Mini-Cobra Policies (Small Group) 

Federal Law requires large businesses to provide health insurance for their former employees up to eighteen months after a split.  In most cases, smaller businesses (2-19 employees) are required to cover their employees, too. However, this is not required in the state of Arizona.

 

High-Risk Pool 

Many States offer special health insurance programs for persons who are medically uninsurable due to preexisting medical conditions. However, Arizona does not provide this special health insurance program for persons who fall in this high risk insurance pool.

 

Medicare Savings Program (Premium Support) 

Most states have a form of premium support for low-income Medicare beneficiaries; the amount of support is directly correlated to the beneficiary’s income as a percentage of the Federal poverty level.

 

In Arizona

 

• Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries (QMB) - individuals are covered who have a monthly income under $903 and couples with a monthly income under $1215. The state pays all premiums for Medicare Part B and co-pays and deductibles for Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B

• Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiaries (SLMB) - individuals are covered who have a monthly income under $1083 and couples with a monthly income under $1457. The state covers premiums for Medicare Part B.

• Qualified Individuals (QI) - individuals are covered who have a monthly income under $1219 and couples with a monthly income under $1640. The state pays for premiums for Medicare Part B.

• Qualified Disabled and Working Individuals (QDWIs) - individuals with income under $3,695 and couples with income under $4,942, the state pays premiums for Medicare Part A.

 

State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program 

The pharmaceutical assistance program in Arizona is known as the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS). Through this system, the state covers the cost for many medical services including: acute care services, prescription drugs, long-term services and supports, all depending on personal needs.  To be eligible, an individual must:

 

• Be an Arizona resident and a US citizen or qualified immigrant with a Social Security Number

• Cooperate with the Division of Child Support Enforcement if necessary

• Apply for all potential income available

• Have a personal income below $931

 

State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) 

The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) is a public assistance programs funded in part by the Federal Government that works to inform community groups about current Medicare issues and concerns in each of the 50 states. Arizona’s SHIP Program provides education, information and counseling regarding:

 

• Medicaid (AHCCCS) eligibility, benefits and claim filing

• Medicare Part D (Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage)

• Long term care insurance information

• Medicare Secondary Payor

• Medigap Insurance

• Medicare Advantage plan options and enrollment

• Medicare Cost Sharing programs and Dual Eligible enrollment

• Medicare/Medicaid fraud, waste and abuse

• Medicare costs and deductibles

 

If you live in Arizona, and you are interested in getting a Medicare Plan, please contact the Medicare experts at eAmeriFamily Insurance.  They are industry veterans and will guide you through the process of getting the right Medicare, Medicare Advantage, MediGap, or Medicare Supplement Plan for you.