Informational Materials All About Insurance

If you reside in Arizona and are of low income, you may be able to qualify for several programs to help you save money and potentially offer more benefits.

A nurse and an elderly woman in a wheelchair.
A stack of money with the words need help with medicare costs ?

Help with Prescription Drugs

Medicare beneficiaries can qualify for Extra Help (LIS) paying for their monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and co-payments related to Medicare prescription drug coverage.

We estimate the Extra Help is worth about $5,100 per year. To qualify for Extra Help, you must be receiving Medicare and have limited resources and income.

The application for Extra Help does not enroll you in a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan. You do not need to be enrolled in a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan to file for Extra Help. However, the Extra Help assistance does not start until you’re enrolled with an approved Medicare prescription drug provider. Metro Valley Insurance can help you find the best Part D drug plan for your needs. Click here.

How To Apply for Extra Help

You Can Apply Online

Or

You can call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to apply over the phone. You can also request a paper application, or you can schedule an appointment to apply at your local Social Security office.

A clipboard with medicaid written on it.

Medicaid (AHCCCS)

AHCCCS offers health insurance for individuals 65 and older. This is on top of your Medicare insurance. For those who qualify, there are no monthly premiums. To qualify you must be of low income and have limited assets.

There are a few different levels of AHCCCS. Some levels of AHCCCS pay your Medicare Part B premium for you. You may also be able to qualify for a Medicare Advantage Dual Plan that offers additional benefits and reduces your out-of-pocket expenses.

Learn More About Dual Plans

To qualify, you must:

  • Be an Arizona Resident
  • A US citizen or a qualified immigrant
  • Have a Social Security number
  • Make under $1,074/Mo for an individual or $1,452 married (2022 Income Limits)
  • Have limited assets

How to apply for Medicaid (AHCCCS)

You Can Apply Online

If you have questions or need help completing your online application, call 1-855-432-7587, Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

You can also apply in person at a local DES (Department of Economic Security) office.

A picture of arizona 's long term care system.

Arizona Long Term Care (ALTCS)

The Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS) program is for individuals who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled and need ongoing services at a nursing facility level of care.

However, program participants do not have to reside in a nursing home. Many ALTCS participants live in their own homes or an assisted living facility and receive needed in-home services.

People who qualify for long-term care can receive services such as:

  • Nursing Facility
  • Hospice
  • Attendant Care
  • Assisted Living Facility
  • Adult Day Care Health Services
  • Home Health Services, such as nursing services, home health aides, and therapy
  • Home Delivered Meals
  • Case Management
  • Dental Services (up to $1,000 per contract year)

To be eligible for ALTCS, you must:

  • Be determined in need of a nursing home level of care as determined by AHCCCS
  • Be of low income and assets
  • Be a citizen or qualified immigrant
  • Have a Social Security Number (SSN) or apply for one
  • Apply for all cash benefits that you may be entitled to, such as pensions or VA benefits
  • Live in an approved living arrangement, such as your own home, or an AHCCCS certified nursing facility or assisted living facility

To start an application, call ALTCS toll-free at (888) 621-6880.