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.