News, AARP suspends sales of some health plans. (retirees, years, older)

[John1960]

AARP, the advocacy group for older Americans, said Friday it would voluntarily suspend sales of a type of health insurance plan critics say leaves policyholders vulnerable to tens of thousands of dollars in costs.

AARP suspends sales of some health plans - USATODAY.com

[Jammie]

Interesting link, John. The comments were definitely interesting to read, too. It's not the first time I've read some less then flattering remarks about the companies that AARP endorses. I can't comment firsthand because the only thing we have with AARP is a membership~you know, the magazines, card for discounts, etc.

Sad that we need to be cautious even with AARP endorsed companies.

[nancy thereader]

That is sad, jammie because they portray themselves as advocates for all of us retirees. Who can we trust, then?

[Jammie]

Originally Posted by nancy thereader

That is sad, jammie because they portray themselves as advocates for all of us retirees. Who can we trust, then?

No one. I know that sounds negative, but it's really hard to figure out who we can trust where insurances and things like that are involved.

[esselcue]

Don't jump to conclusions...this is being investigated and if AARP finds it to be true they may well do the honorable thing. I was just recently talking to AARP about health insurance for the next 3 years and they were pretty forthright in explaining the differences in plans. It's Buyer Beware, I think, in a lot of instances...but don't form an opinion over an article...do your own research.

[wehotex]

Originally Posted by Jammie

No one. I know that sounds negative, but it's really hard to figure out who we can trust where insurances and things like that are involved.

United Healthcare sponsored Secure Horizons has to be among the stingiest HMO Medicare replacements out there. Stay away from them and save yourself the hassles of a company that will try to weasel out of paying at all costs.

[texdav]

AARP has become a organization to sell things.That is to pay the salaries of teh fat cats that work there. It like so many7 oragnization that started out with a good intent then when astray.

[Kootr]

Originally Posted by texdav

AARP has become a organization to sell things.That is to pay the salaries of teh fat cats that work there. It like so many7 oragnization that started out with a good intent then when astray.

True! What AARP offers can be had by anyone from the exact same sources AARP associates with and advertises, or from some other competitive source. AARP is nothing more than a "for profit" company that many retirees believe offers services that cannot be obtained anywhere else. That is simply not true. If you think the articles in the AARP magazine are worth the membership cost, then so be it - but beyond that AARP is worthless. And before anyone refutes my opinion by saying that they get motel/hotel discounts, etc. by being an AARP member - the same (or better) discount can be received by just asking for a discount. I have only been asked to actually see an AARP or AAA membership card one time in many dozens of hotel stays. And for whatever it's worth a "government" discount is most always a much better discount anyway. I think the smart people are finally figuring out that AARP is nothing special at all.