Our Verdict
UnitedHealthcare (UHC) offers a broad range of Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans exclusively through AARP that are enriched by AARP specific perks, discounts and access to other UHC health insurance coverage. AARP UHC Medicare Supplement plans may be beneficial for people who use or may later need extensive medical care and/or hospital services, who spend extended periods of time in different states or who need access to providers outside their local network.
FEATURED PARTNER OFFER 
Partner Offers feature brands who paid Forbes Health to appear at the top of our list. While this may influence where their products or services appear on our site, it in no way affects our ratings, which are based on thorough research, solid methodologies and expert advice. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services
Compare Top Medicare Supplement Plans From UnitedHealthcare
- Offers a broad range of Medicare Supplement plans exclusively through AARP
- Coverage available in all 50 states
- Policies can include additional benefits beyond what regulations require
- Call to speak to a licensed insurance agent. TTY 711, Mon-Sun 8 am - 11 pm EST
Call Now
On Medicare Enrollment's Website
Key Features
- UnitedHealthcare supplies Medicare Supplement plans to over four million members across the U.S., according to the company.
- The company offers predictable out-of-pocket costs, Part D drug plans and access to additional coverage.
- Policies offer competitive pricing and expansive benefits.
UnitedHealthcare (UHC) is the exclusive Medicare Supplement provider for AARP. UHC offers no-cost and competitively priced benefits, including discount dental, hearing and vision programs, the Renew Active Fitness Program, which offers free or low cost access to a network of gyms, and AARP programs for brain health. In many states, you can purchase additional coverage for long-term care, vision, dental and hearing aids.
UnitedHealthcare Medicare Supplement at a Glance
- Plan options: UHC offers most standardized benefit packages (plans A through N, with F, G and N being most popular) to fill gaps in Original Medicare coverage (20% of hospital and doctor coinsurance, for example), plus the option to add Part D drug coverage. In some states, enrollees are eligible for long-term care, vision, hearing and dental discounts or coverage as well.
- Provider network: Medicare provides a broad network of health care providers and hospitals, and beneficiaries are able to see their preferred provider (in or out of network) using UHC Medicare Supplement insurance so long as they accept Medicare
- Average monthly premium: Costs vary dramatically by location, age, smoking status and plan type selected, other variables. For example, a 65-year old non-smoking female in Texas might pay about $129.22 a month for Plan G while a 65-year old smoking male in Texas might pay about $146.23 a month for Plan G.
How It Works
Medicare Supplement plans fill gaps in coverage by Original Medicare and are standardized into 10 plans—lettered A through N—offering the same coverage across insurance providers. Most states follow federal and state guidelines, however Massachusetts, Minnesota and Wisconsin utilize different standards. Costs of UHC Medicare Supplement plans vary widely depending on a person’s location. The company’s online tools help customers navigate plan selection and find service providers.
You must be an AARP member and be enrolled in Medicare Part A (hospital) and Part B (outpatient care) to purchase a UnitedHealthcare Medicare Supplement plan. UHC Medigap users can visit any provider who accepts Medicare. As an AARP member, you have access to all AARP services and programs, including Staying Sharp (a brain health program) and Smart Driver (a refresher course that can lower auto insurance premiums).
You may purchase Medicare Supplement insurance during your initial Medigap enrollment period, which lasts up to six months after your turn 65. You cannot be refused coverage during this period; however, you may be subject to medical underwriting or denial of coverage during any other enrollment period.
The Cost
If you or your spouse worked for at least 10 years, you won’t need to pay a monthly premium for Medicare Part A, as you already contributed to Medicare Part A premiums through taxes. However, you do need to pay a premium for Part B, which costs $164.90 per month in 2023. The premium may increase for people with higher incomes and tends to change every year.
All UHC Medicare Supplement plans cover Part A coinsurance and hospital costs for up to 365 days after Medicare benefits are depleted. Plan K provides the least coverage and is usually the least expensive. Plans F, G and N are most popular. Plan C and F are no longer available to beneficiaries who weren’t eligible for Medicare before January 2020. Plans cover different amounts of Part A deductibles, skilled nursing or hospice coinsurance, blood products and foreign travel costs. The cheapest plans set higher deductibles and/or out of pocket limits. In addition, an annual AARP membership costs $16, which is required to access the AARP and UHC Supplement plan benefits.
If you use prescription drugs, you can purchase AARP MedicareRx, UHC’s Part D prescription drug plan. This plan covers common generic and brand name prescription drugs, though available drugs and costs are subject to change. Many popular drugs are available for $0 copays at 9,000 Walgreens and Duane Reade stores nationwide. UHC’s mail order pharmacy OptumRx offers home delivery as well.
FEATURED PARTNER OFFER
Partner Offers feature brands who paid Forbes Health to appear at the top of our list. While this may influence where their products or services appear on our site, it in no way affects our ratings, which are based on thorough research, solid methodologies and expert advice. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services
Need Help Finding The Medicare Supplement Insurance Options That Work Best For You?
- Keep your Medicare doctor
- 1,500 licensed agents, all based in the USA
- No pushy sales tactics
- Receive support making confident, informed decisions about your coverage
What Experts Say
“Medicare is a little bit of a journey, and it changes every year,” says Rob Colangelo, an insurance broker at Colangelo Group based in New York. “Most people don’t really understand all the options for Medicare. Though defined plan benefits are the same, Part D drug plans can be very different from one company to another, working with different preferred pharmacies or offering different drugs at low cost. UnitedHealthcare has a particularly good drug program because they own OptumRx.”
Andrew Byrd, an insurance broker and owner of Medicare Help Me, notes Medicare Supplement plans can also be cost-effective for healthy people and those who can get all their medical care within an insurance company’s network of providers.
The Experience
UnitedHealthCare has mixed reviews in terms of customer service, with low ratings on both TrustPilot and Consumer Affairs. Trustpilot ranks the company 1.2 out of 5 stars, with reviewers noting difficulty accessing information, poor customer service and communication, and high premiums, among other complaints. While Consumer Affairs ranks AARP Medicare Supplemental Insurance 1.5 out of 5 stars, reviewers still note the company’s lack of customer service, and several reviews note a lack of coverage for prescription medications, such as insulin.
Confused About Medicare Supplement Insurance Options?
Find committed, licensed agents who work to understand your coverage needs and find you the best Medicare option. Click Get A Quote or call 866-402-0504 to speak with a licensed insurance agent today.
On Medicare Supplement's Website
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is UnitedHealthcare a good supplemental insurance?
UnitedHealthcare is the largest provider of Medicare Supplement insurance nationwide and is financially stable, according to Moody’s and AM Best. It provides a wide variety of Medigap plans in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. at competitive prices and with free or low-cost add-ons.
What is the highest rated Medicare Supplement Plan?
Plan N is a popular low-cost plan, with Plan G being another popular option, but you must pay the annual Part B deductible of $226 in 2023 before the supplemental insurance kicks in, and Plan G premiums may be more expensive than other plan options.
Is UnitedHealthcare a good plan for older adults?
UnitedHealthCare (UHC) Medicare Supplement plans are available only to AARP members. Enrollment is simple, the coverage is easy to use and the plans are good options for those who travel frequently and may use medical care in multiple states. It may be helpful for people who require frequent medical care or people who need access to specialist hospitals outside their state as well. UHC and AARP also offer extra perks like gym memberships and access to discount dental, vision and hearing aid programs in many states.
