Similar in nature to COBRA benefits, an individual who is 65 or older who loses other qualified health insurance can sign up for a Medigap plan within 63 days of losing that insurance, but the company providing the insurance must have at least 20 employees on the group plan.
If an individual wants to purchase Medicare supplemental insurance in Arizona but has missed previous open enrollment periods, they will not be offered the same protections that would have been afforded them during the initial open enrollment. In addition to a required six month waiting period for pre-existing conditions, they may also have to pay higher premiums.
Disabled individuals who have qualified for Medicare before the age of 65 may also be able to purchase Medicare supplemental insurance in Arizona, but it is not guaranteed and may also require higher premiums and a delay in coverage for pre-existing conditions.
With all of these deadlines and restrictions, it is easy to see how a senior citizen could be confused about Medigap insurance. That’s why so many Arizonans call us for a free consultation with an Arizona health insurance broker who is already familiar with the laws and insurance providers in the state.