AARP Medicare Advantage Choice PPO 2027: UHC PPO Plans, Costs and Changes
Reviewed October 18, 2026. “AARP Medicare Advantage Choice PPO” is the older name for UnitedHealthcare’s AARP-branded Medicare Advantage PPO plans. UnitedHealthcare no longer uses the “Choice” name; since 2024 these plans are called “AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC” followed by a state code and number, for example “MN-0002 (PPO).” They work the same way: you can see in-network or out-of-network doctors who accept Medicare, with no referrals, and you pay less in network.
Quick answer: For 2027, compare UHC PPO plans by premium, in-network and combined out-of-pocket limits, specialist copays and Part D deductible, because many of these changed from 2026. In one Minnesota example below, the premium rose from $54 to $59 a month and the in-network out-of-pocket limit rose from $4,900 to $6,300. You can switch plans during Medicare Open Enrollment, October 15 to December 7, 2026.
Is UHC Choice Plus a Medicare Advantage plan?
No. “Choice Plus” is the name of UnitedHealthcare’s plans for people with health insurance through work, not a Medicare plan. (UnitedHealthcare: Choice Plus plans) The Medicare plans people mean when they search “AARP Medicare Advantage Choice PPO” are UnitedHealthcare’s AARP Medicare Advantage PPO plans, now named “AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC [state]-[number] (PPO).” If you’re not sure which you have, check the plan name on your member ID card.
How UnitedHealthcare’s Medicare PPO plans work
UnitedHealthcare says its Medicare Advantage PPO members can “see any doctor nationwide that accepts Medicare, without referrals for specialist or hospital visits,” and get in-network costs from doctors in the UnitedHealthcare Medicare National Network. Costs may be lower with a network doctor, and many PPO plans have a low or $0 monthly premium. (UnitedHealthcare: Compare Medicare Advantage plans) For how this differs from an HMO, see Medicare Advantage HMO vs PPO.
The AARP name: UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company pays royalty fees to AARP for use of its intellectual property. AARP and its affiliates are not insurers; the plans are insured by UnitedHealthcare or its affiliates. (AARP Medicare Plans disclaimer) See also UnitedHealthcare Medicare and AARP.
What UnitedHealthcare announced for 2027
UnitedHealthcare’s October 1, 2026 announcement of its 2027 Medicare plans says:
- More than 94% of Medicare-eligible people nationwide will have access to a UnitedHealthcare Medicare plan.
- In 2027 the company “continues to prioritize HMO, Chronic Special Needs Plan (C-SNP) and Dual Special Needs Plan” offerings.
- All members get $0 primary care visits, $0 preventive care and $0 Tier 1 prescription drug copays.
- Dental, vision and hearing benefits continue.
(UnitedHealthcare newsroom, October 2026) The focus on HMOs means PPO members should read their 2027 Annual Notice of Change closely for cost increases or benefit cuts.
2026 vs 2027 example: AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC MN-0002 (PPO)
This plan (H2001-117-000) is offered in Anoka County, Minnesota, among other areas. Figures come from UnitedHealthcare’s official plan pages for each year.
| Benefit | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly premium | $54 | $59 |
| In-network out-of-pocket limit | $4,900 | $6,300 |
| Combined in- and out-of-network limit | $10,100 | $10,750 |
| Primary care (in network) | $0 | $0 |
| Specialist (in network) | $45 | $55 |
| Part D deductible | $0 Tiers 1-2; $520 Tiers 3-5 | $0 Tiers 1-2; $685 Tiers 3-5 |
| Preventive dental | $0 | $0 |
| Optional Platinum Dental Rider | $44/month, $1,500 per year | $54/month, $1,500 per year |
| Eyewear allowance | $300 every 2 years | $150 every 2 years |
| Hearing aids | $199-$1,249 copay per aid | $700 allowance, up to 2 aids per year |
Two more 2027 UHC PPO examples
| 2027 plan | Premium | Out-of-pocket limit (in network / combined) | Specialist (in network) | Extras |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC ST-0001 (PPO) H2406-043, St. Louis area (MO and IL) | $58 | $7,150 / $10,750 | $70 | $0 preventive dental; optional Platinum Dental Rider $54/month for $1,500 per year; $200 eyewear every 2 years; $700 hearing aid allowance; Part D deductible $685 (Tiers 3-5) |
| AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC FG-0001 (PPO) H2001-118, parts of MN and ND | $24.60 | $7,150 / $10,750 | $45 | $2,500 dental allowance; $350 eyewear every 2 years; $700 hearing aids; $195 OTC credit each quarter; Part D deductible $700 |
2027 Part D costs in UHC PPO plans
Most UHC PPO plans include Part D drug coverage. For 2027, no Medicare drug plan may have a deductible above $700 (up from $615 in 2026), and out-of-pocket drug costs are capped at $2,400 for the year (up from $2,100). (Medicare.gov: Part D costs) Plans can set lower deductibles, as the examples above show. Check your drugs in the Medicare Plan Compare tool every fall.
Pros and cons of UHC Medicare PPO plans
- Pros: out-of-network coverage, no referrals, a national network, $0 primary care in network, and dental, vision and hearing extras.
- Cons: higher out-of-pocket limits than many HMOs, premiums on some plans, out-of-network deductibles (for example $1,000 on the 2027 ST-0001 plan), and benefits that can change each year.
If you want predictable costs and freedom to see any doctor who takes Medicare, compare a PPO with Medigap plans such as AARP Plan G. For UnitedHealthcare extras, see UHC dental, UHC vision and Renew Active fitness.
Phone numbers
- AARP Medicare Advantage and Part D plan information: 1-877-699-5710 (TTY 711), 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week (AARP Medicare Plans)
- Customer Service in the 2027 Summaries of Benefits: 1-844-723-6473 (TTY 711), 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time, 7 days a week
- Medicare: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), TTY 1-877-486-2048
Frequently asked questions
What happened to the AARP Medicare Advantage Choice PPO?
UnitedHealthcare renamed its AARP Medicare Advantage plans. Since 2024, PPO plans are called “AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC” plus a state code and number. The PPO design is the same.
Can I see out-of-network doctors with a UHC Medicare PPO?
Yes. You can see any doctor nationwide who accepts Medicare, but you usually pay more out of network, and some plans have a separate out-of-network deductible.
How much does a UHC Medicare PPO cost in 2027?
It varies by plan and county. The examples above range from $24.60 to $59 a month in 2027, and many areas also have $0-premium PPOs. You still pay your Part B premium.
What is the out-of-pocket maximum for UHC PPO plans in 2027?
It depends on the plan. In the examples above, the in-network limit is $6,300 or $7,150 and the combined limit is $10,750.
Do UHC Medicare PPO plans include dental?
Most include $0 preventive dental in network. Some include a comprehensive dental allowance, and others let you add a Platinum Dental Rider for an extra premium.
This article is general information. Medicare365 is an independent website and is not affiliated with or endorsed by UnitedHealthcare, AARP or any U.S. government agency. Benefits vary by plan and county; check the plan’s Summary of Benefits and Evidence of Coverage.
Sources
- UnitedHealthcare: 2027 Medicare plans announcement (October 1, 2026)
- UnitedHealthcare: Compare Medicare Advantage plans
- UHC plan page MN-0002 (PPO), 2027 and 2026
- UHC 2027 Summary of Benefits, ST-0001 (PPO)
- UHC 2027 Summary of Benefits, FG-0001 (PPO)
- AARP Medicare Plans: Disclaimers
- Medicare.gov: Part D costs