The bottom line: AARP offers Medicare Part D plans through UnitedHealthcare, and you don’t have to be a member to enroll. These plans are widely available and simple to navigate. The company offers two options: a more affordable basic plan and a high-end plan. But AARP/UHC’s 2026 government quality ratings are below average, and it doesn’t offer the cheapest plans. Jump to: Full Review
AARP Medicare Part D pros and cons
Pros
- Plan availability: AARP’s plans are available in all 50 states, Washington, D.C. and five U.S. territories.
- Simpler plan options: With one lower-cost and one higher-end option, AARP’s Medicare Rx plan choices are easy to navigate.
Cons
- High premiums: AARP’s premiums are higher on average than national competitors’.
- Member satisfaction: AARP Medicare Rx plans get below-average ratings for helping members fill their prescriptions and overall satisfaction.
- $0 copay options: Only the most expensive AARP Medicare Rx plan has any $0-copay options.
Compare against other providers
» More options in our roundup of the best Medicare Part D plans
Compare against other providers
» More options in our roundup of the best Medicare Part D plans
Our full review
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NerdWallet star rating for AARP Medicare Part D plans from UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare’s prescription drug plans earned 3.3 out of 5 stars from NerdWallet. NerdWallet’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account premiums, out-of-pocket costs, government quality ratings, customer complaints and more.
Based on these ratings, UnitedHealthcare is among NerdWallet’s best Medicare Part D plans in 2026, though some competitors offer higher-rated alternatives.
Why NerdWallet star ratings differ from CMS star ratings
NerdWallet star ratings go beyond Medicare star ratings developed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Our data-driven, consumer-first scoring rubric factors in cost and customer complaints in addition to government quality data. This makes NerdWallet star ratings a more practical tool for seniors looking to find the best overall value.
CMS quality ratings for AARP Medicare Part D plans from UHC
Average CMS star rating, weighted by enrollment: 2.37
UnitedHealthcare prescription drug plans are rated below the industry average, receiving an average rating of 2.37 out of 5 from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for 2026, weighted by enrollment. For comparison, the average weighted CMS star rating for all plans is 3.04 stars.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) maintains its own database of star ratings. Medicare Part D plans are rated on 12 quality measures. (You can find definitions for each of these factors in the CMS Star Ratings Technical Notes.)
These ratings use a 5-point scale where 5 is the best and 1 is the worst. The agency bases its ratings on drug plans’ quality of service and customer experiences, and ratings are updated annually.
You can find a plan’s rating with Medicare's plan finding tool.
AARP Medicare Part D prescription drug plans
There are two AARP Medicare Rx Part D prescription drug plan options available from UnitedHealthcare in 2026:
AARP Medicare Rx Saver: According to AARP and UnitedHealthcare, this plan is a good fit if you receive Medicare Extra Help subsidies or “want a robust pharmacy network.”
AARP Medicare Rx Preferred: According to AARP and UnitedHealthcare, this plan is a good fit if you “want our most extensive drug coverage and access to a broad pharmacy network.”
Medicare beneficiaries with Original Medicare (Part A and/or Part B) can purchase a Medicare Part D plan for prescription drug coverage. Part D plans are sold by private insurance companies. The costs and coverage can vary significantly, so it’s important to compare options.
AARP Medicare Rx Part D prescription drug plans are insured by UnitedHealthcare. Over 3.8 million Medicare beneficiaries have AARP Medicare Rx Part D plans from UnitedHealthcare as of April 2026.
More Nerdy Perspective
Are AARP Medicare Rx plans from UnitedHealthcare good prescription drug plans?
AARP’s Medicare Rx plans have lower government quality ratings and higher premiums than many of the best Medicare Part D plans. But they are widely available, and the AARP Medicare Rx Preferred plan could be a solid value if you need a higher-coverage plan. The best prescription drug plan for seniors on Medicare depends on whether and how your prescriptions are covered. You want a plan that comes with monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs you can afford. Make sure your medications are included on the plan’s formulary, and check how much they’ll cost you before committing to a plan.
AARP’s Medicare Rx plans have lower government quality ratings and higher premiums than many of the best Medicare Part D plans. But they are widely available, and the AARP Medicare Rx Preferred plan could be a solid value if you need a higher-coverage plan. The best prescription drug plan for seniors on Medicare depends on whether and how your prescriptions are covered. You want a plan that comes with monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs you can afford. Make sure your medications are included on the plan’s formulary, and check how much they’ll cost you before committing to a plan.
Elizabeth Aldrichlead writer covering MedicareHow much does AARP Medicare Part D cost?
About 7% of AARP Medicare Rx plans from UnitedHealthcare have a $0 premium. These are only available in Hawaii, New Mexico, Wisconsin, American Samoa and Guam.
Monthly premiums for AARP Medicare Part D plans from UnitedHealthcare range from $0 to $165.40. The average AARP Part D premium is $107.45, weighted by enrollment, according to NerdWallet analysis of 2026 CMS data.
The AARP Medicare Rx Saver plan has a lower average premium than the AARP Medicare Rx Preferred plan. But the Preferred plan has a lower deductible.
AARP Medicare Rx premiums and deductibles
Here are the 2026 premiums and deductibles for AARP’s stand-alone Medicare Part D prescription drug plans:
Plan | Pricing |
|---|---|
AARP Medicare Rx Saver from UHC | Monthly premiums:
Annual deductible: $615. |
AARP Medicare Rx Preferred from UHC (50 U.S. states and Washington, D.C.) | Monthly premiums:
Annual deductible: $130. |
AARP Medicare Rx Preferred from UHC (American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands) | Monthly premiums:
Annual deductible: $615. |
» If you're concerned about affording Medicare Part D, look into Medicare Extra Help.
Out-of-pocket costs
What you pay for deductibles and copays can vary depending on where your medication falls on the plan’s formulary. A formulary is the plan's list of covered drugs, organized by tiers. Having $0-deductible and $0-copay options can help you minimize your out-of-pocket costs.
AARP’s plans don’t offer many of these $0 options in 2026, and availability can vary by location. Here's what you might pay for prescription drugs at some common price points:
AARP Medicare Rx Saver from UHC
(Everywhere)
Deductible
$615 on all tiers.
Average out-of-pocket cost*
$2 for Tier 1 (preferred generics).
$7.44 for Tier 2 (generics).
$34.59 for Tier 3 (preferred brands).
AARP Medicare Rx Preferred from UHC
(U.S. states and D.C.)
Deductible
$0 on Tier 1 and Tier 2 drugs, $130 on all other tiers.
Average out-of-pocket cost*
$5 for Tier 1 (preferred generics).
$10 for Tier 2 (generics).
$33.06 for Tier 3 (preferred brands).
AARP Medicare Rx Preferred from UHC
(U.S. territories)
Deductible
$615 on all tiers.
Average out-of-pocket cost*
$3.75 for Tier 1 (preferred generics).
$12.50 for Tier 2 (generics).
$50 for Tier 3 (preferred brands).
*After deductible is met, based on a $15 retail price for Tier 1, $50 for Tier 2 and $200 for Tier 3.
You can save on your prescriptions by using Optum Home Delivery Pharmacy and Optum Rx — the preferred mail-order pharmacies for AARP Medicare Rx. For example, Preferred plan members in the 50 states and Washington, D.C., pay a $0 copay for a 90-day supply of Tier 1 and Tier 2 drugs through these services.
Cost-sharing requirements for higher tiers can quickly get more expensive. As a result, it’s important to check where your medications and pharmacies fall on each plan’s formulary.
Copay vs. coinsurance requirements
You’ll want to check whether you’ll pay a copay or coinsurance for your medications. Copays are set dollar amounts, so it’s easy to see what you’ll pay. Coinsurance is a percentage of the price for your medications, so coinsurance requirements can be less predictable and more expensive.
For 2026, the tier at which AARP Medicare Rx plans start requiring coinsurance rather than copays varies depending on plan and, in some cases, location:
Both the AARP Medicare Rx Saver plan and Medicare Rx Preferred plan have copays for Tiers 1-2 and coinsurance for Tiers 3-5 in the 50 states and Washington, D.C. This is a change from 2025, when the Preferred plan had copays for Tiers 1-3.
In American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, the AARP Medicare Rx Preferred plan has a 25% coinsurance for Tiers 1-5.
You can enter your medications and pharmacy information on UnitedHealthcare’s website to see which drugs are covered and review your estimated costs with different plan options.
» MORE: How much does Medicare Part D cost?
AARP Medicare Part D service area
Stand-alone AARP Medicare Part D prescription drug plans are available from UnitedHealthcare in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and five U.S. territories: American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
All U.S. states and Washington, D.C., have both the AARP Medicare Rx Saver and AARP Medicare Rx Preferred plans. Only the AARP Medicare Rx Preferred plan is available in the U.S. territories.
About AARP
AARP is a nonprofit interest group and advocacy organization. It advocates for local, state and national policies on behalf of older Americans. AARP members can access benefits through the organization, including discounts on products and services.
About UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare is part of UnitedHealth Group, which is headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. It's the largest health insurance company in the U.S. The company offers individual- and employer-based health insurance plans, Medicare and Medicaid plans, dental and vision plans, and other types of supplemental insurance.
Read the NerdWallet reviews of these other UnitedHealthcare and AARP Medicare offerings:
AARP Medicare Supplement (Medigap) from UnitedHealthcare.
Read the NerdWallet reviews of these other AARP insurance products:
Compare Medicare Part D companies
Get more information below about some of the major Medicare Part D companies. These insurers offer plans in most states, but specifics may vary depending on your location.
Find the right Medicare Part D prescription drug plan
The interactive tool on Medicare.gov can help you find a Medicare Part D plan that covers your prescriptions. It also helps you compare costs among Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans available to you.
Here are some things to keep in mind when comparing plans:
Check the formulary: Make sure the medicines you currently take are covered. Talk to your health care providers about what medications to look for. You might also also want to check for possible alternatives and/or drugs you think you might need in the future.
Look for plan changes: Formularies (lists of covered drugs) change frequently. Your insurer should send you a Notice of Plan Change when the formulary changes. Read that document carefully.
Check the pharmacy network: Most Medicare Part D plans have networks of lower-cost pharmacies. Check to see if the plan's pharmacies are convenient for you. Also, compare prices for using mail order.
You can switch plans during Medicare's open enrollment period, Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. Changes go into effect on the following Jan. 1.
If you have additional questions about Medicare, visit Medicare.gov or call 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227, TTY 877-486-2048).
Best for Member satisfaction
- Medicare Rx Preferred plan offers extensive coverage and a low deductible.
- Simplified plan choices.
- Average plan premiums are high compared to competitors.
- Below-average ratings for member satisfaction.
- Limited $0-copay options.
NerdWallet writers are subject matter authorities who use primary, trustworthy sources to inform their work, including peer-reviewed studies, government websites, academic research and interviews with industry experts. All content is fact-checked for accuracy, timeliness and relevance. You can learn more about NerdWallet's high standards for journalism by reading our editorial guidelines.
- 1.Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. 2026 Star Ratings Data Tables. Accessed Apr 20, 2026.
- 2.UnitedHealthcare. Compare Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans. Accessed Apr 20, 2026.
- 3.AARP. Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans. Accessed Apr 20, 2026.
- 4.Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Monthly Report by Contract. Accessed Apr 20, 2026.
- 5.Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. CY2026 Landscape (202603). Accessed Apr 20, 2026.
Medicare Part D plan review methodology
NerdWallet’s Medicare Part D reviews are based on:
Ratings data from CMS.
Pricing.
Out-of-pocket costs.
Formulary tiers.
Member experience.
Complaint data.
We calculate each health insurance company’s rating on a curved 5-point scale. NerdWallet's editorial team reviewed five Medicare Part D insurance companies. We chose companies based on high enrollment and online search volume. Together, these companies cover over 86% of stand-alone commercial Medicare Part D beneficiaries. Our research includes at least four major insurers in every state.
These reviews are a guide. We encourage you to shop around and compare several plans.
NerdWallet does not receive compensation for any reviews. Read our editorial guidelines for more information.
Compare Medicare Part D Plans
Insurance company | CMS star rating | Out-of-pocket costs | Member experience | Learn more | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BEST FOR LOW OUT-OF-POCKET COSTS | |||||
(855) 432-0512 / TTY 711 M-F 9AM-9PM, Sat 10AM-6PM ETSpeak to a licensed insurance agent on askchapter.orgon NerdWallet | 3.00 | 3.00/5 | Lower than average | 3 (Average) | (855) 432-0512 / TTY 711 M-F 9AM-9PM, Sat 10AM-6PM ETSpeak to a licensed insurance agent on askchapter.orgon NerdWallet |
BEST FOR LOW PREMIUMS | |||||
(855) 432-0512 / TTY 711 M-F 9AM-9PM, Sat 10AM-6PM ETSpeak to a licensed insurance agent on askchapter.orgon NerdWallet | 3.50 | 3.50/5 | Varies | 3.5 (Above average) | (855) 432-0512 / TTY 711 M-F 9AM-9PM, Sat 10AM-6PM ETSpeak to a licensed insurance agent on askchapter.orgon NerdWallet |
BEST FOR GENERIC DRUGS | |||||
(855) 432-0512 / TTY 711 M-F 9AM-9PM, Sat 10AM-6PM ETSpeak to a licensed insurance agent on askchapter.orgon NerdWallet | 2.50 | 2.50/5 | Average | 2 (Below average) | (855) 432-0512 / TTY 711 M-F 9AM-9PM, Sat 10AM-6PM ETSpeak to a licensed insurance agent on askchapter.orgon NerdWallet |
BEST FOR LOW DEDUCTIBLES | |||||
(855) 432-0512 / TTY 711 M-F 9AM-9PM, Sat 10AM-6PM ETSpeak to a licensed insurance agent on askchapter.orgon NerdWallet | 2.37 | 2.37/5 | Average | 2.29 (Below average) | (855) 432-0512 / TTY 711 M-F 9AM-9PM, Sat 10AM-6PM ETSpeak to a licensed insurance agent on askchapter.orgon NerdWallet |