The Best Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plans in Arizona

When you get sick, Medicare covers most of your essential health care costs, such as surgeries, medical treatments, lab tests and emergency care. About 29% of Medicare beneficiaries in Arizona, or close to 351,000 residents, enhance this coverage by joining a private Medicare Supplement plan. Known as Medigap, these policies offset deductibles, copays and other out-of-pocket costs not covered by the federal government's health plan. 

For example, after Medicare has paid its share of Part B medical insurance — usually 80% of expenses such as physician services, physical therapy, chemotherapy, wheelchairs and walkers — you must pay the rest. If you have Medigap, your insurance company pays this coinsurance on your behalf. Read on to learn about the different Medigap policies available in Arizona.

What Are the Best Arizona Medicare Supplement Plans?

The first thing you notice when shopping for Arizona Medigap plans is that they're identified by a letter: A-D, F, G and K-N. All plans within the same letter category cover the same types of costs. The only difference is the premium the insurance company charges. Once you've determined which of the 10 standardized plans best fits your needs, you can compare premiums. Some insurers offer discounts if you're a non-smoker or pay for your plan in full on an annual basis.

Typical costs covered by Medicare Supplement Insurance include:

• Part A coinsurance for inpatient hospital stays  
• Part A hospice care coinsurance
• Part A deductible (except Medigap Plan A)
• Part B coinsurance/copays
• First three pints of blood if the hospital is unable to get blood for you from the blood bank 
• Skilled nursing facility coinsurance (except Medigap Plans A and B)

Many Arizona residents opt for Plan G or N, which cover the extra fees health care providers charge above the Medicare-approved rate. Plan G also offers the perk of emergency care when you're traveling in a foreign country. Both plans cover 100% of Part B coinsurance, although Plan N requires you to pay a small fee for some doctor's office and emergency room visits. 

While Plans C and F cover the Part B deductible, Medicare rules have changed. These plans are no longer sold to beneficiaries eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020. 

How Do I Enroll in an Arizona Medigap Plan?

You can purchase a Medigap plan if you have Original Medicare Part A and Part B. You can't be enrolled in Medicare Advantage (Part C) at the same time, unless you're leaving the Part C plan and arranging for the Medigap coverage to start when your Medicare Advantage policy ends.

You have certain rights if you wish to join a Medicare Supplement plan in Arizona, but these only apply if you sign up during your Medigap open enrollment period. This six-month period starts when you're 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this window, even if you have a medical problem, you:

• Can enroll in any Medigap policy sold in Arizona
• Pay the same premiums as a person in good health

Once the six-month Medigap open enrollment period is over, insurance companies may underwrite your policy, which means they can decide whether to approve your application and what premiums they charge. 

There are a few situations outside of the Medigap open enrollment period where you may have guaranteed issue rights to enroll in any Arizona Medicare Supplement policy:

• You're moving out of your Medicare Advantage plan's service area.
• Your employee health coverage is ending.
• Your current insurance company is no longer providing coverage.
• You're unhappy with your Medicare Advantage plan and want to return to Original Medicare within your trial right period.

If you're eligible for guaranteed issue rights, you usually have 63 calendar days after your coverage ends to purchase a Medigap policy.