Enrolled in AARP UHC Supplemental Plan - Is AARP membership required in succeeding years?

[IPLiz643355]

I have been enrolled in an AARP-UHC Supplemental Plan in NJ for almost a year now. I have never used and don't anticipate using any of the AARP membership benefits. What happens if I don't renew my AARP membership - will it affect my AARP-UHC Supplement Plan?

[IPLiz643355]

I had a chat session with a UHC rep and was told I needed to maintain my AARP membership. I just decided to get the $45 (5-Year) renewal offer.

[ElizabethK606155]

I just spoke with a rep and got down to what they really mean. My father in law's AARP membership expired in 2022 and has not renewed it based on being told we did not need to continue it to keep the insurance policies. All of his bills are going through and being paid since then through these plans. The reason they want you to keep the membership is in case you want Vision, Dental or Hearing benefits...you can save up to 30% in these areas.

[GailL1]

@IPLiz643355 

I doubt that they could cancel your Medigap policy because you dropped your membership - unless they actually ask you and your tell a fib.  There are only (2) ways that a Medigap policy can be cancelled by the insurer:

1.  NON payment of premiums

2.  You lie to them on the application (usually that is a medical related matter- including age)

Wonder if they actually do check AARP membership with long time policy holders.  Do you get asked the membership question when your Medigap anniversary rolls around each year?

Guess this relationship between AARP & UHC with these type policies aids a bit more involved than other Medicare insurance benefits (Medical Advantage plans) where you do NOT have to be a member to partake in this sort of policy.  

[IPLiz643355]

I do have doubts about what the UHC rep told me (could be just standard scripted reply). It is clearly stated in their FAQ that "You must be an AARP member to enroll in an AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance plan." The key word is "enroll" and since enrollment is only done once then I believe it's not required. However, the UHC rep kept repeating it is required so for my peace of mind I just bit the bullet and did the 5-year renewal. I have not had my AARP-UHC supplement plan for a full year yet but as far as I know I just have to keep paying my premium on time in order to keep the same plan.

[GailL1]

As long as I have been on this board - since 2008 - I have Never found the answer to that question.  The only thing I see is that you must be a member of AARP when you purchase an AARP/UHC Medigap policy.   Pass that, I have not a clue.  Think this is gonna have to come from the powers-that-be- at United Healthcare cause they have the control of the GAP policy and the renewals.

Let us know what you find out.  Maybe direct your inquiry to the AARP Membership & Benefits HELP board 

EDITED TO ADD:  Remember that you only purchase a Medigap plan one time, the rest of the years are renewals.  

[OneDayMatisyahu]

From an article I've seen by Forbes.com - you can click here------> UnitedHealthcare Medicare Supplement Review (2023) – Forbes Health

( be sure to open the three FAQS menu - at the end, too )

It seems you may need to be an AARP member.

Currently you can 'renew for 5 years at $45 with their current promotion' = $9.00 per year.

At $45 this money can easily be 'recouped by earning easy points and redeeming for 'free gift cards of your choice in their AARP Rewards program' - if you have a little 'down-time/ free time' - this can be done.

😐  To be sure, you should call AARP UHC Supplemental Plan's - their Customer Service with your specific question - to get the correct answer.