United Healthcare AARP Prescription Plan 130% increase

[GiacomoM491699]

Our AARP Medicare Rx Walgreens from United Health Care (PDP) went from $35.20 to $80.40 in January 2024 - a 130% increase!!!

We only saw the increase when the credit card was charged in January 2024. Their notification was an email that said "your 2024 Annual Notice of Changes is ready for you to review" with no indication on the email of a significant premium change.

We believe this is clearly insufficient notice and misleading.

Our attempt to terminate the plan or reduce the charge was unsuccessful. We also contacted Medicare and found that there is nothing that can be done.

Our interaction with customer care at United Healthcare was very frustrating. We were sent around 5-6 departments and spent hours on the phone on this issue.

I realize now that Medicare regulations are very favorable to insurance companies and provide very little protection for the consumer.

I expect AARP to sponsor companies that provide better transparency and information to their members. And I ask AARP to be more demanding towards United Health Care, as the service they are providing us is clearly not serving the interest of the members and their communication is insufficient if not quite deceiving.

If others have experienced the same, please respond/comment on this (you can just say "same here" or "agree", so AARP can hear us.

[kathleeno616576]

 AGREE/AGREE/AGREE ...

[javmd]

Check to see if your state has a SHIP organization that is under the state department of insurance. SHIP counselors are volunteers, required to present unbiased information, are certified by the respective state's DOI. During open enrollment, counselors can help you select or even help you enroll in part D drug plans which include inputting your medications into the Medicare.gov website. You are not required to have a Medicare.gov account in order to find your best options. SHIP organization vounteers also are available throughout the year as well. They also help clients work through different Medigap supplemental plans as well as Medicare Advantage plans, a service at no cost to you.

[TRL1111]

Once the 2026 plans come out, everyone with a Part D prescription drug plan, and by that I mean every. single. person., should go to the Medicare.gov plan finder, put in their drugs, and see which plan will be the cheapest.  It takes only a few minutes. 

A few years ago, I saved a friend of mine $1,000 by doing it, when his agent refused to help him.  He was on an AARP/UHC Part D drug plan and the premium was going up to over $100/month.  I found him a BCBS plan for like $17/month, with similar coverage for the drugs he takes.  Then the next year Wellcare showed up with a $0 plan, and I switched him to that and almost all of his drugs are $0 copay, with a $0 premium.  

I don't take any drugs, and am currently on the same Wellcare $0 premium plan, and it appears it's going to be $0 next year, too.  

But be aware that using Medicare.gov's plan finder means your choice is based only on the drugs you currently take (if any), and obviously doesn't take into account drugs you MIGHT be prescribed at some point next year.  But there's nothing you can do about that, so use the information you have to make an as informed a choice as possible.  And find some comfort in knowing that there's a $2,000 out-of-pocket maximum ($2,100 in 2026), which obviously will hurt, but it IS a maximum.  And be aware that the OOP maximum doesn't include premiums.  

This also goes for anyone with an Advantage plan.  REVIEW ANY CHANGES YOUR PLAN HAS.  And even if there are no changes, maybe shop around anyway to see if there's a better one out there.

[CBtoo]

Some agents are now refusing to help clients with any plan (drug, supplement, advantage plan) that doesn't pay a commission (lots of plans have dropped paying them or greatly reduced the amount they will pay in 2026. Many of those posting about this stated that those companies are "dead to them". If people use an agent and that person is one of those who won't even mention a plan that doesn't pay them anything (and yes they need to earn a living but you need to know about the plan that will best suit your needs) then unless you go looking on your own you will not even hear about some of the plans. Some agents on that forum stated they will tell people about those plans but won't sign them up, they have to sign themselves up. Others have said that if the person has a supplement with them they will still sign them up for a D that doesn't pay commission. 

As a result BUYER BEWARE and always check the medicare.gov site yourself even if you are also using an agent.

[javmd]

Check to see if your state has a SHIP organization that is under the state department of insurance.  SHIP counselors are volunteers, required to present unbiased information, are certified by the respective state's DOI.  During open enrollment, counselors can help you select or even help you enroll in part D drug plans which include inputting your medications into the Medicare.gov website.  You are not required to have a Medicare.gov account in order to find your best options.  SHIP organization voumteers also are available throughout the year as well.  They also help clients work through different Medigap supplemental plans as well as Medicare Advantage plans, a service at no cost to you.

[WalterF955441]

Thank you for this information.  I actually had good luck using Medicare's Plan Comparison function for Medicare Part D.  It actually uses the medicines I take regularly (already available to them) to present plans based on Customer Ratings and Total Expected Costs (Copays and Premiums Combined).  As a result, I'm all set for 2026 with a much better plan!

[t988165l]

 I totally agree! Outrageous! and this year, it went up another approximately 50%!  From when I first got it in 2023 to now, it has been a 500% increase.  I will be changing plans although they likely are all raising rates.

Something I learned today to PAY ATTENTION to is the price of drugs from different pharmacies available for the same plan.  Until today, I had no idea that there could be as much as a $270/month difference between a pharmacy and online pharmacy!  Or even more shocking, over $100/prescription difference per month between one pharmacy and another available in my plan.

At least I noticed now versus ten years from now.

 1. Review your updates and look for changes - they will not point it out.

 2. Do your research and order from the cheapest pharmacy for EACH new prescription you get.

[kathleeno616576]

  Wonder if this revelation may provide an answer to AARP members. You can get a free Axios account and read the entire article online. Posted: October 10, 2025; axios.com

UnitedHealth paid AARP $9 billion to sell Medicare products

[GailL1]

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@kathleeno616576 wrote:

  Wonder if this revelation may provide an answer to AARP members. You can get a free Axios account and read the entire article online. Posted: October 10, 2025; axios.com

UnitedHealth paid AARP $9 billion to sell Medicare products

---

Oh, @kathleeno616576, I don’t think you are understanding the Axios article.  

AARP and UHC have for years had a royalty agreement in place.  UHC pays AARP for the use of their [branded] name on their Medicare plan products - both MAPD plans and Medigap (Medicare Supplemental plans).

This latest agreement and payment, as simply as I can put it, is just a different way of paying AARP for this branded name use. 

There is nothing sinister or unusual about this - it is just another way of paying AARP for this contracted deal with UHC.  

Perhaps this part of AARP’s accounting statement will help you understand it -

AARP.org - Grant Thornton LLP - Consolidated Financial Statements and Report of Independent Certifie... 

At the above link READ page 15 under the heading of  “Royalties “

UHC is still the largest Medicare plan insurer - for both MAPD and Medigap plans - so it seems that this arrangement has worked out well for both companies in this regards - UHC and AARP.  UHC has a big advertising edge with the use of the AARP name and AARP can use these funds to further their advocacy positions for older folks (50 and over).  This is how AARP pays the lobbyist to support their advocacy positions for Social Security, Medicare, Caregiving, Older workers in the workplace, Legal matters like age discrimination - I probably missed a few.

The $ 9 BILLION was based on what was paid in the previous (10) years.  Heck, it might even be more than that at the end of the term of the contract depending on how many Medicare beneficiaries buy their [name branded] insurance products.  

For a complete detailed synopsis of this matter - See my (Gail1) post on      10-12-2025 11:59 AM       and         10-12-2025 12:30 PM  at this link on this board:

https://community.aarp.org/t5/Medicare-Insurance/46-Increase-for-2024-AARP-UHC-Part-D-in-North-Carol... 

[kathleeno616576]

   Thank you for sharing your experiences and suggestions. In January 2025, I changed to Cigna and had a premium of app. $12 a month with a 0 deductible for drugs in Tier 1 and 2. Well, Cigna prescriptions has been bought out by HealthSpring, a company that I have never heard of. And my premium is going up $50 a month to app. $62 which is a kicker because I   only take 2 generic medications. So, it's back to doing my research but it doesn't seem possible to beat the system that is stacked against people who are just trying to stay healthy.

Good luck!!

[GailL1]

@kathleeno616576 

You pick the BEST plan year by year - just like other health care insurance, they change from one year to the next based on their experience in the marketplace.  

From what I hear, there are not as many zero premium plans in the marketplace in 2026 but there are still some & many with rather low premiums, all depends on  your area - when the Medicare plan finder is up and running in the next few weeks, put your meds and zip code in and see what comes up.  

HealthSpring is the new name for Cigna's Medicare business, which was acquired by Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC) in March 2025 -   HCSC’s Medicare plans of Medicare Part D, Medicare Advantage and Supplemental benefits (Medigap) are being marketed under the service marked name of HealthSprings.  HCSC is larger by membership than Cigna so you may still find another of their plans that meets your need - just have to wait to see what is being offered in you area.

If for some reason you or any other beneficiary have a problem locating your best plan on the Medicare Plan finder, there is help available thru various independent Medicare health plan brokers, thru your states SHIP office or in some states, their Dept of Aging but do book an appointment early if you will be needing help.  

[kathleeno616576]

 Thank you. Extremely helpful.

[CBtoo]

But beware if you use a broker now some of them will refuse to tell you about plans that pay no commission nor sign you up for one. Also brokers usually can't write for every plan that is out there. Even if you use a broker because you want their help if something goes wrong and some brokers will help you out then, it pays to ALSO check medicare.gov to see everything that is out there and their costs. 

[GailL1]

@t988165l 

Yes, lots is changing in the Medicare Part D realm this year - we got all those benefits last year as the result of the Inflation Reduction Act and now time to pay for them.  

The insurers have taken on more of the cost of Part D drugs.  

You have a $ 2000 out of pocket max on the drugs that are covered in your plan. Some very expensive drugs taken by many seniors  have been negotiated downwards in price and more are being added every year.  So lots of new benefits for us, seniors.  

Yes, review your plan choice every year and then find the best plan for your needs and pocketbook.  

The Medicare . gov drug plan comparison selection should be up and running about 10/01/2025 - definitely by 10/15/2025 - the date that you can officially change plans

[MarkP478229]

AARP is fighting for YOU. 

[gba1958]

Same here!

[KellyO21422]

I also paid the high premium and was told no co-pays and prescriptions, and no cost or generic. That was a lie.

[kathleeno616576]

 Wait until you see the 2025 premium Rx increase (Walgreens plan)! Just read latest United email, and after some digging, found the info on plan changes for 2025. My premium is going up to $103 a month; currently $68 after being $38 in the beginning of 2024. This percentage increase is unreal as I still have a yearly deductible to meet and I don't take alot of meds. I am at the point of cancelling my AARP membership because I do not see the value anymore when they attach their name to such thievery!

[SallyS241271]

I saw my drug plan go from $34 in ‘23 to $54 in ‘24 and now it is projected at $89 for ‘25. I take zero medications. I will definitely be ditching this company. They also hold my Plan G and will be more expensive than most companies. Sorry AARP this is not the best choice for  consumers. 

[GailL1]

@SallyS241271 

A beneficiary should not pick their Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) based on the price of the premiums or the insurer sponsor of the plan.  A beneficiary picks their Medicare Part D PDP based on their medication needs and the plans available to them in their geographical area.

Each plan develops their own formulary based on the rules which CMS has set on what has to be covered in these prescription drug plans.

Plan formularies must include drug classes covering all disease states, and a minimum of two chemically distinct drugs in each class. Part D plans are required to cover all drugs in six “protected” classes: immunosuppressants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, antiretrovirals, and antineoplastics.

This criteria as well as the extent to which methods are utilized by the plan sponsor to control cost determine the premiums.  Factors used to control are applying a deductible or not - and CMS determines the deductible annually, pre approvals necessity on some drugs, quantity limits on some drugs and the utilization of step therapy in the plan.

Part D PDP are also divided into basic and enhanced - and these are also how the plans are priced - because the enhanced does cover more perhaps with less constraints per certain medication.  

This is all done by georgraphical area since this matters in pricing - all health care cost are local.  

If a beneficiary takes no meds, or maybe only a generic or two, they can actually just get the lowest to no cost plan and even buy their monthly meds out of pocket from some drug discounter and no use their plan at all.  They should at least sign up for the lowest cost or no cost plan available to them to avoid the late sign up penalty assessed by the government and which stays with the beneficiary forever.

This year, insurer sponsors are having to redo many of their plans because of the extent to which the plan design was changed by legislation to help the many who are talking higher cost drugs and limit the out of pocket in 2025 to $ 2000.  

All beneficiaries need to review their Medicare free-standing drug plans  or their Medicare Advantage plans this year during annual enrollment  to make sure their needs are covered.  They should do this every year cause plans do change.

Medigap plans like your Plan G are NOT medical insurance - they are financial protection insurance linked to Traditional Medicare so as to assure a beneficiary that they do not experience a financial catastrophe due to a medical problem.  A beneficiary picks the level of coverage they want under a Medigap plan - which are federally legislated in design.  

[PaulE709499]

I also think the $2000 max part D in 2026 will increase premiums tremendously  going forward. Somebody has to pay for those costs above $2000- it will be everyone.

[JohnE641806]

After seeing the new plans from United for 2025, I too am considering dropping my AARP membership. It seems that AARP has lost it's way, and now their main objective is to help promote a scam on seniors. Why would AARP endorse such poor healthcare plans?

[STLmember]

In my opinion, AARP is on the side of the current administration, which is on the side of giant companies - like insurance or big pharma companies (which command huge profits, even on cheap drugs).  BTW:  Wouldn't you love to see the healthcare insurance options available to members of Congress? I sure would.

[PaulE709499]

I do not follow what AARP endorses. See Genenworth LTC.

[WalterF955441]

 I know what you mean about feeling helpless when you're locked into an AARP UHC Prescription Plan!  I'm locked into the AARP Medicare Rx Preferred Plan, which was supposed to be the best coverage they offer.  I even selected a plan with the best rates for Walgreens, the dominant pharmacy chain where I live in Colorado.  So far, through the first six months of this year, I am paying 91% of my Total Prescription Costs and my expensive AARP Medicare Rx Preferred Plan for Walgreens has paid 9%.  I'm not on any super-expensive cancer drugs, or taking any highly other super-expensive drugs that make my situation unique.

Of course, I called AARP/UHC to try to rectify this "mistake" and I learned, after going over each drug I take with Customer Service, that this was no mistake.  I'm paying AARP/UHC a high premium every month for the privilege of paying 91% of my Total Prescription costs.  Another way of putting it is that I'm paying 10X more for my prescriptions that my AARP/UHC Rx insurance does!  I'm not alone, either.  The Customer Service Representative I spoke with told me that a lot of people who have AARP Medicare Rx Preferred with UHC are irate over how much they're having to personally cover for prescriptions.

If I can't trust AARP as a senior choosing Supplemental Medicare Insurance for Prescriptions, then who can I trust?  If you're reading this, don't make the mistake that I did and automatically renew your AARP Prescription Drug Plans every year!  Take advantage of your town, county, or state Medicare Advisors for Seniors.  They will go over the coverage of your current plan by looking at the costs and insurance coverage for every single prescription you take and recommend the best available Supplemental Plan for Prescriptions for you.  

[GailL1]

Did you check to see how much your plan actually changed with the increase in premium - 

Beneficiaries are urged to review their plans every year during open enrollment to make sure that the plan is still the best for them and their needs.

I can only guess but perhaps you opted for a paperless coverage - where you go online to review any changes or receive any notices - liken this to how some utilities go paperless.

There was a rash of news about 2024 Part D premiums escalating because of law changes - specifically because of the Inflation Reduction Act and the Medicare Prescription Drug program changes within it.

Medicare Part D coverage plans are by law required to give more so with giving more, they cost more.  In 2025 the amount of premium increases is gonna be restricted to a certain % therefore insurers are making adjustments for that as well as all the new coverages that is coming into play.,

CNBC 11/21/2023 - Retirees face significantly higher Medicare Part D prescription drug premiums in 2...

KFF.org 04/20/2023 - Changes to Medicare Part D in 2024 and 2025 Under the Inflation Reduction Act a...

AARP.org - 10/09/2023 - CMS Projects 2024 Part D Prescription Drug Premiums

DO start reviewing your plan every year during open enrollment - that’s why we have an open enrollment period for Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug plans either standalone or as combined in a MAPD.

OpenEnrollment is October 15 - December 07 and policies go into effect on Jan 01.

[GiacomoM491699]

@GailL1 thanks for your comments.
Yes, I opted for paperless coverage, which does not mean I opted for more obscure communications. The email of paperless coverage could very well highlight the content of the communication, like your premium has changed/increased, while it just says: there is a new document for you to review on our website, under the third level of the account menu ....
Paperless is a cost advantage for the insurance company and not a license to limit, obscure or deflect information.

I believe AARP should advocate for clearer and more transparent information and communication from the services they sponsor. I feel misled by how the significant increase was not properly communicated.

[WalterF955441]

  Shame on AARP for lending their name and, I'm sure, profiting from this AARP United Healthcare Medicare Rx Preferred Plan that uses their name.  I have what is supposedly their very best plan and I pay 91% of my total subscription prices at Walgreens out-of-pocket.  And I have the Walgreens Plan.  During Open Enrollment, I am looking at alternatives.  If there isn't anything better, I will literally save money by having no insurance coverage for prescriptions, as the premiums I pay are far more that the paltry 9% of total prescription costs that AARP UHC Medicare Rx Preferred pays this year BEFORE the price increase.

[PaulE709499]

I am not a fan of what AARP endorses. They provide some decent information but that's about it.