Arizona Medicare Part D Plans (PDP) 2018 Prescription Drug Plans for People with Medicare

People with Medicare benefits in Arizona have fewer Medicare Part D Plan (PDP) choices in 2018. However, premiums are about the same, and in some cases have decreased. The maximum annual deductible is now $405, up from $400 last year.

Choose 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).

The 2018 Medicare Part D Coverage Gap is Closing

If you have expensive prescriptions, chances are that you will reach the Medicare coverage gap (aka, donut hole). The Affordable Care Act eventually closes the gap, but it's still with us in 2018. Until it's gone, use a pharmacy discount card. It will help with most of your uninsured prescriptions throughout Arizona. We recommend the Rx Discount Card and coupons from 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 Part D plans 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 Medicare Supplement and Part D Plan 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 prescription drug plans listed above.

Getting Medicare Part D with Arizona Medicaid

If you meet the requirements for both Medicare and Medicaid (aka, dual eligible or Medi-Medi) in Arizona, you will automatically receive a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan, as well as Extra Help from Social Security. If you qualify for Extra Help, the program will cover most of the costs of your prescriptions. Even if you qualify, the dual eligible option may not suit your needs. In this case, enroll in the prescription drug plan of your choice. If you receive Medicaid now, call your local Medicaid office for assistance with your dual eligible benefits.

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?