Prescriptions, providers and benefits
Will I have prescription drug coverage?
Prescription drugs aren't covered by Original Medicare (Parts A and 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).
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?
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 and 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
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Read next: Medicare costs
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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 Plans insured by UnitedHealthcare.
AARP endorses the AARP Medicare Supplement Plans insured by UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company, 185 Asylum Street, Hartford, CT 06103 (available in all states/territories except ND, NY) or UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company of America, 1600 McConnor Parkway, Floor 2, Schaumburg, IL 60173 (available in AR, AZ, IL, IN, KS, MS, NC, ND, NJ, OH, OK, PA, SC, TN, TX, WY) or UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company of New York 2950 Expressway Drive South, Suite 240, Islandia, NY 11749 (for NY residents). 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. Limitations, co-payments, and restrictions may apply. Benefits, premium and/or co-payments/co-insurance may change on January 1 of each year.
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