If you are a resident of Arizona and looking for Medicare coverage, you have a variety of options. You can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan or buy a stand-alone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. These plans typically offer reduced cost-sharing and extra benefits, such as transportation help and telemedicine. Some even include fitness programs and health coaching. These are all important factors to consider before making a decision.
To ensure that your Medicare plan covers your needs, make sure to review your coverage during the annual open enrollment period. During this time, you can make changes to your Medicare plan without having to worry about medical exclusions or higher costs. The only other times you can change your Medicare plan are during Special Enrollment Periods, which occur after certain qualifying events. These special circumstances can be as simple as moving, losing a job, or getting married.
Open Enrollment and Special Enrollment Periods
The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period is an annual event that runs from October 15 to December 7. During this time, you can switch to a new Medicare Advantage plan, change your existing Medicare Advantage plan, or return to Original Medicare.
If you miss the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period, you can still switch plans by applying for a Special Enrollment Period. You can qualify for an SEP if you have certain circumstances, such as moving, losing your current job, or having other health insurance coverage.
In Arizona, you can sign up for Part B during a Special Enrollment Period without paying a late enrollment penalty. You can also enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan with a prescription drug benefit, and you can buy a Medicare Supplement policy to cover out-of-pocket costs. Additionally, you can enroll in a Dual Eligible Health Plan, which is a type of Medicare Advantage plan contracted with AHCCCS and offered by private insurance companies.
Arizona Medicare Income Limits
Unlike many other programs, AHCCCS does not require you to spend down your assets in order to qualify for long term care benefits. The ALTCS income limit is based on modified adjusted gross income from two years ago. This is why it’s important to find out your income and assets now, so that you can make the appropriate adjustments.
The ALTCS application is very complicated and can be easily denied for mistakes or failure to submit proper documentation. A Certified Medicaid Planner can help you complete the process and avoid common errors. In addition, he or she can set up an asset protection trust that allows you to spend down your assets while still qualifying for ALTCS.
Arizona Medicare Advantage Plans
For Arizona residents, Medicare Advantage plans are a great option to provide additional coverage beyond what original Medicare provides. These plans allow you to choose the doctors and hospitals that are in your network, and they offer supplemental benefits like fitness memberships, vision and hearing, and worldwide emergency and telehealth services. Arizona medicare advantage plans also come with $0 premiums and allow you to see a specialist without a referral.
There are four types of Medicare Advantage plans available in Arizona: health maintenance organization (HMO), preferred provider organization (PPO), private fee-for-service (PFFS), and special needs plan (SNP). The cost of the plan depends on whether you use in-network doctors and hospitals, and if your doctor accepts the plan’s payment terms.
Some Medicare Advantage plans also include supplemental prescription drug coverage. If you want a plan with this benefit, look for one with a five-star quality rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
How to Enroll in Arizona Medicare Advantage Plans?
Many Arizonans enroll in Medicare Advantage plans to avoid the high out-of-pocket costs of Original Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans are managed by private insurance companies and overseen by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. They offer extra benefits like preventative care, gym memberships, and transportation help. Some also include rewards and incentive programs to promote healthy behaviors.
It’s important to note that most Medicare Advantage plans in Arizona require you to use their provider network. Those who choose Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) or Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan types have their primary care physicians refer them to specialists within the network. Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS) and Special Needs Plans (SNPs) allow you to see doctors and other providers outside the network.
To enroll in Premium Part B or Premium Part A, you must submit form CMS-L564. You may use this form to apply for the Special Enrollment Period for the Working Aged and Working Disabled or when your premium-free Part A ends due to ESRD.