$174.70/month

For many older adults, especially those with chronic conditions, out-of-pocket Medicare costs can add up quickly. In Arizona, there are Fee-For Services Medicare Savings Programs that can help pay for Medicare costs such as premiums, deductibles, and copays. A premium is money you pay to keep your Medicare plan, a deductible is money you pay before Medicare pays for your care, and a copay is a standard fee you pay when visiting a doctor or specialist.

You may qualify for an Arizona Fee-For Services Medicare Savings Program if you are enrolled in Medicare–or are about to enroll–and you have a limited income.

There are two types of savings programs in Arizona including:

• Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB): This program, also known simply as QMB, has the lowest income limit and covers your Medicare Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, and copayments.
• Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) and Qualifying Individual (QI): These programs have slightly higher income limits and cover your Medicare Part B Premium.

You may also want to find out if you qualify for a Special Needs Plan (SNP). SNPs are a special type of Medicare Advantage Plan for people who:

• Have both Medicare and Medicaid (including QMB)
• Have a serious and disabling chronic medical condition, or
• Live in a nursing home, or live at home but have high care needs and could qualify for a nursing home

Different SNPs are available in different areas of the country. You can learn more by contacting Arizona’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program at (1-800-432-4040).

What are Medicare Savings Programs?

The Medicare Savings Programs (also called MSPs) are state programs that help Medicare recipients pay for Medicare costs. There are MSPs in every state, and most are administered the state’s Medicaid office. In Arizona the program is administered by Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS). This is the department that runs the Medical Assistance program.

Can I get help paying for prescription drug coverage as well?

Once you're in a Medicare Savings Program, or MSP, you will be signed up for the Extra Help program. If you meet the guidelines for Extra Help, you will have low or no deductible, low or no premiums, no coverage gap, and will pay much less for your prescriptions. You can learn more about the program, and even apply on our website.

How do I apply for a Medicare Savings Program in Arizona?

There are a few ways to apply for a Medicare Savings Program in Arizona. Read below to learn more about which option might be right for you.

You can use the Health-e-Arizona PLUS (HEAP) online application.

When you click on the button above, HEAP will prompt you for three options: I have an account, I want to create an account, or I do not want to create an account at this time. All three options will allow you to submit an application online.

If you have questions or need help completing your online application, call

1-855-432-7587, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Apply Online

You can fill out Arizona's Medicare Savings Program application form and mail it to the MA-SP Office:

801 East Jefferson Street
Phoenix, AZ 85034
Or fax it to 1-602-258-4619

Download Application

How do I know if I'm eligible for an MSP?

In general, you must either be enrolled in Medicare or expect to enroll soon. Each program has its own income limit (maximum).

• Qualified Medicare Beneficiary: This program is for people with income at or below 100% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
• Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary: This program is for people with income over 100% of the FPL but under 120% of the FPL.
• Qualifying Individual: This program is for people with income over 120% of the FPL but under135% of the FPL.

You should consider applying if you need help even if you think your income might be too high. Certain types of income are not counted, and the only way to know for certain if you qualify is to apply. While there is an income limit, Arizona does not have a limit on resources or assets, such as bank account balances, stocks, investment properties, etc.  

What documents do I need to apply for an Arizona MSP?

Before you start your application, it may be helpful to gather the following information to make your application process easier:

• The amount of income you get from jobs and other sources
• Medicare numbers, Social Security numbers, and birth dates of everyone applying or in your household

How can I get help with my application?

• Visit a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC), if there’s one near you. See if there’s one in your area.
• Call AHCCCS Medical Assistance Specialty Programs:
  • If you're calling from 480, 602, 623 area codes: Call 1-602-417-5010 and choose option 5
  • If you're calling from 520, 760, 928 area codes: Call 1-800-528-0142
• If you have questions about Medicare, you can contact the Arizona State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) at (800) 432-4040.

NCOA also has a HelpLine that you can call to get free support. To get started today, call 1-800-794-6559.