List of Medicare Health Plans in Arizona

The Arizona Department of Economic Security maintains the Arizona State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). This is a free Medicare counseling service helping Arizona residents sign up for and understand the benefits of Medicare plans. There are four Medicare plans, each of which is administered by the federal government and available to all eligible American citizens. The plans cover medical care and prescription medications through the government or approved private companies. Policyholders may combine plans.

Medicare Part A

• Medicare Part A is a hospital insurance plan. The plan covers inpatient care in critical access hospitals, rehab facilities, long-term care facilities, and skilled nursing facilities. Other types of care covered by Part A are hospice, home health care, and inpatient care at a "Religious Nonmedical Health Care Institution." American citizens who paid Medicare taxes while working are not required to pay a premium for Part A. Those who are 65 or older or disabled but do not qualify for free Part A may buy into the plan for a minimal premium.

Medicare Part B

• The official Medicare website calls Medicare Part B "Medical Insurance." The plan covers medically necessary services like outpatient care, home health care, and doctor visits. Part B may cover preventve care such as flu shots, Pap tests, and screening mammograms. A monthly premium is charged to those who choose to buy into the Part B Medicare plan. This premium is based on policyholder income. Part B does not cover routine dental care, hearing aids or hearing aid exams, or long-term care.

Medicare Part C

• Medicare Part C is also known as the Medicare Advantage Plan. Medicare Advantage Plans provide all Medicare services, including prescription insurance, under one banner. Types of Part C plans include Medicare Health Maintenance Organization (HMOs), Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs), private fee-for-service plans, and Medicare special needs plans. To be eligible for an advantage plan, individuals must first have both Part A and Part B Medicare plans. Part C plans are provided by private insurance companies approved by Medicare, and are mediated by the government.

Medicare Part D

• Medicare Part D is for prescription drug coverage. Part D plans can be added to Part A, Part B, and some Part C plans for additional coverage. Private companies that have been approved and are mediated by Medicare provide prescription coverage. Fees for Part D plans vary on the amount of coverage required. Part D plan participants are provided with a card. When this card is presented at a pharmacy, drugs will be discounted. The amount of a drug discount is contingent upon the level of premium paid for a Part D plan.