Arizona Medigap plans follow the Federally-standardized Medigap coverage chart. There are ten standardized plans, and each plan represents a different level of coverage. Although the coverage is standardized, rates can vary considerably from one company to the next. In addition to coverage being standardized, claim payments and doctor acceptance are also standardized when it comes to Arizona Medigap plans, so it is essential to compare plan options based on premium rates and company reputation.
There are also some state-specific things that you should know if you are an Arizona resident searching for or comparing Medigap plans. First of all, rates in AZ are based on your zip code. With most insurance companies, there are 2-3 different geographic rating areas that are used to determine your rate. Typically, rates in urban areas are higher than rates in more rural areas.
Additionally, Arizona Medigap plans are not available, in most cases, to those on Medicare disability (under age 65). But even if you go on Medicare under age 65, you will have an open enrollment period surrounding your 65th birthday. It is very important to take any advantage of that open enrollment period and enroll at age 65, as this prevents insurance companies from using underwriting to screen applicants. Contrary to popular misconception, there is not an annual enrollment period, so it is essential to enroll in a plan when first eligible.
Some of the insurance companies that figure prominently in the Medicare market in AZ currently are Medico, AARP (United Healthcare), Mutual of Omaha, Central States Indemnity, Humana, and Aetna. Whether it is through us or someone else, it is advisable to obtain rates from all the companies that offer plans in your zip code from an independent agent. To get an Arizona Medigap comparison by email, you can contact us here.
Medigap plans in Arizona do change over time, especially the rates, so if you already have a plan it makes sense to do an annual review to insure you have the most cost-effective plan at the coverage level you want/need. In the last 12 months, several companies have entered the AZ Medigap market or lowered rates to be more competitively positioned.
If you have questions about Arizona Medigap plans or want to obtain a rate comparison by email, you can contact us online or by phone at 877.506.3378.