Medicare Eligibility in Arizona
Am I Eligible for Medicare in Arizona?
You are eligible for Medicare Parts A and B in Arizona if you are a legal U.S. citizen or a permanent resident 65 years old or older that has lived in the U.S. for five consecutive years or more.
If you are under 65, you may be eligible for automatic enrollment if you fit into one of the following categories:
- You are younger than 65 and have received 24 months of Social Security disability benefits or certain RRB benefits.
- You have amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, and have begun receiving Social Security Disability Income (SSDI).
Regardless of age, you may apply for Medicare benefits if you have an end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and meet other eligibility requirements, including the need for regular dialysis or having undergone a kidney transplant.
How Do I Apply for Medicare in Arizona?
Here are a few ways you can sign up:
- Sign up online for Medicare.
- By phone, Call 1-800-772-1213. TTY users can call 1-800-325-0778.
- In person with the Social Security Administration.
Plan Options for Eligible Residents
Original Medicare
Original Medicare is comprised of the following:
- Part A: hospital insurance for inpatient care in a hospital, skilled nursing facility, or hospice.
- Part B: medical insurance for outpatient care, physician health services, durable medical equipment, and preventive services.
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Part C offers the benefits of both Part A and Part B plans, while also offering additional benefits. Medicare premiums for Part B are still required. However, the benefits offered by MA plans are generally contingent upon using the plan’s network providers.
Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage)
Part D is coverage for prescription drugs that works along side a Medigap plan. Medicare enrollees who don’t join a plan when they’re first eligible might pay a penalty for late enrollment.
Medigap (Supplement Plans)
Medicare Supplement insurance plans are additional health insurance that complements your Medicare coverage and helps pay for out-of-pocket costs such as coinsurance, deductibles, and copayments.
Choosing an insurance plan is not an easy decision. However, educating yourself about the differences between types of insurance coverage, comparing different plans and policies, and talking to a licensed insurance agent will help you make the right choice.
Resource Links
Below are state and national Medicare resources where you can find more information about Medicare plan options:
- Arizona Department of Economic Security: Here, you can find contact information for State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) and Senior Medical Patrol (SMP) offices throughout Arizona.
- Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS): This state agency is contracted with United Healthcare to offer Medicare Advantage plans in Arizona.
- Medicare: This is the official U.S. government website.
- Social Security Administration: This web page is where you can start an online application for Medicare enrollment.
Ready to Learn More?
Choosing the right Medicare Plan is not a decision that should be taken lightly. With Policy Guide’s assistance, you will have access to the knowledge and expertise of professional agents who can help you compare different health plans, prices, and policies to ensure that you make an informed decision. Let us guide you through this process, so that your chosen plan best suits your needs.
