The reason for the foundation of this type of insurance was to ensure that retirees, sole proprietors, and individuals not eligible for Medicare are insured. Since fewer employees are offering benefits to retirees there is the need for this option of health insurance.

A study done by Aetna, received from a U.S. Census report, shows that 14% of people ages 45-64 are uninsured. These unique products help target the many people who have difficulty getting health insurance. The biggest problem has been found in Georgia, where 17% of the population is uninsured.

You can select from a variety of plans including their quality Premier plans or Preventive and Hospital care plans. High deductible plans are compatible with tax advantaged HSAs (Health Savings Accounts). There are a total of 7 plan options to choose from within the three above plans. The Premier plans combine affordable medical coverage with prescription drug and hospitalization coverage. Members may choose in or out of network doctors and can choose from annual deductibles of $1,500, $2,500, and $5,000. The Preventive and Hospital plans include a physical exam, an annual ob-gyn exam and well child care. The plans also provide inpatient hospital coverage. Coverage for the above plans is nationwide so consumers do not have to worry when they are travelling.

AARP Essential Premier Health Insurance plans have special programs in addition to the standard health insurance coverage offered. Members can receive the Aetna Rx Home Delivery which allows them to order their medications through a mail order pharmacy. Other features include weight management programs, an informed health line with 24/7 access to health care answers, and the Aetna Natural products and services programs which allows eligible members to access complementary health care products at reduced rates. These products and services include massage therapy, dietetic counseling, acupuncture and chiropractic care. Some of the insurance plans also provide AARP Vision Discounts at no additional cost as well as pharmacy savings.

The AARP Essential Premier Health Insurance products are currently available in 31 states and Washington, D.C. They are sold in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Wyoming and Washington, D.C

This is a great insurance option for AARP members. In this state of the economy, many “baby boomers” are being laid off because of the younger, college graduates who aren’t requesting as much money. It is getting harder and harder for retirees to maintain the health coverage they received when they were working so I’m sure the AARP Essential Premier Health Insurance is going to be a huge hit with the baby boomers.