I am so disheartened to discover that my Medicare Plan D Rx insurance that carry the AARP logo and is provided by United Healthcare Insurance Co., (for which AARP receive a royalty payment from United Health.), has a three star rating by Medicare. I expected better from a company that has AARP approval. A three star rating is average, and I don't think that is good enough to carry the AARP logo. My experience with United Health Rx plan is  not a good one. As an example I will use their tier system. Tier 1 is where most affordable drugs are located, tier 5 being the most costly for consumers. I take an eyedrop for glaucoma that in 2010 was a tier one drug. In 2011 it was moved to tier 2. In 2012 it will be located on tier 3.  The cost to me increasing with each step upward. I searched their newly issued Abridged Formulary and found 17 tier 1 drugs in 31 pages of listed drugs!   Medicare informed members that there would be no drug coverage increases this year, yet United Health informed me my premium will increase by $5. per month in 2012. Also, I keep track of the benefit statements that I receive, and have noted that in the "what you paid" column the amounts are steadily increasing, and in the "paid by your provider" the amount is always $0.0. That is right: nothing! They just move my prescription to a highter tier that prevents them from paying while I pay co-pay as well as a monthly premium. Why? Can anyone tell me how to registera complaint with AARP, and request that they pull their logo from this not so beneficial to their members insurance provider?
Posted by eMBe

In Response to Re: Dissappointed with AARP's Medicare Rx Plan D provided by United Healthcare Insurance. : Enrollment in a Medicare Supplement Plan is not normally subject to the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period.  You can usually make changes throughout the year.    The rates of the AARP Medicare Supplement Plans are based on claims experience, projected medical inflation, and the loss ratio.  The loss ratio is determined by the difference between the amount received in premiums as compared to the amount paid in claims, along with the projected premiums and claims for the following year.   Once the loss ratio has been calculated, rates are adjusted for each state and area.  AARP has an independent actuarial firm review the rates to ensure that they are based on sound assumptions of use and cost by program participants.  The Trustees of AARP Health Care Options must also review and approve the rates, taking into consideration United HealthCare’s recommendations and the opinion of the actuarial firm.  Once the Trustees approve the rates, they are presented to each State Insurance Commissioner for final approval.   Please keep in mind that AARP Health Care Options is a group program.  Rates are calculated on the state or area level, not on an individual basis.  Any rate change will apply to all members living in your area who have the same plan as you.   Medicare Part B covers vaccines to prevent flu, pneumonia, and hepatitis B (if the person is at medium or high risk).  It will also cover other immunizations only if the person has been exposed to a disease or condition.  This includes tetanus if the person has stepped on a rusty nail.  Otherwise, a tetanus booster should be covered under a Medicare Part D Plan.  If you have a Medicare Part D Plan, you should check with them to see how to submit the claim.   If you would like to discuss your specific questions on the AARP Medicare Supplement Plans, please send an email to member@aarp.org or contact AARP at 1-888-687-2277.
Posted by AARPGuide

I am about to be covered under AARP's Part D and I am already disappointed.  It was my understanding that all Part D plans had to cover the Shingles Vaccine --- neither of the plans offered by United Healthcare in my state offer this coverage.  It isn't a co-pay issue.  They simply don't cover it.  Medicare doesn't cover this vaccine under Part B.  What is a person to do.  I am very disappointed in AARP.  i should have known better...
Posted by baby188