Arizona Medigap Plans offer a variety of options from private insurers, functioning much like in most states. With ten standardized policies available, designated by letters from A to N, it’s crucial to thoroughly evaluate each Medicare Supplement plan before making your decision.
Arizona Basics about Medigap
Medigap, also known as MedSupp or Medicare Supplement plans, plays a vital role in filling the gaps in Original Medicare and providing additional benefits. In this guide, we will explore four essential things you need to know about Medigap in AZ. If you are new to Medigap, check out our Complete Medicare Supplement Overview Page.
- Medigap Plans Provide Supplemental Coverage: Medigap plans are sold by private insurance companies and are designed to cover out-of-pocket costs such as deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments.
- Standardized Plans with Different Coverage Options: In Arizona, Medigap plans are standardized, meaning each plan offers the same basic benefits regardless of the insurance company you choose. However, the costs may vary.
- Guaranteed Issue Rights: During certain situations, such as when you’re in your Medigap Open Enrollment Period or if you lose your existing coverage, insurance companies are required to sell you a Medigap policy without any medical underwriting. This ensures that you have access to Medigap coverage regardless of your health condition.
- Monthly Premiums: With Medigap plans, you will have to pay a monthly premium to the insurance company in addition to your Medicare Part B premium. The premium amount can vary depending on the plan you choose and the insurance company.
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Arizona Medigap Plans Chart of Current Plans
Plans available for those Medicare-eligible after January 1, 2020:
Benefits | A | B | D | G* | K | L | M | N |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Medicare Part A Deductible ($1,632) | 100% | 100% | 100% | 50% | 75% | 50% | 100% | |
Part B Deductible ($240) | ||||||||
Medicare Part A Hospital Coinsurance and 365 additional hospital days | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
Medicare Part B Coinsurance | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 50% | 75% | 100% | 100% |
First 3 Pints of Blood for a Transfusion | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 50% | 75% | 100% | 100% |
Medicare Part A Hospice Coinsurance or Copay | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 50% | 75% | 100% | 100% |
Skilled Nursing Facility Coinsurance | 100% | 100% | 50% | 75% | 100% | 100% | ||
Medicare Part B Excess Charges | 100% | |||||||
Foreign Emergency Healthcare | 80% | 80% | 80% | 80% | ||||
Max Out-of-Pocket | $7,060 | $3,530 |
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*Medigap Plan G High deductible ($2,700) is also available.
Note that Plans C and F are no longer available to people who are new to Medicare on or after January 1, 2020. However, if you were eligible for Medicare before that date, but not yet enrolled, you may be able to buy them. People eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020, have the right to buy Plans D and G instead of Plans C and F.
When to Enroll in AZ Medigap Plan
Arizona, like most states, has a Medigap Open Enrollment Period, also known as the Initial Enrollment Period. This guaranteed six-month period begins on your Medicare Part B effective date. You can typically apply for Medsupp up to three months before this date.
During this period, you are protected from being denied coverage or charged higher premiums based on preexisting conditions. However, if you had a coverage gap before enrolling in Medigap, there may be a waiting period of up to six months. This means that your Medigap plan won’t cover preexisting conditions during this time but will provide coverage for other healthcare needs. Learn what to do if you missed your Open Enrollment Period.
This is why it is so important that you work with a licensed independent insurance agent to help you select the right plan when you are first eligible. Feel free to call Senior65.com at 800-930-7956. There is no hidden fee or cost to work with our team.
Arizona Medigap Plans Discount
The Medigap Household Discount is a cost-saving option available for eligible individuals who reside in the same household. It allows eligible household members to receive a discount on their Medigap premiums.
To qualify for the Medigap Household Discount, you must meet specific criteria, such as being married or living in a domestic partnership, sharing a primary residence, and both individuals having the same Medigap plan.
These are some of the companies that offer the Household Discount:
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- Anthem
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- Blue Shield CA
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- Cigna
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- Mutual of Omaha
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- Accendo
Most company discounts range from 5% to 7%, so this is a great deal. You can click the “household discount button” on our Medigap quote results page to see exactly how much you will save.
Another great choice is the Roommate Discount, since it has minimal requirements. Check out our article: “What is the Medigap Roommate Discount and How do I get it?”.
Arizona Medicare Excess Charges
Remember Excess Charges! They occur when doctors charge beyond Medicare’s approval. While Medicare permits a 15% fee increase, several Medigap plans, such as Plan G, shoulder these costs for you. Delve into this topic in our article “How To Avoid Medicare Excess Charges.“
Arizona Medigap Switching Plans
Finding the right Medicare insurance plan can be tricky, especially with so many options available. What seemed like the perfect choice when you first signed up might not be ideal anymore. The AEP Open Enrollment period (October 15 – December 7) doesn’t include Medigap plans in AZ.
You have the flexibility to switch Medigap (MedSup) plans anytime throughout the year. Just keep in mind that, since Arizona doesn’t have the Medigap Birthday Rule, medical underwriting is generally part of the process. The new Med Supp application includes about 20 health questions. Responses to these questions influence whether you’re approved at the best rate or potentially a higher one. Certain pre-existing conditions may lead to a denial.
For more guidance, be sure to read our article, “Medicare Insurance Switching: Ultimate Guide.” If you’re thinking about making a change, don’t hesitate to call 800-930-7956. Our team at Senior65.com is ready to offer you free advice.
Next Steps with Arizona Medigap
First, get an instant Arizona Medigap quote online. Then call one of our licensed agents a call at 800-930-7956 with any questions you may have.
Remember, our Senior65.com team will NOT charge you a fee for our services and nobody can offer the same plan for less than Senior65.com can by law.