What Medicare Advantage Plans Are Available to Arizona Residents?
If you’re age 65 and living in the Grand Canyon State, it’s time to start thinking about the Medicare Insurance coverage you need today and in the future. The federally administered program is the main source of health coverage for Arizona residents age 65 and older and some younger residents with disabilities. What many Arizonans might not know as they approach age 65 is that there are options for healthcare coverage in the form of Medicare Advantage plans.
Known as Medicare Part C, Medicare Advantage (MA) Insurance plans offer a way to receive Medicare Part A, hospital insurance coverage and/or Medicare Part B, doctor’s office and medical insurance. Private insurance companies in Arizona sell Medicare Advantage plans. These Medicare Advantage plans are approved by Medicare, offer at least the same level of coverage as Medicare Parts A and B and replace Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B coverage.
Many people select a MA plan because of the additional benefits that are included. Arizona residents needing insurance coverage for things like dentures, hearing aids, vision care, dental and other routine medical services should consider a Medicare Advantage plan in Arizona because these types of benefits are typically included.
How Do I Know If I’m Eligible for a Medicare Advantage Plan in Arizona?
Determining eligibility for a Medicare Advantage plan in Arizona is easier and more straightforward than you might think. A Medicare Advantage plan/Part C is based on eligibility for Medicare Parts A and B assuming you reside in an area where Medicare Advantage plans are sold. If you’re approved for one Medicare Insurance plan, you’re approved for the other. A Medicare Advantage plan specific to Arizona can be an additional safety net and might be a way to save money since many MA plans have $0 monthly premiums, which can be helpful as medical needs increase with age. Copayments, coinsurance and deductibles vary depending on the Medicare Advantage plan you choose.
Arizona residents cannot be enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan and a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan at the same time. A Medicare Supplement plan (Medigap) helps cover some of the coverage gaps such as copayments, coinsurance and deductibles that aren’t covered by Medicare Parts A and B.
Will My Prescription Drugs Be Covered with a Medicare Advantage Plan in Arizona?
Any resident within the 602, 520, 480, 623 and 928 area codes of Arizona who need prescription drug coverage should consider a Medicare Part C plan as most Medicare Advantage plans also include a Medicare Prescription Drug plan. A Medicare Advantage plan with prescription drug coverage is called a MAPD and provides coverage for prescription drug costs. Enrolling in MAPD can protect Arizona consumers from higher prescription costs.
Most Popular Medicare Advantage Plans in Arizona
Finding the right Medicare Advantage plan in Arizona is as unique as the person the plan is there to support. Among Arizona residents enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, 78% choose an HMO/HMOPOS while 21% select a Local PPO, as reported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicare Services (CMS.gov).. Knowing how much Medicare plan coverage you need helps determine the right Medicare Advantage Plan in Arizona for your needs.
You can become more informed about Medicare Advantage plans available in Arizona by contacting a SelectQuote licensed sales agent who can guide you through the Medicare maze. Acting as your advocate, our licensed sales agents help you weigh the Medicare Advantage plan options in your area, understand costs and answer questions throughout the process. SelectQuote individually shops more than 20 national insurance companies to help you compare plans that will meet your needs.
Arizona Medicare Advantage Plan Enrollment Period
Enrollment in a Medicare Advantage Plan occurs during specified election periods. Medicare Enrollment in Arizona opens for residents prior to turning age 65 or earlier in special disability cases. The Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) runs for seven months.
IEP begins three months before turning age 65, including the birthday month, and ends 3 months after the birthday month. It is also the time allotted for enrollment in Medicare Parts A, B, C and D. For example, if you’re an Arizonan with a February birthday, your IEP runs from November through May.
You may also enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, which occurs annually each fall. Medicare’s AEP runs from October 15 through December 7 each year. The key dates for AEP are as follows:
Oct. 15 – Annual Enrollment Period Begins
Dec. 7 – Annual Enrollment Period Ends
Jan. 1 – First Date Coverage can start
During the Annual Enrollment every year, Arizona residents can:
- Switch from Medicare Parts A and B (Original Medicare) to a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan
- Change from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another
- Switch from one Prescription Drug (Part D) plan to another
- Add a Prescription Drug (Part D) plan if you didn’t enroll when first eligible for Medicare
In addition to AEP, Arizona residents who are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan can make a one-time plan change during the Open Enrollment (OEP) period, which occurs each year from January 1 through March 31. There are also Medicare Special Enrollment Periods (SEP) you may be able to enroll in Medicare or make changes to your existing Medicare Advantage coverage because of certain events and life changes, such as moving or losing employer coverage.
Is an Arizona Medicare Advantage Plan Right for You?
Contacting SelectQuote is a smart way to ensure you are getting all the available benefits you deserve and remain up to date with the annual updates to Medicare plans made by insurance companies. As a trusted third-party company, SelectQuote is here to help Arizonans find the right Medicare Advantage Plan to meet your individual needs.
To ensure you are getting all the benefits you are entitled to receive, call or complete your online form today. Let SelectQuote’s personal licensed sales agents simplify the Medicare maze by comparing rates and independently shopping insurance companies to help you find an affordable option that meets your unique needs.
