Arizona Medicare Insurance Coverage Options
Arizona is the 6th largest state in the United States, ranking 16th overall in population. Being such a large state also means retirees have tons of Medicare plan options! As a Medicare beneficiary, it is important to be aware of all of your health insurance options across Arizona, whether you are in Phoenix, Tucson, or anywhere else in this desert climate.
What are Medicare Options in Arizona?
Arizona, like many states, offers the standard Medicare Supplement plans, also known as Medigap plans. If you are a resident, you can choose from the following plans: A, B, C, D, F, G, H, K, L, M, N, high-deductible Plan F, and high-deductible Plan G. You’re able to enroll during the year, but if you want your coverage to be guaranteed, you want to enroll during your open enrollment period in Arizona.
What are the Most Popular Medicare Supplement Plans in Arizona?
- Medicare Supplement Plan F
- Medicare Supplement Plan G
- Medicare Supplement Plan N
When is the Open Enrollment Period in Arizona?
As a Medicare beneficiary, you can enroll in any Medicare Supplement within your first six months of your Part B effective date. This is considered your open enrollment period. 
During this time, insurance carriers are required to approve your MediGap application, and are prohibited from declining the coverage you need because you have a pre-existing condition. You can still apply outside of this window, but you will be required to go through medical underwriting, and could be denied coverage based on your health history.
Can I Change Medicare Supplement Plans in Arizona?
You can apply to change your Medicare Supplement during any month of the year in Arizona, however there is one catch. Once you are more than 6 months past your Medicare Part B effective date, you must go through medical underwriting in order to be 
approved to enroll into, or change your Medicare Supplement plan. This means that insurance carriers are given the ability to assess your health history, prescriptions, height and weight, as well as other health-related factors to determine if you will be approved or denied coverage. During medical underwriting, insurance carriers have the ability to deny a Medicare Supplement plan application based on pre-existing conditions, so it is important to enroll in a MediGap plan during your open-enrollment period to guarantee your acceptance.
Medigap Plan F in Arizona
Medicare Supplement Plan F has been a very popular plan with Medicare beneficiaries over time. The reason for the popularity of Plan F, is that it covers the gaps left by Medicare Part A and B with no out-of-pocket. However, if you became Medicare eligible after January 1st 2020, you are not eligible to enroll in MediGap Plan F. Luckily, there are other great Medicare Supplement plan options available.
Medigap Plan G in Arizona
Medicare Supplement Plan G is a very comprehensive Medicare Supplement plan with very little out-of-pocket expense. Once you have met your Part B annual deductible, MediGap Plan G becomes a full 
coverage plan, covering all of the gaps left by Original Medicare, with no additional out-of-pocket expenses. Plan G is typically a very cost-efficient plan with an affordable monthly premium to ensure gold-standard coverage.
Medigap Plan N in Arizona
Medicare Supplement Plan N is also a great, comprehensive MediGap plan available in Arizona. This plan has slightly more out-of-pocket cost than MediGap Plan G, but also comes with a lower monthly premium. As with Plan G, you are still responsible for the Medicare part B annual deductible. Once you have met this deductible, your Original Medicare coverage kicks in, but you still have some cost-share. With MediGap Plan N, you will pay copayments up to $20 for office visits, and up to $50 for ER visits that do not result in an inpatient admission. Plan N also has the possibility of an excess charges if you use a doctor or healthcare provider that does not accept Medicare Assignment. Excess charges can be up to 15% of the Medicare-approved payment. If the monthly premium difference between Plan G and Plan N is large enough, Plan N is often times a very attractive option for your Medicare Supplement plan.
What is the Cost of a Medicare Supplement Plan in Arizona?
Monthly premiums for Medicare Supplement plans are based on three main factors- age, gender, and location. There are other things that may impact your premium such as tobacco use. The premium amounts will vary based on these factors, so it is important to receive a quote based on your specific demographic information.
Medicare Plans in Arizona for Those Under 65
Arizona is one of the states that doesn’t offer Medicare supplements to those under 65. You have the option of finding a Medicare 
Advantage plan that will give you the coverage you may need for your healthcare. Once you turn 65, you will have the benefit of taking advantage of Medigap within a second enrollment period. This starts on the first day of your birthday month and extends for six months.
Once you reach 65, more Medicare supplement plans will open up for enrollment in Arizona without any health questions. This period guarantees acceptance.
Medicare Advantage in Arizona
Commonly referred to as Medicare Part C, these are private plans that provide the same benefits as your Original Medicare. Some also may include drug coverage along with dental and vision.
Most of these will have a network of doctors like a Medicare HMO or Medicare PPO plans. PPO plans are more flexible than HMO plans. It’s best to check if your doctor is available in the network.
Also, these plans will typically have Part D drug coverage as part of the plan. Be sure to check the plan’s formulary to see if your prescriptions are covered. The Annual Election Period for Medicare Advantage is in the fall. At the same time, you can change Medigap Plans anytime by passing a company’s underwriting.
Both Medicare Advantage and Medigap have their benefits. It can be challenging to figure out which one is best. An agent specializing in Medicare or a trusted friend or family member can help you sort through all the information and make the best choice for your health.
Medicare and Medicaid in Arizona
It is possible to qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid in the state of Arizona. These two programs, however, are separate and have different qualifications you must meet in order to receive benefits. To qualify for Medicaid, you must meet Arizona’s state income requirements. To qualify for Medicare, you must be either over the age of 65, or under 65 but receiving Social Security Disability Insurance for a minimum of 24 months before applying for Medicare
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