Insurance & Medicare

Tools

drugs a to z

Drugs A-Z

Find information on drug interactions, side effects, and more.

medicare interactive tool

Medicare Interactive Tool

Find expert advice, free education, and helpful information on Medicare.

Voices

Ms. Medicare

Will Medicare Cover Skilled Nursing Care?

By Patricia Barry

A user asks why a skilled nursing facility is not billing Medicare for the services.

AARP Programs

Health Care Reform: Health Action Now

Join AARP in the fight for health care reform and have your voice heard.

Divided We Fail

The Divided We Fail effort advances the idea that partisan gridlock should not stand in the way of affordable health care and long-term financial security for all Americans.

Medicare & Medicaid Guides

2009 Medicare Rates

What Medicare will charge for its premiums, deductibles, and co-payments.

Get Started With Medicare

Where to begin if you're about to qualify for Medicare.

Choose the Right Medicare Plan for You

Guidance on which plan's best.

Get Educated on Individual Insurance

Individual insurance options for people 50-plus.

Compare Medicare Plans

Key differences between the different plans.

Learn About Medicare Extra Help

This program helps pay for prescription drug costs if you have limited income and limited resources.

Doctor, Home Health, and Preventive Care

What Medicare Part B covers and what you pay.

Inpatient Hospital, Nursing Home, Home, and Hospice Care

What Medicare Part A covers and what you pay.

What Doctors Can Charge Under Medicare

What it means if your doctor "accepts assignment."

Losing Your Group Health Insurance?

Here are some options to stay insured.

Compare Medigap Plans

Benefits offered by the 12 Medigap plans, A through L.

Compare Medigap Coverage

Different plans fill different coverage gaps.

Tapping Supplemental Insurance

Medigap insurance plans supplement Medicare.

Get Medicaid Basics

How coverage and benefits differ from Medicare.

Applying for Medicaid

How to enroll in Medicaid.

Medical Disclaimer

All visitors to AARP.org should seek expert medical care and consult their own physicians for any specific health issues. Read this disclaimer in its entirety.

Some of the people enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans feel deceived by rate hike notices from their insurers. Find out why.

Red and White Pills

Guide to Medicare's Drug Plan Finder

By Patricia Barry

Follow these steps to identify the least expensive Medicare Part D drug plan that will cover your prescriptions in 2010.

doughnut sprinkled with pills

Dodge the Part D Coverage Gap

AARP's new "Doughnut Hole Calculator" can help you save money on the drugs you take under Medicare Part D. Try out the tool now.

 

From the Online Community

Group: New HCR group

Group: Health Action Now
Join AARP in separating facts from myths about health-care reform.
Join Group

Group: Medicare Part D

Group: Medicare Part D Share your knowledge of this program's benefits and issues, and express your concerns about it.
Join Group

How Will Health Care Reform Help Older Americans?

By Seniors to Seniors

In a new series of videos, patients, physicians, and health care advocates address how health care reform would safeguard Medicare.

Sick and Broke?

By Sharon Kay

Tens of millions of Americans have health insurance but are not really protected: Their coverage is so skimpy that a medical crisis could mean financial ruin.

Who Decides Your Fate?

By Michael Haederle

A proposal in health-care reform legislation has stirred up misconceptions about end-of-life decisions. The truth: It would empower you to determine your care, step by specific step.

Select a Medicare Drug Plan

By Patricia Barry

Medicare Part D helps you pay for your prescription drugs. Use our guide to find the right plan for you.

New Bills Aim to Expand Medicare

By Patricia Barry

Uninsured people ages 50 to 64 are caught in a health-care twilight zone—old enough to be facing more medical problems but too young for Medicare. New health proposals in Congress aim to help.

6 Critical Health Reform Issues

By Tamara Lytle

We take a look at what's being said and who's saying it in the debate on available, affordable, health care coverage.

What's the Deal With the Medicare 'Doughnut Hole'?

From Erickson Retirement Home Town Hall Meeting

Video: Former AARP CEO Bill Novelli explains the prescription-drug coverage gap in Medicare Part D—what it is and how it came about.

Is Your Neighbor Getting a Better Medicare Deal?

By Susan Jaffe

Based on county rates, Medicare Advantage plans provide unequal benefits.

Medicare Advantage: Beware the Hard Sell

By Patricia Barry

Some beneficiaries have been duped into buying Medicare Advantage plans.

AARP Health Benefits

AARP Health Insurance Benefit

Affordable Healthcare? Consider it Done

Insurance & Plans: From Major Medical to Medicare Supplement, find the right health insurance plan for you.

Discounts & Savings: Pharmacy, Vision & and even Fitness discounts provide everyday savings for you.

More to Explore

senior woman and neighbor

Create The Good
AARP is calling on its members to Create the Good in their neighborhoods. Get involved.

Benefits QuickLINK
Find out
what public or private benefits are available for older adults and families with children.

More From AARP

Health Care Reform

Doctor with elderly patient

Here's a coalition that supports health care reform to strengthen Medicare.

Accessible Care Now

health reform and action now

Join AARP in the fight for health reform. Make sure you speak up today!

Member Discount

river cruise on the Nile

Save $100 per person off vacations or river cruises from Grand European Tours.

Is It Truly Organic?

Apple

How can you tell whether or not "organic" foods are the real deal?

Enter Green Sweeps!

Live Green Every Day Sweepstakes

Enter for a chance to win Energy Star appliances, a MacBook, or mountain bikes!

Fat 2 Fit

Fat 2 Fit Shedding Pounds

Many people find they can shed medications along with their extra pounds.

TV Tackles Aging

Close up of a womans face

An AARP-supported show addresses health and other issues faced by aging people.

How to Bounce Back

resilient people

Everyone goes through tough times. Some folks just navigate them better. Learn how.

Free Fun in Vegas

Welcome to Las Vegas

Gambled and lost? Peter Greenberg gives tips on free stuff to do in Sin City.

401(k): Debt Cutter?

withdrawing money from the bank

Should I borrow from my 401(k) to pay off my house? How steep is the penalty?

Book Review

Ricardo Montaner

Singer Ricardo Montaner's book portrays a man committed to his family and faith.

New Tricks in Bed?

Use these tips to improve your life ... under the covers. Get what you want!.