Arizona Medicare Part D Plans (PDP) 2018 Medicare Prescription Drug Plans

Arizona seniors, your Medicare Part D plan (PDP) choices are fewer this year. Fortunately, 2018 monthly premiums are about the same, however, the maximum deductible is now $405 per year, one of the lowest annual increases we've seen.

Choose from the available Part D Medicare plans carefully, and don't settle on a Part D plan until you know that your most expensive medications are covered at a price you can afford. This information is available in the plan's formulary. You'll find links to the formulary information, pharmacy information, and the customer service phone number on each PDP page (above).

CRITICAL: The best Medicare Part D Plans for you can only be determined by factoring in what you can afford, your regular prescriptions and your health. A bit of time spent on research will pay off in the long run.

2018 Medicare Part D Donut Hole

Are you aware that the Part D coverage gap (aka, donut hole) is still with us? The good news is that the coverage gap is shrinking, and soon it will be gone completely. Until then you can save money on your uninsured prescriptions in Arizona by using a Prescription Savings Card or coupons. Pick one up at GoodRx.com.

The 2018 Initial Coverage Limit (ICL) is $3,750. The Coverage Gap (donut hole) starts when you reach the ICL ($3,750) and ends when you spend a total of $4,950. This year, Part D enrollees will get a 60% discount on the total cost of brand-name drugs purchased while in the donut hole. A 50% discount, paid by the brand-name drug manufacturer, applies to getting out of the donut hole. But, the additional 10% paid by your PDP does not count toward your True Out-of-Pocket (TrOOP) costs.

For instance, if you reach the donut hole and purchase a brand-name medication with a retail cost of $100, you'll pay $40 for the prescription and get a $90 credit toward meeting your total out-of-pocket spending limit.

PDP enrollees pay a 51% co-pay (maximum ) on all generic drugs purchased while in the coverage gap. For example, if you fall in the Donut Hole in 2018, and your generic medication retails for $100, you'll pay only $51. This amount counts toward your TrOOP.

Some plans offer additional gap coverage, so look for it on the plan information pages.

Medicare Part D is Included with Most Arizona Medicare Advantage Plans

There's more than one way to get prescription drug coverage with your Medicare benefits. The first way is by enrolling in one of the Medicare Prescription Drug Plans listed above. The second way to get help paying for your prescriptions is through one of the Arizona Medicare Advantage Plans that include Part D.

Combining a Supplement and Medicare PartD Benefits

The new healthcare law did not change the coverage you get from Medicare for major medical. You are still responsible for paying the remaining 20 percent of all hospital and doctor bills. Even a brief hospital stay can cost you thousands. That's why we maintain a complete catalog of Arizona Medicare Supplement Insurance, also known as Medigap. We make it easy to find the best price on the plan you want. All Medigap plans are 100% compatible with the Medicare PartD pland listed above.

Medicare Part D for Dual Eligible People

In Arizona, if you are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid (aka, dual eligible or Medi-Medi) you will automatically be enrolled in a Arizona Medicare Prescription Drug Plan and the Social Security Extra Help program. Extra Help pays for most of the costs of your prescriptions if you meet the eligibility requirements. You may also enroll in a plan of your own choosing that better meets your needs. If you qualified for Medicaid before you were eligible for Medicare, contact the your local Medicaid office.

Related Information

• Who Qualifies For Medicare Part D Coverage?
• How Much Does Medicare Part D Cost?
• When Should I Get Medicare Part D Coverage?
• Can Changing My Medicare Part D Plan Lower My Drug Costs?