AARP Medicare Supplement plans are insured and sold by private insurance companies like UnitedHealthcare to help limit the out-of-pocket costs associated with Medicare Parts A and B. Supplement plans can help pay for some or all of the costs not covered by Original Medicare - things like coinsurance and deductibles.

AARP/UnitedHealthcare Medicare Supplement Insurance plans Medigap Plan A - the basic benefits included in every Medigap plan without any extras. Medigap Plan B - basic benefits plus coverage for the Medicare Part A deductible. Medigap Plan G - the highest-coverage option available to new Medicare members.

One of the biggest differences between Part C plans and Original Medicare (also known as fee-for-service) is that Medicare Advantage often has limited networks of doctors and hospitals and charges you more to see out-of-network providers - if you're allowed to see them at all.

Original Medicare covers inpatient hospital and skilled nursing services – Part A - and doctor visits, outpatient services and some preventative care – Part B. Medicare Advantage plans cover all the above (Part A and Part B), and most plans also cover prescription drugs (Part D).

If you ever wonder if your AARP membership is worth it, consider some of these extras

• Benefits on the Go.
• Online Games.
• Eyewear, Vision Exams and Hearing Care.
• Dining, Shopping and Technology Discounts.
• Free Online Movie Screenings.
• Prescription Discounts for the Whole Family.

Read more about each member benefit below:

• AARP Travel. Get an insider's view on great vacation ideas with the AARP Travel site.
• Delta Dental.
• AARP Hearing Center.
• AARP Job Board.
• Budget and Avis.
• BMI Calculator.
• AARP Auto Buying Program.
• EyeMed Vision Insurance.

Best overall Medicare Supplement: AARP AARP/UnitedHealthcare (UHC) is one of the best Medigap companies, offering the security of an AARP endorsement and the strength of a major health insurance company. Its rates are cheap, and plans include many add-ons such as discounts on vision and dental care.

Lower out of pocket costs Under Medicare Advantage, each plan negotiates its own rates with providers. You may pay lower deductibles and copayments/coinsurance than you would pay with Original Medicare. Some Medicare Advantage plans have deductibles as low as $0.

If you joined a Medicare Advantage Plan during your Initial Enrollment Period, you can change to another Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage) or go back to Original Medicare (with or without a drug plan) within the first 3 months you have Medicare Part A & Part B.

AARP caters to older people who are looking for benefits and a sense of community. The organization offers an annual membership that provides access to senior discounts and offers.

Membership is as little as $12 for your first year with automatic renewal and $16 per year after that; it's risk-free and can be canceled at any time. AARP also offers multi-year membership plans.

AARP Medicare Plans offer a range of options, from plans that help cover out-of-pocket costs to comprehensive plans that include additional benefits.