Who I have the same questioned this topic

AppleCare+ has to be purchased via Apple (per their website at the following link http://store.apple.com/us/product/S4575LL/A). You can get VZW's protection plan which is not the same as AppleCare+. If you can still purchase the regular AppleCare plan then you can buy that at VZW or any other retailer that sells it any time within the 1st year but it does not cover the same things that AppleCare+ does. I would have your wife contact Apple directly for the clear and correct answer to this if you or her feels the link is not clear enough. VZW would likely prefer you to go with their protection plan but if your goal is to get the AppleCare+ plan that requires one upfront payment and $49 for a replacement device if the need arises then you need to contact Apple to find out the accurate method of getting it.