With all of the advertising out there on commercials and in the mail about AARP Medicare programs, I thought it would be a good idea to try to add some clarity to the different plans being offered. This review will break down the differences 
between the AARP Medicare Complete plans, AARP Medicare supplements, and AARP Medicare RX plans.
AARP Medicare Complete
The AARP Medicare Complete plans are Medicare Advantage plans, and not Medicare supplements. This means that the plan is providing your Medicare coverage and drug coverage with the exception of the AARP Medciare Complete Essential plan. The Essential plan does not include drug coverage. These plans can be either an HMO or PPO depending on what county you live in. You have to see plan doctors in the case of the HMO, and need to see plan doctors in the PPO in order to experience the most savings. These plans are typically good for people that are relatively healthy, and not using their benefits on a regular basis. The reason is that they are a pay per use type plan so the more they are used the more they will cost. You do not have to be a member of AARP to enroll into an AARP Medicare Complete plan.
AARP Medicare Supplements
The AARP Medicare Supplements are just that. They are supplements to Medicare A and B. If you purchase a Medicare supplement, you will need to buy a Medicare Part D drug plan as well. You do not have to buy the AARP branded drug plan if you have an AARP Medicare supplement. All supplement plans are identical in coverage to make it easier for you to compare them. An AARP plan F is the same coverage as a plan F with another company. What AARP does is offer additional benefits that you may not find in other supplement plans such as a 24 hour nurse line as well as a discount program for medications. You do have to be a member of AARP to purchase an AARP Medicare supplement.
AARP Medicare RX Plans
AARP also offers Medicare Prescription drug plans. The AARP Preferred RX plans also a lower premium with coverage for most prescription drugs and no deductible. The AARP Enhanced RX plans offers a higher premium with no deductible and more coverage for expensive medications. The right plan for you depends on the type and amount of medications you are taking. Both plans work with most major pharmacies across the US.