UnitedHealthcare on Monday announced its 2013 Medicare portfolio, including a new low-premium Part D plan and preferred pharmacy network that it says will save money for Medicare consumers.

In 2013, UnitedHealthcare will introduce the AARP MedicareRx Saver Plus plan. It offers consumers savings on both their monthly premium and prescription co-pays.

The $15 premium on the AARP MedicareRx Saver Plus plan makes it the lowest-cost Part D prescription drug plan in the 45 states where the plan will be available in 2013, United Health said. The premium is lower than the $30 average premium that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services projected for 2013 Part D plans.

Members of the stand-alone Part D plans in 2013 will be able to maximize the savings if they use a preferred pharmacy network that includes Walgreens, Kroger, Target, Safeway, Publix, Stop & Shop, Hy-Vee, H-E-B, Hannaford, Wegmans, Giant, Duane Reade, Fred Meyer, Smith's, Fry's, Vons, Sweetbay and many other retailers.

"Our Part D offerings help customers get the most value for their health care money in 2013," Mike Anderson, chief pharmacy officer, UnitedHealthcare Medicare & Retirement, said in a statement. "The lower co-pays and low premium on our AARP MedicareRx Saver Plus plan make it a great option for value-conscious Medicare beneficiaries who are looking for prescription drug coverage from a company they trust."

Adam Belz • 612-673-4405 Twitter: @adambelz