Senior Medigap agents licensed in Arizona are available to help find the right plan for your individual healthcare and budgeting needs. We want to make sure Medicare eligible recipients know what options are available to them regarding their healthcare. Below we’ll review the basics, the ten standardized plans utilized throughout the country, eligibility and enrollment information, available carriers in the state and some Medicare state facts you should know.
Arizona Medigap Plans
Arizona Medigap plans are available to many people ages 65 and over who are also enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. Some plans offer 100 percent coverage for medical visits, including visits to urgent care facilities and specialists as well as hospice care. No referrals are necessary from a doctor.
Arizona Medicare Supplement plans support the health care and financial needs of seniors. It must be stressed that Medigap plans are supplements, they’re not intended to replace Original Medicare. As the name implies, their purpose is to complete the gaps within Original Medicare, allowing individuals to have complete coverage.
Options, Eligibility and Enrollment
There are 10 Supplement plan options available Nationwide, labeled A-N. Some carriers offer all letter plans and some only offer a few. The carriers in your state will determine what letter plans are available to choose from.
To be eligible for an Arizona Medigap insurance policy you must be:
- A resident of Arizona
- Enrolled in Part A & B of Original Medicare
- At least 65 years or older (some plans may be available to those on disability under 65)
The best time to enroll is during your Open Enrollment Period. (OEP) Your Open Enrollment Period begins the first day you turn 65 and are also enrolled in Part B of traditional Medicare.
Once this period begins, you’ll have 6 months to apply. If you apply during this time you’ll qualify for guaranteed issue. Guaranteed issue means that regardless of your medical history, a carrier cannot deny you coverage or increase your rates. You can still apply outside your OEP, but you won’t be given guaranteed issue.
A carrier may require medical underwriting prior to approving your application or increase your premium rates due to your medical history.
Arizona Medigap plans, and costs depend on many factors such as your age, gender, location and the provider you choose to go with. For an Arizona Medigap plan cost comparison, call the number above to speak to an agent licensed in your state.
Options for Medigap Plans in AZ for Under 65 on Medicare
Not all states make it mandatory for a carrier to offer plans to those who have not reached the age of 65, Arizona is one of those states. With that said, some carriers still offer Medigap plans in AZ for those under 65 on Medicare, you just have to do a little extra research. That’s why it’s highly recommended to speak to one of our licensed agents in your state to find all available options.
State Health Facts in Arizona
In 2014, the state spent over 11 million dollars on Medicare. Residence spent a little over $10,000 on average that year. Between the years of 1991 and 2014, the average annual percent growth in Medicare spending by the state increase over 8%.
The average annual percent growth in Medicare spending per resident increased almost 5%. The numbers continue to increase every year. In 2015, the gender distribution between Medicare beneficiaries was 55% female and 45% male.