12th Oct 2022
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5 Questions to Help You With How to Sign Up for Medicare in Arizona When It’s Time
5 Questions to Help You With How to Sign Up for Medicare in Arizona When It’s Time
Are you spending too much time wondering how to sign up for Medicare in Arizona? If you are here, that means you are seeking information about Medicare. Read here to learn about the steps you need to take to sign up for the right Medicare plan.
Getting older is a gift for some. Many people spend their whole lives dreading each birthday, making self-deprecating jokes about all that comes with old age. Aches, pains, and feeling more tired are just to name a few. Do you know what else comes with getting older? Medicare.
That’s right. That golden age of 65 means you can now explore the world of government-paid health insurance. So how do you sign up for Medicare in Arizona? Continue reading further for more insights about 5 things that will help you answer this question.
What Is the Most Important Detail to Remember Regarding How to Sign Up for Medicare in Arizona?
Medicare has different health plans that you can choose from depending on what your medical needs are and how much coverage you desire. For example, Original Medicare is Parts A and B.
The 4 Different Types of Medicare Coverage
- Part A: Medicare Part A covers anything you might need that would be considered inpatient or hospital coverage (surgeries or procedures etc.)
- Part B: Part B covers anything you would need that is outpatient or medical coverage (doctor visits, specialists etc.)
- With Parts A and B–alternate names are Original Medicare or Traditional Medicare–you can use your own doctors, but with less coverage.
- Part C: This is what is now Medicare Advantage. This plan gives you the choice of participating in a private insurance program that partners with Medicare. This means you can choose your doctors from within their network. Usually this is more money than the traditional route.
- Part D: Medicare Prescription Plan. Original Medicare does not cover your prescription drugs so you will want to enroll in other plans for coverage. This can be either a standalone Part D plan or have it included in your Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan.
It truly is a personal choice based on what you know you need for your own health care.
What Do I Need for Eligibility?
Congrats! If your age is 65 or older, you’re already over the biggest hurdle. Age is the first eligibility requirement. No one can receive Medicare benefits in the US before the age of 65 unless you have a qualified disability. Here are a few other things that are applicable to the question of whether you are eligible for Medicare in Arizona:
- You have been receiving social security disability benefits for 2 years or more
- You have Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS)
- You have end-stage kidney disease (ESRD)
If any of these situations apply to you, and you are ready to find out how to sign up for Medicare in Arizona, keep reading.
Is it difficult or time consuming to sign up for Medicare in Arizona?
There are 2 ways to answer this question. The first way is that there is always seemingly some difficulty or red tape when it comes to figuring out these programs. The second way to answer this question is that if you go into the situation with a roadmap, knowing exactly what you want and need, you will encounter far less confusion.
The first thing you need to know regarding how to sign up for Medicare in Arizona is exactly what type of coverage you are looking for. Here are some things to consider:
- Do you have specific doctors you want to keep? Or are you open to finding new doctors in a different network?
- Do you need dental and vision coverage? These are often not covered in Original Medicare plans A and B.
- Are you interested in an Advantage Plan? This will be through a private insurance company which may cost more money.
- Do you need a prescription plan? This could be purchased separately (part D) or with a variety of the Advantage plans.
You initially gain eligibility to sign up for Medicare three months before you turn 65. So spending some time using a Medicare Plan Finder is one way to help you easily figure out what the best option is for you well in advance. This way you will be fully prepared when the time comes for you to enroll in Medicare.
What if I am already on a different insurance plan?
There is the possibility of signing up for Medicare but needing supplement plans to fill in the gaps. The reality is that Medicare may not cover all your medical needs. This can be especially true if you have a complex illness or are in a situation that requires a lot of distinct care, specific doctor visits or multiple prescriptions.
Therefore, it’s important to have a full understanding of everything you need for your care and to do as much research as possible into the different Medicare options that exist. If you do this well in advance of when you are signing up, you will be well-prepared to select the best plan for your healthcare needs moving forward.
It is also important to remember that Medicare doesn’t always offer complete coverage of your needs. It provides care for the things it considers “reasonable and necessary.
Typically, Medicare will not coordinate care with other insurance plans. However, there are some exceptions. This is why it is important to consider a Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage plan.
What is the right time to sign up for Medicare in Arizona?
As mentioned above, Medicare is a service offered to all US citizens after the age of 65. But there are a few exceptions to this. So if you receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for 2 years or more, you are automatically eligible to sign up for Medicare. Additionally, if you are experiencing Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS) or End Stage Kidney Disease, Medicare is also an option for you.
If neither of these things apply to you, then the best time to sign up for Medicare is three months before you turn 65. We suggest you begin doing your research now to develop a good understanding of what you need for your care well before this marker.
Here are some ways you can get additional help with how to sign up for Medicare in Arizona:
- Log in to your SSA.GOV account
- Call your local Social Security Office
- Call the national Social Security office at 1-800-772-1213
- Contact us! We are happy to help.
Any of these options will help you to have a better understanding of both your needs and the best options available to you based on what’s important to you.
Don’t be afraid to ask about how to sign up for Medicare in Arizona
We know signing up for Medicare is overwhelming. But if you make a list of steps you need to take and start before you turn 65, enrolling will be a breeze. You’ll be able to make the right choice by the time you’re eligible.
Fortunately, you don’t have to do this on your own. If doing online research or calling with questions isn’t your forte, let us help! Contact us and let one of our Medicare insurance professionals guide you. There is someone out here capable and willing of helping you figure out the next steps in how to sign up for Medicare in Arizona.
We’re here to help! Call us today.
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