An all-in-one Medicare alternative that often includes dental, vision, hearing, and prescription drug coverage — many plans with $0 monthly premiums.
Medicare Advantage, also known as Part C, is an alternative way to receive your Medicare benefits through a private insurance company approved by Medicare. Instead of getting your coverage directly from the federal government through Original Medicare, you enroll in an Advantage plan that must cover at least the same services as Parts A and B — but often includes much more.
Medicare Advantage plans are very popular in Arizona. Tucson has a competitive market with many plan options from major carriers, often including $0 monthly premiums beyond what you already pay for Part B.
Important: You must still be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B and continue paying your Part B premium to join a Medicare Advantage plan. Medicare pays the private insurer a fixed monthly amount to cover your care.
All Medicare Advantage plans must cover everything Original Medicare covers. Beyond that, most plans offer extra benefits that Original Medicare doesn't cover at all:
The most common type of MA plan. HMOs require you to use a network of doctors and hospitals. You'll typically need a primary care physician (PCP) and referrals to see specialists. Care outside the network is generally not covered except in emergencies. HMOs tend to have lower premiums and copays.
PPOs have more flexibility — you can see out-of-network providers, though at higher cost. You typically don't need referrals to see specialists. A good choice for those who want more flexibility than an HMO but still want the extra benefits of Advantage.
PFFS plans set their own payment terms. You can see any Medicare-accepting provider who agrees to the plan's terms and payment rates. Less common than HMO or PPO.
Designed for people with specific diseases or conditions (like diabetes or heart disease), dual Medicare/Medicaid eligibility, or those living in certain institutions. SNPs tailor their benefits to the specific needs of their enrolled population.
Medicare Part D adds prescription drug coverage to Original Medicare. If you have Original Medicare (without a Medicare Advantage plan that includes drugs), you'll need a standalone Part D plan to get prescription drug coverage.
Part D plans are sold by private insurers approved by Medicare. Each plan has a formulary (list of covered drugs) organized into tiers — the tier your drug is on determines your cost. Most plans have a monthly premium, annual deductible (up to $590 in 2025), and cost-sharing at the pharmacy.
Significant improvements now protect Medicare beneficiaries from catastrophic drug costs:
If you go without creditable drug coverage for 63 or more days after your Initial Enrollment Period ends, you'll pay a Part D late enrollment penalty — 1% of the national base beneficiary premium per month you went without coverage, added to your Part D premium permanently. Don't skip Part D if you don't have other creditable drug coverage.
Tip: The best Part D plan for you depends entirely on your specific medications. Two plans might look similar in premium, but one could cost you hundreds more per year based on which formulary tier your drugs fall on. We review your medication list and find the plan that minimizes your total drug costs — for free.
The Medicare Advantage market in Tucson is competitive, with many strong plans from leading carriers. The right plan depends on your doctors, prescriptions, and what extra benefits matter most to you. Let us do the comparison work for you — it's free, and there's no obligation.