AARP United Healthcare AARP Medicare Complete NOT AVAILABLE in All States Hot Springs AR, Internet

Hi Kathleen,

I'm so sorry that you're upset that the AARP Health Secure Horizons Plan is no longer available in your state (Montana).  (The AARP Health version of Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part C plans).  I have no doubt that this created extra stress and inconvenience trying to find another plan to supplement your Medicare needs.

While I do agree with your assertion in principle that all insurance plans should be available in all states, in reality as you have discovered that is not true.  I also concur with the other poster that you do not have any case for litigation - which I am sure that any attorney you consulted with would have told you, with the exception of the most blatant or ignorant shyster.  It is the carrier's perogative to decide what market areas would be economically viable for them to operate, subject to Federal and state regulations - mostly the latter since the insurance industry overall is not Federally regulated by state regulated.  On the property and casualty side of insurance, you see carriers who might cover autos in a certain state but are leery to cover homes in areas subject to natural peril (hurricanes, earthquakes, etc.) - or vice versa.  Now AARP Health has a major medical product for members ages 50-64 which is underwritten by Aetna; however, Aetna for whatever reason (I have nothing to do with the Aetna plans) only makes them available in 30 states.

I'm currently employed in customer service for some of AARP Health's plans insured by United Healthcare (the Medicare Supplement and Hospital Indemnity Plans - but not the Medicare Complete [Advantage] Plans).  NO, I am NOT being compensated by them, United Healthcare, or anyone else to write this item.  Hopefully Cheryl or United Healthcare made you aware that you could have automatically switched your coverage to one of our Medicare Supplement Plans with no penalty whatever.  Unlike Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part D (Rx plans), you don't have to wait for any open enrollment period to sign up for a Medicare Supplement Plan.  In your case, United Healthcare was required to inform Medicare that they were no longer offering the plan in your area - and Medicare would have then switched you back to traditional Medicare aka Original Medicare.  That's something that people who sign up for Medicare Advantage Plans don't always realize - they gain some perks, may save a few premium $ but they give up much flexibility AND they give up traditional Medicare.  If you wanted to leave your Medicare Advantage Plan, all you'd need to do is advise Medicare or your plan of your decision and they would send you a disenrolllment form to complete - and you'd be back on Original Medicare.

I don't know if you'll see this since your original post was over a year ago but am posting this anyway - and it may be helpful for other consumers with the same concern.  All you needed to do - or all anyone else has to do is contact us at 800-AARPHEALTH (800-523-5800).  We're available during the week from 7AM to 11PM Eastern Time and on Saturdays 9AM to 5PM Eastern Time.  We also have a Web site but am refraining from posting it since is is currently being worked on and unavailable until the end of June 2012.    Any of our licensed sales representatives will be more than happy to help you select one of our plans; we have several plans - one of which is sure to meet your health needs and your budget.

I hope this information is helpful.

You have no basis for a lawsuit. Not all insurance companies provide coverage in all states. There is nothing that says they have to. The companies have to comply with federal and state laws. Sometimes it's just not it the company's best interest to offer or continue certain policies. You were not cancelled individually,everyone with that coveage was cancelled. Just go though open enrollment and get the best available coverage. It happens all the time. No rip off, just some inconveniance.