AARP, the advocacy group for older Americans, said on November 7, 2008 that it voluntarily suspended sales of United Health Group's certain medical insurance policies which pay fixed cash benefits. Allegations have been made that the marketing of
AARP insurance policies was often misleading because it suggested that they offered comprehensive health coverage. Critics say these policies leave policyholders "vulnerable to tens of thousands of dollars in costs". United Health Group is one of the nation’s largest for-profit insurers.
According to USA Today (November 8, 2008) the advocacy group will suspend AARP health insurance and United Health Care insurance policies "as soon as possible" and it will continue to be suspended until AARP completes an independent review of plans of their marketing efforts.
"There’s no basic protection against high medical costs," said Charles E. Grassley of Iowa, the senior Republican on the Senate Finance Committee, referring to the AARP insurance policies. These policies may leave consumers seriously in debt if they need intensive medical care.
For example, one of AARP’s Medical Advantage plans only pays a maximum of $5,000 for surgical procedures that may cost two or three times that amount. The marketing materials highlight coverage for relatively low-cost procedures. At issue are the insurance plans that were sold by the United Health that can carry the AARP brand. The policies have names like AARP Medical Advantage, Essential Plans and Hospital Indemnity Plans.
If you have AARP insurance policies sold by United Health Care insurance and the AARP, you may have a claim. If you are interested to learn about your options, please contact us.
Ottawa, KS: Many seniors turn to AARP insurance because they believe AARP protects their interests and fights on their behalf. However, some soon discover that the interests of AARP always come first. AARP health insurance has been in the news recently because of seemingly high member rates. Furthermore, the organization is under investigation for misleading marketing regarding insurance sold by United Health Group. [ 
Williams, AZ: It is hardly surprising that the American Association for Retired Persons (AARP) would defend itself vigorously against allegations that cast the massive organization in a less-then-complimentary light. Specifically, a recent Bloomberg News exposé focusing on AARP insurance and AARP health insurance drew a pointed response from AARP, which suggested Bloomberg reporters misconstrued the facts. [ 
Shelby, NC: Imagine having AARP insurance and being told that your medical procedures are covered, only to find out your insurance has been cancelled. That is what happened to Donna J. (not her real name), who says her AARP health insurance was supposed to cover her eye surgeries. However, when it came time to pay up, the insurance company conveniently found a way to get out of paying the medical bill. [ 
