AARP health insurance plans have come a long way in recent years. In 2007 AARP and Aetna entered into a 10 year agreement to develop their healthcare products and related services for AARP members who are aged between 50 and 64. The two companies realize that many people who fall within this age bracket are not considered healthy in comparison to other age groups. However, their aim was to offer low-cost health insurance products with the minimum amount of underwriting. The first plans introduced by these two health insurance giants became effective in January 2008.
AARP health insurance offers a total of seven plans that come with a range of deductible levels. The main health insurance plans that they offer include Premier PPO plans, HSA Compatible High Deductible Health Plans, and Preventive and Hospital Plans (except in California). These health plans follow extremely unique underwriting guidelines, mandates and overall plan designs. Amongst the many AARP branded plans on offer at are:
* Combined individual/family deductible from medical and pharmaceutical coverage
* No deductible for routine colonoscopies
* Coverage for dependents, dependent relatives and domestic partners
* Child only policies
* Waived pre-existing condition requirements with proof of prior critical coverage
* Separate deductible coinsurance for in network and out of network coverage
* Coverage for behavioral health/substance abuse
* Mammograms
* Co-pays and routine exams
All of AARP health insurance plans are medically underwritten and they are currently available in 32 states. These include Alabama, Alaska, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia and Wyoming.
However, you should be aware that a member is unable to stay on and AARP branded plan once they have turned 65 years of age, although you do have the opportunity to switch to another product. By using their unique underwriting guidelines this should result in a far smaller proportion of write-ups and applicants being declined for their specific AARP branded plans.
The vast majority of states, with the exception of Georgia, simply require a five-year medical history. This is in comparison to the ten-year medical history that many other health insurance providers require. You will also find that AARP health insurance plans have far broader underwriting guidelines on certain conditions which include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, anxiety/depression and chronic erectile dysfunction. You will typically find that an online submission of health insurance will take 5 to 10 days to underwrite the application, whereas a paper application may take anywhere from 10 to 30 days.
There are numerous advantages to having an AARP health insurance plan and these include - their exceptional family coverage plan which can cover you, your spouse or domestic partner, children and grandchildren. The coverage will typically include prescription drugs, hospitalization, doctor’s visits, and preventative care. You are also able to enroll dependent children and grandchildren without the need for any other family member to enroll. You will also find that the AARP Essential Premier Health Insurance plan will cover certain preventative health services upfront without the need for you to pay deductible. These include flu shots, routine office visits, physical examinations, GYN exams and mammograms. This will also include routine colonoscopies.
AARP's Premier PPO plans combine quality coverage with a competitive premium. This type of health insurance plan will also allow you the freedom to see a doctor whenever you need to, and you will not need a referral. It also covers preventative care, doctor’s visits, prescription drugs and hospitalization. The Premier PPO plan does not require you to complete a claim form as long as you use a network provider. This plan has three annual deductible options which are $1500, $2500, or $5000.
Their High Deductible plan is compatible with a health savings account (HSA). This type of plan will ensure that your premiums are extremely low, whereas you will have a higher annual deductible. Once again, this plan will cover preventative care, doctor’s visits, prescription drugs and hospitalization. AARP's high deductible plan should always be combined with an HSA which will allow you to pay for qualified medical expenses with funds that enjoy certain tax advantages. There are two levels of annual deductible for this type of plan which are $3000 or $5000.
There is also AARP's preventative and hospital care plans. These are known to offer basic coverage with the most affordable premiums available. This type of plan will cover preventative care, which will include an annual GYN exam, a physical exam and childcare. The preventative and hospital care plan will also cover you for inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing or home health care, plus there are also certain benefits for outpatient surgery. This plan will have two annual deductible options which are $1250 or $3000. You should be aware that this specific plan is not regarded as a major medical health insurance plan, and will only provide limited benefits. Therefore, this plan may not cover all your expenses that are typically associated with your health care needs.
