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Medicare Agent in Tucson, AZ
Trying to pick a health insurance plan can be a chore for anyone. For many people, just mentioning the word "open enrollment" sends shivers down the spine. It seems like there's always a nagging feeling that you're wasting money, choosing a plan with poor in-network care, or both. One would think that health insurance gets easier as you approach retirement age, but the truth is that picking an initial Medicare coverage plan can be daunting.
Unfortunately, the confusing process of signing up for Medicare causes many seniors to forego healthcare coverage altogether. After all, Medicare enrollment can involve several federal agencies, including the Social Security Administration (or SSA) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (or CMS).
At Senior Medicare Insurance Services, our passion is guiding seniors through the confusion of Medicare. That way, they can enjoy retirement with peace of mind knowing they are protected and ready for life after 65. We work with dozens of insurance companies, giving our clients the chance to choose a plan that best fits their lifestyle.
We choose to design our senior insurance plans with a focus on optimal benefits structure, lower costs, and personalized service. Some independent insurance agencies see their aging customers as nothing more than a financial transaction waiting to happen. In contrast, we treat each of our clients with respect and dignity as we help them navigate the confusing waters of Medicare. Combined with individualized service, we help older Americans make well-informed decisions about insurance. Whether you're in need of senior Medicare Supplement Plan insurance in Tucson, AZ or simply have questions about signing up for Medicare, our team is here to help.
- Helping Seniors Make Better-Informed Medicare Decisions
- What is Medicare?
- The amount of money you pay for your health care depends on several factors, including
- Senior Medicare Supplement Plan Insurance in Tucson, AZ
- Important Information About Senior Supplement Plan Insurance
- Medicare Agent in Tucson, AZ
- How Medicare Advantage Plans Work
- Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance Rules
- Paying for Your Medicare Agent
- The Senior Medicare Insurance Services Commitment
What is Medicare?
If you're approaching the golden years of your life, it's important you understand what Medicare is if you don't already.
Medicare is a federal health insurance program reserved for people older than 65 who have worked full-time for at least ten years. The Medicare program is paid for by a combination of worker payroll tax, premiums paid by Medicare enrollees, and the U.S. government.
There are four parts of Medicare:
This type of Medicare is free for most U.S. citizens. Medicare Part A helps older adults pay for care in a nursing facility, hospital visits, and some forms of in-home senior care.
This tier costs around $100 per month. It covers different outpatient services like lab tests, preventative care, doctor's visits, mental health care, clinical trials, and some forms of surgery.
This type of Medicare is most often called Medicare Advantage. This tier of Medicare allows seniors to choose health plans provided by insurance companies like Senior Medicare Insurance Services. Individuals who use Medicare Advantage commonly use Medicare supplement plan insurance to help pay for health care costs that Original Medicare won't cover, like coinsurance, deductibles, and copayments.
Sometimes called "PDPs," these plans add drug coverage to standard Medicare, some Medicare Private Fee-for-Service Plans (PFFS), some Medicare Cost Plans, and Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans (MSA).
The amount of money you pay for your health care depends on several factors, including:
- What kind of care you need, and how often it is needed.
- The type of Medicare coverage you choose.
- Whether there are alternative insurance policies that will help fill gaps in your coverage
- Whether a doctor agrees to charge you the same amount that Medicare will cover for a medical service
At Senior Medicare Insurance Services, we offer a number of health insurance solutions for seniors. Two of our most used services include Medicare Advantage plan insurance and Medicare supplement plan insurance.
Senior Medicare Supplement Plan Insurance in Tucson, AZ
Sometimes called Medigap, the purpose of Medicare Supplement Insurance is to help fill in "gaps" that might not be covered by Original Medicare. You can think of a Medigap policy as a supplement for your Original Medicare benefits.
Private companies like Senior Medicare Insurance Services sell this type of insurance right here in South Carolina. While Original Medicare will pay for much of the cost associated with health care services you need, it may not cover all of your expenses. Generally, Medigap policies do not cover costs stemming from eyeglasses, private-duty nurses, dental care, hearing aids, or long-term care.
Depending on the Medicare Supplement Plan that you choose, it may cover out-of-the-country medical services when you travel abroad. Assuming you have Original Medicare coverage, your policy will cover its share of Medicare-approved health care costs. Once your Original Medicare coverage reaches its limit, your Medigap policy will pay its share of the fees.
Our Medigap policies are drafted to meet your specific needs, and can help cover remaining health care costs such as:
Deductibles
Copayments
Coinsurance
Important Information About Senior Supplement Plan Insurance
To dispel some confusion, you should know that a Medigap policy is not the same as a Medicare Advantage Plan. The latter helps you receive Medicare benefits, while the former supplements the benefits you obtain through your Original Medicare plan. As you begin to explore Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans, keep the following important information in mind:
As you begin to explore Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans, keep the following important information in mind:
- To qualify for a Medigap policy, you must first have Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B.
- Payments on your Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan will be made to the private insurance company that you choose, like Senior Medicare Insurance Services. These payments are made every month and are paid in addition to the monthly payment you make for Medicare Part B.
- If you are the holder of a Medicare Advantage Plan, it is illegal for an insurance company to sell you a senior Medicare Supplement Policy. If you plan on switching back to an Original Medicare plan, you may be able to purchase a Medigap policy.
- If you have health problems as you age, your standardized Medigap policy is guaranteed to be renewable. So long as you pay your monthly premium, your insurance provider cannot cancel your policy.
- Medigap policies only cover one person. If you have a spouse or family member that would like coverage, they must purchase a separate policy.
- You may only buy a Senior Medicare Supplement Plan from an insurance agent that is licensed to sell them in your state. Senior Medicare Insurance Services has been licensed to sell Medigap policies in South Carolina for years. We have helped countless seniors get the Medicare coverage they need and continue to do so to this day.
- In the past, Medigap policies were able to cover costs related to prescription drugs. As of January 1st, 2006, prescription drug coverage is not available on Medicare Supplement Plans. The best way to get coverage for your prescription drugs is to join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan, often called Part D. Contact our office today to learn more about paying premiums on Medigap and Medicare plans.
For many people, the best time to buy senior Medicare Supplement Plan Insurance in Tucson, AZ is during the 7 months Medigap Open Enrollment Period. This period starts the day you turn 65 years old, so long as you hold Medical Insurance (Medicare Part B). Generally, during the enrollment period, you get more policy choices and better pricing. Once the enrollment period is over, you may not be able to purchase a Medigap policy. Contact Senior Medicare Insurance Services today to determine if you qualify for a Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan.
Medicare Agent in Tucson, AZ
A Medicare Advantage Plan is a kind of Medicare health coverage designed to provide seniors with all their Part A and Part B Medicare benefits. Many Medicare Advantage Plans will often include coverage of the following:
- Preferred Provider Organizations
- Special Needs Plans
- Private Fee-for-Service
- Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans
- Health Maintenance Organizations
In addition, most Medicare Advantage Plans give seniors coverage for their prescription drug needs. When you enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan through Senior Medicare Insurance Services, your Medicare benefits are covered through your plan and will not be paid for by traditional Medicare.
How Medicare Advantage Plans Work
Sometimes called "MA Plans" or "Part C," Medicare Advantage Plans are considered an "all in one" solution to Original Medicare. Senior Medicare Advantage Plans are only offered by private companies that are approved, like Senior Medicare Insurance Services. Seniors who enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan are still on Medicare. However, these individuals enjoy bundled plans that give seniors the benefits of hospital insurance (Medicare Part A), medical insurance (Medicare Part B), and sometimes drug coverage (Part D).
Medicare Advantage Plans are very popular because they cover all Medicare services and make life a little easier for seniors who have trouble understanding the nuances of Medicare.
When you contact Senior Medicare Insurance Services to choose your Medicare Advantage Plan, ask your agent about Medicare prescription drug coverage. Unless you already have drug coverage (Part D), you should seriously consider Part D coverage to help reduce costs associated with prescription drugs. You may also want to consider a Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan to help fill gaps in coverage that Original Medicare will not cover.
Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance Rules
Medicare works by paying a set amount of money to the companies that offer Medicare Agent in Tucson, AZ. That money is used to pay for the care services that you need. Because Medicare Advantage Plans are different, you should expect out-of-pocket costs to vary depending on the plan you choose.
Different plans have different rules for how you receive services, such as:
If you must go to facilities, suppliers, or doctors that belong to your Advantage Plan for non-urgent and non-emergency care.-
Whether you must get a referral to see a specialized doctor
Companies that offer Medicare Advantage Plans must follow strict rules, which are set by Medicare and can change every year.
Paying for Your Medicare Agent
How much you pay for your Medicare Advantage Plan varies and depends on a few different factors. In most cases, if you need a kind of medical service, you will need to rely on the doctors and providers in your plan's service area and network to pay the lowest amounts. In some cases, if you choose to use a service outside of your plan's network of coverage, you may have to pay out-of-pocket.
We encourage you to contact our office today to learn more about Medicare Advantage Plans, how they work, what your options are, and how often you will have to pay out-of-pocket, if at all.
The Senior Medicare Insurance Services Commitment
Since our company was founded, we have led the insurance industry by providing our clients with the most valuable, helpful insurance solutions available. We are fully committed to our current and prospective clients by:
Choosing to focus on personalized, one-on-one service. When you work with our team, know that we will always design your health insurance plan with your best interests in mind.-
Listening to your specific needs. -
Responding to all inquiries and questions promptly and with a friendly attitude. -
Providing you with the best customer service in the senior health insurance industry, whether you have questions or are ready to move forward with a Medicare plan.
Our mission is to help give seniors the best Medicare assistance available so that they may understand the Medicare process and make an informed health coverage decision. We have the knowledge, skills, and experience to assist anyone interested in Medicare. Our personal goal is to become a lifetime resource for our clients and give them greater confidence in choosing their insurance plans.
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 8 organizations which offer 57 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.
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Latest News in Tucson, AZ
Tucson Maker: Kath Macaulay teaches the art of capturing the world with Pocket Sketching
Analeise Mayorhttps://tucson.com/thisistucson/article_e044e847-dd5a-420b-981a-5667e5ba1319.html
Tucson artist Kath Macaulay is almost never without her trusted travel bag of art supplies.The modified camera bag, which she carries with her in the field and in her daily life, holds her small pallet of water color paints, paintbrushes, the ankle of an athletic sock to blot her brushes on and film canisters filled with water. It also functions as a vital piece of artists equipment.“At a moment's notice, it becomes an easel.” Macaulay said.It’s not the kind of easel that has to be assembled, with legs ...
Tucson artist Kath Macaulay is almost never without her trusted travel bag of art supplies.
The modified camera bag, which she carries with her in the field and in her daily life, holds her small pallet of water color paints, paintbrushes, the ankle of an athletic sock to blot her brushes on and film canisters filled with water. It also functions as a vital piece of artists equipment.
“At a moment's notice, it becomes an easel.” Macaulay said.
It’s not the kind of easel that has to be assembled, with legs and space for a large canvas. Instead, Macaulay uses the bag itself to rest her sketchbook against.
Macaulay has been an artist and teacher for decades, and the portable bag has been her primary tool-kit for years, allowing her to turn anywhere in the world into her artist's studio.
“I love being outdoors,” she said. “Most of my paintings I've done plein air.”
What she didn’t love was schlepping around an easel, tubes of paint, and all the other bulky supplies.
“I had a medical equipment sales job and one day off during the week, every week, and so all my oils were on one side of the front door, all my watercolors on the other side, and I'd go to the front door and decide which one I wanted to take.”
Instead, she said she always opted to take her easy-to-carry field kit.
“I was a runner for 57 years. I ran with my dogs, and I could take this with me,” she said. “Wherever you are, it doesn't matter. This can go, and you can use it.”
And she means everywhere.
“I've gotten terrific sketches on layovers in airports,” she said. “I mean, you're sitting there and it's a fishbowl of people. You start with the guy on the computer because they hold still, then you work up. All around you, people are holding still. Somebody's knitting, somebody's reading, somebody is just trying to sleep.”
Macaulay specializes in a self-created technique called “Pocket Sketching.” Using water-soluble pens, and watercolor paints, she captures the landscape, people, and architecture around her in quick 25-minute paintings.
The 4-inch-by-6-inch pieces, painted directly in her booklet of watercolor paper, are both abstract and highly detailed as she captures the lighting and shapes of a scene.
Her signature style of painting and teaching uses pen ink as the base of her artworks, which was an accidental discovery she made while on an oil painting trip in the late ‘90s.
“I was sketching with India ink, and I turned around to write a note to a friend, and picked up a pilot pen,” Macaulay said. “I forgot to put the brush down because it was always in my hand, and started a note to John and then touched the line because it was a habit, and I said, ‘wait a minute, that ran.’”
While Macaulay said she has always had an interest in art and illustration, she didn’t pursue art as a career until later in her life.
“I majored in biology instead, and then I went on into medical research,” she said. “But I'm probably the only person that sketched a white rat while I was anaesthetizing it.”
She started painting in her free-time after moving to New Mexico with her husband. It was there that she met mentors and fellow artists, and dedicated herself to learning oil painting, then watercolor.
Eventually, she went back to school for marketing and began teaching art classes of her own, traveling across the country and even teaching at the University of Arizona.
“I wanted to find a niche in which I could make a living and enjoy myself and do something in art. What I didn't know was that the real reward is from the students,” Macaulay said.
At 88-years-old, Macaulay is still teaching, passing on her pocket sketching technique to students and empowering them to hone their own creativity with watercolors.
“People can pick it up super, super, super fast,” she said. “It’s extremely easy to follow, and it's meant for people who are completely professional artists who've never had anything portable, and total novices.”
Her philosophy in teaching, Macaulay said, is to guide students learning through discovery.
“It is not the product, it's the doing that is important,” she said. “You slide into watercolor absolutely by accident, and it starts with the pen because it runs when you touch it with water. Then after that, you start adding color.”
When asked why students respond so well to her lessons, and to pocket sketching as a technique, Macaulay said the answer is simple.
“It's because it's fun,” she said. “The minute you start that sketch, everything around you disappears, and it's you and that piece of paper and what you're looking at, and there's no chaos.”
It’s like a timed meditation. The short time of concentrated effort also makes the art more approachable.
“I teach people to work within 25 minutes,” Macaulay said. “My interest goes downhill really fast, but 25 minutes, I can hold that interest for long.”
Sometimes, she said, she’ll even reward her discipline with an extra reward after.
“The reward is I either get a glass of wine, or I get to go play in the garden,” Macaulay said.
The other appeal of pocket sketching, Macaulay said, is the accessibility and low cost of materials.
She offers the kits, which include a paint set, a pad of paper, pen, a water container, and a color chart for $45. Her hope is that providing affordable, easily portable supplies, will encourage her students to continue using them and making art after the class.
Currently, Macaulay teaches regular three-day sessions, online classes and a six-week course at The Drawing Studio which meets once a week. Her next three-day session begins Oct. 5 and runs through Oct. 7, and costs $400. Her upcoming online course starts Oct 17 and costs $290.
Each class follows a similar structure, starting with watercolor fundamentals and an introduction to using the water-soluble pens.
“One of the classes involves scraping and wax. I saw how much Sargent used wax in his watercolors and it's either used for filling an area or any highlight, it's awesome as a tool,” Macaulay said. “The last day is plein air, the day before that is people.”
She also has a multi-season show on PBS called Pocket Sketching with Kath Macaulay, with recorded lessons and demonstrations for anyone who wants to start their own painting journey at home.
“Sketch along,” she said. “It's a snap. Once you've done just a few of them, you can experiment. See what happens.”
Trooper faces long recovery after I-10 crash near Tucson
Daniel Gonzalezhttps://tucson.com/news/local/article_7fa83793-7dd1-4104-8a96-62211768497a.html
The Arizona Department of Public Safety was investigating a collision near Benson involving a semi-truck and a DPS vehicle that seriously injured a state trooper.The collision occurred about 9:40 a.m. Sept. 28 on eastbound Interstate 10 at milepost 302 near Benson, DPS said in a news release. Benson is about 45 miles southeast of Tucson.The trooper was still hospitalized, so was not yet being publicly identified, spokesperson Bart Graves said.The driver of the semi was not injured, he said.The trooper's mother, Tr...
The Arizona Department of Public Safety was investigating a collision near Benson involving a semi-truck and a DPS vehicle that seriously injured a state trooper.
The collision occurred about 9:40 a.m. Sept. 28 on eastbound Interstate 10 at milepost 302 near Benson, DPS said in a news release. Benson is about 45 miles southeast of Tucson.
The trooper was still hospitalized, so was not yet being publicly identified, spokesperson Bart Graves said.
The driver of the semi was not injured, he said.
The trooper's mother, Tracy McAdams, however, identified the trooper as Owen McAdams in a GoFundMe page created for the trooper and his fiancée, Melanie, to help cover costs related to his recovery.
She called the accident one of the scariest days of their family's lives, according to the GoFundMe.
Owen McAdams was conscious and talking when he arrived at the hospital. His brain and spine were unharmed, Tracy McAdams wrote.
But Owen McAdams "suffered two dislocated knees, severe fractures in both legs, and other injuries. He has undergone multiple procedures, including surgery on one of his legs so far, and faces a long, painful road to walk again," Tracy McAdams said on GoFundMe.
Owen McAdams has the "full support" of DPS, Tracy McAdams wrote. His medical expenses were covered "indefinitely," and his pay is covered for a "substantial amount of time," she wrote.
The Arizona State Troopers Association also shared its support on Facebook.
"This accident will still bring additional costs for Owen and his fiancée, Melanie, including extra therapy as needed, possible missed work for Melanie, transportation, meals, and other needs during his recovery," Tracy McAdams wrote.
Grades, overreactions to Cincinnati Bearcats defeat at Arizona
Scott Springerhttps://sports.yahoo.com/articles/grades-overreactions-cincinnati-bearcats-defeat-142103591.html
TUCSON, AZ – Most of the 43,760 on hand at Casino Del Sol Stadium had hit the exits when the University of Cincinnati Bearcats scored in their 34-7 lopsided loss to Arizona on Saturday, Oct. 3.Probably, several Cincinnatians watching the 11 p.m. (Eastern) kickoff on Fox hit the hay early based on the game, which may have been a wise decision.UC came back to reality as fifth-year Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita threw for two touchdowns, ran for another and watched his team plow through holes for a 238 yards to 74 rushing a...
TUCSON, AZ – Most of the 43,760 on hand at Casino Del Sol Stadium had hit the exits when the University of Cincinnati Bearcats scored in their 34-7 lopsided loss to Arizona on Saturday, Oct. 3.
Probably, several Cincinnatians watching the 11 p.m. (Eastern) kickoff on Fox hit the hay early based on the game, which may have been a wise decision.
UC came back to reality as fifth-year Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita threw for two touchdowns, ran for another and watched his team plow through holes for a 238 yards to 74 rushing advantage and a total offense win of 522-227.
UC basketball exhibitions Ohio State Jerrod Calhoun, Cincinnati Bearcats basketball prepare for exhibitions
During their brief stay in Tucson, there were heat warnings, though the game-time temperature was pleasant. However, "heat warnings" may be a thing if the Bearcats don't clean up the disarray that occurred in the desert.
"If you can't run or pass, there's not anything else to do," UC head coach Scott Satterfield said. "You've got to be able to do one of those things and we did not do either one of them any good."
Buy Cincinnati Bearcats football tickets
Grading Cincinnati Enquirer prediction on UC Bearcats, Arizona Wildcats
We predicted an Arizona win, but by a much closer margin. The same goes for others. Most hit around Arizona's point total of 34, but nobody had the blowout. We also, based on past games, predicted UC would have over 200 yards in the running game.
Outcome: Correct on the win. Wildly off on the run game, as was UC's effort. The last time they were held below 100 yards was last November's loss to BYU at Nippert Stadium (87). Cole Tabb was among the NCAA leaders in yards per carry but finished with 19 yards for 3.2 yards per carry, and Gi'Bran Payne averaged just 2.2 for a total of 24.
That's a big ol' swing-and-a-miss for all parties involved. Especially when Arizona was successful in their ground game.
"They were able to run the football," Satterfield said. "Obviously, Fifita's going to get his. We never got any momentum going."
Sadly, it gets worse. We picked JC French IV to throw for 200 or more yards.
Outcome: He was 47 short. Mainly because UC had no downfield presence and Arizona eliminated JV Gibson. French's average completion yardage was 9.6 to Fifita's 11.4, but Fifita extended more plays. French was also limited to 57 plays due to Arizona controlling time of possession for over 35 minutes.
Finally, we said Fifita would be sacked, intercepted and would still win.
Outcome: Bingo! Drew Logan sacked him on the first Arizona play and he would go down two more times. MJ Cannon picked him off in the first quarter, but UC went backward on offense and Rusnak clanked the post on the long, 53-yard attempt. Not much went right for the Bearcats, nor left, for that matter.
Overreactions from Cincinnati Bearcats at Arizona
Well, it was fun while it lasted
Watching the game may have been disturbing, but the rest of the league is anyone's guess. Houston was down 17 to UCF and won. BYU only beat TCU 17-10 and Texas Tech briefly was in a tussle with Colorado. Iowa State, picked last by some Big 12 media, knocked off West Virginia and Baylor bashed Arizona State 55-19.
"All these teams are good," Satterfield said. "No matter who you're playing, they can beat you. On the road, it's tough. It's travel and away games are tough environments with these home crowds. All of those things you have to battle, but more importantly, you have to figure out what you do well and be good at it."
UC doesn't play until Oct. 17 at West Virginia, so there's ample time.
Where was JV Gibson?
He was held without a catch. In the first three games, he had touchdown receptions from French. Arizona eliminated him and UC's throwing game was mainly east and west. Isaiah Johnson had six catches with a long of 24 yards. It would be overreacting to say Gibson won't bounce back, but negligent not to note his lack of involvement.
"It was frustrating; there were opportunities to make plays and we didn't," French said. "It starts with me. We're going to get it fixed on this bye week."
UC's offensive line had a difficult day
Not much to debate here when you're outrushed by 164 yards. Also, French had only been sacked five times in four games, but went down three times against the Wildcats. For the record, last year's offensive line allowed only eight sacks of Brendan Sorsby. Arizona's rush defense was allowing only 80 yards per game and lived up to their billing, possibly giving opposing teams a blueprint on how to play the Bearcats.
"There was a lot of uncharacteristic things that we did on offense," UC QB French said. "They (offensive line) are all leaders. Everybody takes accountability for tonight; it just wasn't our night. We have a lot of games left."
Arizona coach Brent Brennan said, "We knew they wanted to run the ball and we said, 'We're not going to let you do that tonight.'"
Noah Fifita for Heisman?
Arizona's communications staff passed those flyers out in July at Big 12 Media Day in Frisco, Texas. On a national front, he has a big climb because the SEC and Big Ten still get more press than the Big 12. However, Fifita is solid and has remained at one school: Arizona. He's a dangerous competitor.
Too many missed opportunities for Bearcats
Not turning an interception by Cannon into points in the first quarter hurt when UC was already down 7-0 after the opening drive. A seven-yard sack foiled that drive.
Still down 7-0 in the second quarter, you can't drive to the 2-yard line and come up empty. They thought about a field goal there, but went for it on fourth down and Gavin Grover's reception was ruled out of bounds. A 10-0 halftime deficit could easily have been 10-10.
In the third quarter, Antwan Roberts had the 70-yard run with UC's Jacob Finley knocking the ball loose. It looked like it would have gone out of the end zone anyway, but Antwan Peek Jr. batted it out, drawing a flag, which eventually led to a Fifita touchdown run and a 17-0 deficit.
Undefeated teams don't miss on game-changing plays, which is why UC is 4-1.
Grades from Cincinnati Bearcats at Arizona Wildcats
The defense was exposed somewhat, so I didn't go there. They did have a key fourth-down stop near the goal line, but Fifita did what he does and UC had no second-half answers this weekend. Once Arizona was rolling, they looked like a team that could beat anyone at Casino Del Sol Stadium. All UC did was open themselves for the criticism that came when many pundits predicted them to have fewer than six wins.
Here's where the "O" gets the "D." If UC can't run the ball effectively, they can't throw the ball. JV Gibson came into the game with 18 catches in four games, the same total he had all of last year at Oklahoma in nine games. He left Tucson with 18 catches as Arizona took away JC French's favorite target. Also, when your quarterback is the top rusher with 29 yards, it's probably been a long night.
The fourth-down stop was nice, as was MJ Cannon's interception. Neither was capitalized on. Jasper Beeler had 12 tackles and two tackles for loss and Fifita was sacked three times, but Arizona gashed UC in the running game on top of having one of the better passing offenses in the league.
Antwan Peek Jr.'s batting of the ball out of the end zone was also costly, but I doubt every defender knows that rule. That was another instance where UC could have had a momentum shift, but failed to seize said moment.
Max Fletcher punted five times for a 48-yard average with a long of 62 yards. Twice he dropped the ball inside the 20-yard line. That's the good part. Stephen Rusnak missed a 53-yard field goal off the post. That's still a long boot, but it would have put points on the board. Return-wise, there were none.
Here's where you have to give the "D." Arizona knew UC's intentions and the Bearcats didn't deviate from that. When you get behind double-digits, it's often tough to stick to the same plan. The longest pass play was 26 yards to Isaiah Johnson and it was French with the longest run of 21.
UC won't be the only Big 12 team to lose to Arizona in Tucson, but the second-half adjustments that served them well four games in Cincinnati were missing.
After bye week, it's Cincinnati Bearcats at West Virginia
It'll be another Big 12 tight tussle in Morgantown as the Bearcats haven't won vs. West Virginia since back-to-back victories in 2008 and 2009 when both teams were in the Big East and Brian Kelly was coach. Current WVU coach Rich Rodriguez only lost to UC once in his last tenure, a 2003 defeat to Rick Minter's Bearcats 15-13. West Virginia leads the overall series by a landslide, 18-3-1. The Mountaineers host Arizona Oct. 10, then UC tries their luck. West Virginia lost to Iowa State Oct. 3 in Ames, 45-42 and it's another offense that will need to be stopped or answered.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer:
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5 takeaways from Arizona football’s 34-7 victory over Cincinnati | Michael Lev
Michael Levhttps://tucson.com/sports/subscriber/article_ef4dc3f9-92b5-4a2b-a785-36e85b8d15e1.html
Alert Top StoryThe media could not be loaded, either because the server or network failed or because the format is not supported.Arizona blew out undefeated Cincinnati despite playing most of the game without its top four pass catchers and all of it without two key veteran leaders.Let that sink in for a minute.What transpired at Casino Del Sol Stadium on Saturday night was a testament to the Wildcats’ grit, determination and depth. It was a masterful performance under circumstances that went from hard to har...
Alert Top Story
The media could not be loaded, either because the server or network failed or because the format is not supported.
Arizona blew out undefeated Cincinnati despite playing most of the game without its top four pass catchers and all of it without two key veteran leaders.
Let that sink in for a minute.
What transpired at Casino Del Sol Stadium on Saturday night was a testament to the Wildcats’ grit, determination and depth. It was a masterful performance under circumstances that went from hard to harder to ... what the heck is going on here?
“We got resilience, man,” one of the substitute receivers, Brandon Phelps, said after the UA’s 34-7 triumph. “That’s Arizona football right there.”
The Wildcats nearly had their first conference shutout in more than 30 years.
They rushed for more than 200 yards for the first time in 11 months.
They dominated a Cincinnati team that came in with tons of momentum.
Here are my top five takeaways from what might have been the best collective coaching job of the Brent Brennan era:
1. Next men up
The gang was back together. The starting trio was intact. The Three Amigos were ready to ride.
Then they fell, one by one.
Giovanni Richardson (hamstring) returned to the lineup, lasted one series and watched the rest of the game in shorts with a towel over his head.
Later in the first half, Chris Hunter (knee) got hurt. Then Try Spivey (foot). Tight end Cole Rusk (ankle) didn’t dress.
That’s the entire starting pass-catching unit.
And yet ... the offense still functioned. The Wildcats still moved the ball. The backups — who might be starters for the foreseeable future — made plays.
Fifth-year tight end Tyler Powell had a team-high five catches, just three fewer than his career total entering Saturday, and his second touchdown of the season. Sophomore Isaiah Mizell had four catches for a career-high 67 yards. Junior Brandon Phelps had two catches for 36 yards and a touchdown that saw him niftily make a Bearcats defender miss along the sideline.
Powell and Phelps know what it’s like to overcome injuries. They’ve been there and endured that. Now they’re picking up their fallen comrades.
Powell and Phelps are grizzled veterans compared to the other pass catchers who stepped up Saturday night. At one point in the second half, Arizona had two sophomores (Mizell and Shane King) and two freshmen (Caleb Smith and R.J. Mosley) serving as Noah Fifita’s pass-catching corps.
They had no choice but to be ready to go.
The next game, at West Virginia, will present a wholly different challenge. Not that the Mountaineers’ defense is any good; frankly, it isn’t. But it’s a road game. The crowd will be a factor. How will those relatively inexperienced players handle it?
Based on what we saw Saturday night, I think they’ll be just fine.
2. Run-game reversal
The biggest storyline entering Saturday involved the run game.
Cincinnati was averaging 270 yards on the ground. Arizona was yielding a shade over 80. Which side would win that battle?
The Wildcats took it by unanimous decision.
The Bearcats finished with just 74 net rushing yards. Even adjusting for sacks, Arizona held them under 100 (89).
Cincinnati’s longest run was a 21-yard scramble by quarterback JC French IV. Tailbacks Gi’Bran Payne and Cole Tabb didn’t have a single run over 8 yards. They had just 43 combined yards on 17 carries.
“We knew they wanted to run the ball,” Brennan said. “We said no ... we’re not gonna let you do that tonight.”
The Wildcats’ defensive linemen were physical and stout between the tackles. The linebackers were active. The defensive backs provided support.
It was the latest gem orchestrated by defensive coordinator Danny Gonzales, who relishes a challenge and always seems to have his guys ready for whatever the opposition is throwing at them.
Meanwhile, Arizona topped 200 yards rushing on offense for the first time since Nov. 1, 2025, at Colorado. It was exactly what I was hoping to see from the Wildcats.
Was it always pretty? No. Were there still times — especially late in the game — where Seth Doege skewed toward the pass more than he should have? Probably.
But it was still about a 50/50 split, which is never a bad place to land. And if all your starting receivers are out, it only makes sense to lean more on your running backs.
Kedrick Reescano continued to run with force and fortitude inside. Quincy Craig is quicker and shiftier than he’s ever been. And Antwan Roberts has the speed to get to the edge (although his ball security needs work; see item No. 3).
Fifita adds to the ground game by being tough and slippery on scrambles and designed runs. He has incredible awareness of his surroundings, knowing exactly how to maneuver past bigger defenders.
3. Picking nits
No one has ever played a perfect football game. Despite the one-sided nature of Saturday’s contest, Arizona made plenty of mistakes.
Some were new. Some were recurring. None ended up mattering. But if the Wildcats are truly all about the process, as Brennan stated after the game, they’ll spend considerable time this week trying to work out the kinks.
For the third straight game, Arizona’s first offensive play resulted in a sack. It’s one of the strangest occurrences I’ve witnessed in 30 years of covering pro and college football. How does that keep happening?
Penalties were prominent and problematic. Arizona got flagged eight times for 70 yards.
Two were illegal-formation infractions that turned manageable situations into difficult ones.
In the first quarter, the Wildcats appeared to have a first down on a third-and-5 pass from Fifita to Spivey. Instead, they faced third-and-10. Fifita forced a pass toward the left sideline that was intercepted.
Late in the first half, Arizona went from first-and-goal at the 5 to first-and-goal at the 10. The Wildcats ended up settling for a field goal.
Two false starts had the same effect, although Arizona managed to overcome them. That shouldn’t happen once at home, let alone twice.
Roberts’ fumble was his second of the season in just 16 carries. The Wildcats need his explosiveness. But ball security supersedes everything. The coaching staff only has so much patience.
Defensively, there isn’t much to gripe about. The pass rush got a little undisciplined at times, giving French lanes that he could exploit. That will undoubtedly be a point of emphasis against West Virginia dual-threat QB Michael Hawkins Jr.
4. Raw deal
Arizona faced Cincinnati without linebacker Max Harris and running back Ismail Mahdi.
More likely than not, they won’t be available for the rest of the season.
That stinks on multiple levels.
The news became public 90 minutes before kickoff that the two were ineligible — the latest and probably last twist in their courtroom fight with the NCAA.
I’m not going to get into all the legal details because, frankly, I don’t understand them. I don’t understand any of this.
Some student-athletes can play under the five-for-five umbrella. Some can’t. It just depends on which judge you get and how they interpret whatever case is in front of them.
There’s no consistency to it, no logic, no clarity, no fairness.
I feel terrible for Harris, Mahdi, UA baseball pitcher Garrett Hicks, golfer Connor Hamm and whoever else has been impacted by this nonsense. For the football players, it’s almost worse that they were able to play under a temporary restraining order. That ruling gave them hope. Friday’s decision ripped it away.
The impact on the football team is significant. Arizona is banged up, as mentioned. Harris was a regular part of the rotation at linebacker. Mahdi had his best game of the season the previous Saturday at Washington State.
Can the Wildcats get by without them? Sure. Would they rather have them? Of course.
Harris and Mahdi are expected to remain with the team. They’ll participate in practice and provide leadership in the locker room.
It’s a damn shame they can’t play on Saturdays.
5. Survive and advance?
Arizona’s next challenge will be absolutely fascinating.
It’s the Wildcats’ first game against former head coach Rich Rodriguez, who, in some ways, hasn’t changed a bit since his time in Tucson.
He can still direct a spread-option run game as well as, or better than, anyone.
West Virginia averages a league-high 294 rushing yards per game. Tailback Cam Cook and QB Hawkins rank first and third, respectively, among individual Big 12 rushers. They’ve combined for 16 touchdowns.
Can Arizona’s run defense rise to the occasion again against a ground game that no one has come close to stopping?
Meanwhile, the UA will bring a depleted offensive unit to Morgantown — not ideal in a game that could be a shootout. (The average total points in West Virginia’s five games: 66.)
If the Wildcats can get through it without stumbling, they can pause to catch their breath. Their bye is the following week.
A home game vs. Iowa State follows. Although the Cyclones have played better than expected, that’s a game the Wildcats should win.
If all of the above comes to fruition, Arizona will be 6-1 heading to Lubbock to face Texas Tech on Halloween. The Red Raiders remain unbeaten, but they aren’t the juggernauts they were a year ago.
After watching Arizona stomp Cincinnati amid suboptimal circumstances, I’m not ruling out anything.
Contact sports reporter/columnist Michael Lev at mlev@tucson.com. On X (Twitter): @michaeljlev. On Bluesky: @michaeljlev.bsky.social
Tucson couple to open regional Italian restaurant at Mercado
Cathalena E. Burchhttps://tucson.com/thisistucson/eat/article_733cfbc4-fbed-49c9-b432-6fd214791038.html
Agustín Kitchen, the anchor to the west side Mercado District plaza that featured a rotating cast of sometimes prominent chef operators and a menu grounded in locally-sourced ingredients and European influences, closed its doors for good at the end of August.In the next month or so, the 4,800-square-foot space at 100 S. Avenida del Convento will be home to an Italian restaurant whose owners hope to introduce Tucson to the varying breadth and depth of Italy’s foodiverse.Il Santo Italiano Rustico will borrow its menu...
Agustín Kitchen, the anchor to the west side Mercado District plaza that featured a rotating cast of sometimes prominent chef operators and a menu grounded in locally-sourced ingredients and European influences, closed its doors for good at the end of August.
In the next month or so, the 4,800-square-foot space at 100 S. Avenida del Convento will be home to an Italian restaurant whose owners hope to introduce Tucson to the varying breadth and depth of Italy’s foodiverse.
Il Santo Italiano Rustico will borrow its menu from all corners of owner Vito Prencipe’s native Italy.
“We're trying to basically do what's the real regional Italian cuisine, and we're trying to create a space that can allow us to do that,” said Prencipe, who moved to Tucson from his hometown of Puglia in southern Italy 14 years ago.
Prencipe and his wife, Tucson native Bonnie Callahan, had been dreaming about opening their own restaurant for years but were looking for the right location. What started out as casual what-if conversations with Agustín Kitchen owners Adam Weinstein and Kira Dixon-Weinstein turned into “we’re doing this” after Prencipe resigned his day job with North Italia just a few weeks ago.
“It came together extremely quickly,” he said.
Prencipe was a manager with the upscale North Italia and had helped open a number of locations around the country, training employees on the intricacies and culture of Italian cuisine. At home in Italy, he was the director of a culinary institute and had spent a dozen years studying food sustainability.
He said he had wanted to write a book with his wife, a published writer, “because we were trying to share the story about the magic behind Italian food and Italian food network.”
The couple hopes that story comes through at Il Santo, which will follow that sustainable food mantra with locally sourced ingredients “that match the idea, the flavor profile, that we're looking for,” he said.
That story will scale the Italian countryside and coastline, bringing the flavor of every region to the plate.
“We are focusing on the regional Italian cuisine,” Prencipe said, describing it as “the Mediterranean diet” that also includes pasta and pizza. “But we will have a huge variety of vegetables. We'll have a huge variety of beans, and we will have a huge production inside here.”
Prencipe said the kitchen will be led by a Michelin Star chef trained in Italy.
Dixon-Weinstein said she and her husband, who own the Mercado District that includes the MSA Annex, always had operators run Agustín Kitchen, but “I think that gets hard over time,” she said. After the most recent staff turnover, “we were realizing we needed to really lean in and we weren’t sure we had enough time to give it what it really needed,” she said.
Dixon-Weinstein said they had met with Prencipe and Callahan about Il Santo and wanted to find a way “to get them into the district.”
“It seemed like the perfect idea because their concept is so special and it's going to be so great,” she said. “We want to make sure that any business (in the Mercado District) supports all the other businesses around it, and that they all support each other. It's an ecosystem.”
Il Santo will join the district’s other eateries, including the Mexican restaurants Rollies and Seis Kitchen, the Japanese restaurant Kukai, Bōs Burger and the juice bar El Zumitos.
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