay for your prescription drug costs. You can have a stand-alone Part D plan in combination with any of these plans:
Original Medicare
Original Medicare plus a Medicare Supplement insurance plan
A Medicare Advantage Private Fee-for-Service plan that doesn't include drug coverage
A Medicare Savings Account (MSA)
To get the convenience of having your prescription drug coverage in the same plan as your hospital, doctor and other benefits, you can look into a Medicare Advantage (Part C) Prescription Drug (MAPD) plan.
Most Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage, and have a lower premium than a stand-alone Part D plan.
Remember: Each Medicare Advantage plan and stand-alone Part D plan covers a certain set of prescription drugs. Be sure to check each plan's drug list (also known as a formulary) to see if the prescription drugs you take will be covered. If you already have prescription drug coverage, make sure your prescriptions will be covered by the plan each year, as a plan's formulary can change from year to year, and the drugs they do or don't cover can change, too.
Estimate your prescription drug costs
The Drug Cost Estimator tool lets you build a list of the medication you take, then estimate your drug costs for a specific UnitedHealthcare plan based on that plan's drug list (formulary).
Will I still be able to see my current provider(s)?
If staying with your current provider or doctor is important to you, check to see if a plan has a provider network. If it does, you'll want to know if your doctor is in that plan's network. Some plans will require you to stay in-network, other plans allow you to use providers outside the network (sometimes at an additional cost), and still other plans don't have a network at all. And Medicare Supplement plans let you see any provider or specialist without network restrictions, as long as they accept Medicare patients.
When thinking about plans, find out:
Will I have to choose providers from a network?
Will my providers accept the plan's terms? If not, are there providers near me who will?
Will I need a referral from a primary care provider to see a specialist?
Providers: See any provider who accepts Medicare.
Specialist referrals: No referral needed to see a specialist who accepts Medicare.
Providers: See any provider or specialist without network restrictions, as long as they accept Medicare patients.
Specialist referrals: No referral needed to see a specialist.
Providers:
Network plans: If a plan has a provider network (for example, an HMO), you can save money by using a provider in the plan's network. Some plans allow you to use providers outside the network, usually for a higher cost.
Non-Network plans: This type of Medicare Advantage plan may not have a provider network and allows you to see any provider that accepts Medicare and the plan’s terms.
Specialist referrals:
Some Medicare Advantage plans require a referral to see a specialist, some do not.
Remember: If a plan has a provider network, that network can change each year. If your current plan has a provider network, be sure to check if your provider will be in the network next year. You can switch plans during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period if your provider won't be in your plan's network next year.
Will I have coverage for additional benefits like vision, dental or hearing aids?
Original Medicare (Parts A & B) covers many medical and hospital services, but it doesn't cover everything.Generally, Original Medicare won't cover routine vision or dental care, eyeglasses, or hearing aids. However, many Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans include these additional benefits. Keep in mind that costs and benefits can vary from plan to plan. Be sure to watch for the additional benefits you need in the plan you're considering.
Here are some other services that are not covered by Original Medicare:
Dental exams, most dental care or dentures
Routine eye exams, eyeglasses or contacts
Hearing aids or related exams or services
Most care while traveling outside the United States
Help with bathing, dressing, eating, etc. (custodial care)
Comfort items such as a hospital phone, TV or private room
Long-term care
Cosmetic surgery
Most chiropractic services
Acupuncture or other alternative treatments
Routine foot care
View plans in your area
See all of the UnitedHealthcare and AARP Medicare and Medigap Plans where you live.
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, Horsham, PA 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.
