For many Medicare beneficiaries in Arizona, the monthly Medicare Part B premium is one of the largest recurring healthcare expenses. In 2025, the standard Part B premium is approximately $174.70 per month, adding up to more than $2,000 per year. Fortunately, several Arizona programs can completely eliminate this cost for eligible individuals.
This guide explains all of the programs that can pay your Medicare Part B premium in Arizona, how to qualify, how to apply, and what to expect during the process.
Programs That Can Pay Your Medicare Part B Premium in Arizona
Arizona offers multiple ways to have your Part B premium paid for you. These include:
- The Medicare Savings Program (MSP)
- Medicaid (AHCCCS)
- ALTCS for long-term-care beneficiaries
- Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs)
- Extra Help (in some cases, combined with MSP)
The most common and accessible method is the Medicare Savings Program, which includes the SLMB, QI, and QMB programs.
Medicare Savings Program Options That Pay the Part B Premium
The Medicare Savings Program (MSP) is administered through AHCCCS in Arizona.
Three MSP categories specifically help with the Part B premium:
- QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary)
- SLMB (Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary)
- QI (Qualifying Individual)
Each program has different income and resource requirements, but all three cover the Part B premium in full.
QMB: Qualified Medicare Beneficiary Program
QMB is the most comprehensive MSP. Once approved, QMB pays:
- Medicare Part B premium
- Medicare Part A premium (if owed)
- Deductibles
- Copayments
- Coinsurance
Under QMB, beneficiaries cannot be billed for Medicare-covered services.
QMB is ideal for individuals with limited income who also need help with medical costs beyond the Part B premium.
SLMB: Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary Program
SLMB pays the Part B premium only, but this alone saves most beneficiaries over $2,000 per year.
SLMB is designed for individuals whose income is too high for QMB but still limited.
QI: Qualifying Individual Program
QI also pays the Part B premium, similar to SLMB.
However:
- Funding is limited
- Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis
- Beneficiaries must reapply annually
- QI is not available to individuals receiving Medicaid
QI is ideal for those just above SLMB income limits.
Medicaid (AHCCCS) and Part B Premium Coverage
Arizona Medicaid (AHCCCS) may pay Medicare premiums for individuals who qualify for full Medicaid benefits.
Full Medicaid coverage typically includes:
- Medicare premiums (Part A and B)
- Most Medicare cost-sharing
- Prescription drug assistance
- Long-term care services (if applicable)
If you qualify for full Medicaid, your Part B premium is almost always automatically paid through the state.
ALTCS and Part B Premium Coverage
ALTCS (Arizona Long Term Care System) is Arizona’s Medicaid long-term care program.
ALTCS assists individuals who need nursing-home-level care or significant daily support.
ALTCS often pays:
- Medicare Part B premiums
- Medical copayments and deductibles
- Long-term care services
ALTCS is the most comprehensive long-term-care support in Arizona, but requires both financial and medical eligibility.
Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs)
D-SNP Medicare Advantage plans do not directly pay the Part B premium themselves, but people enrolled in D-SNP plans are often already:
- Approved for QMB
- Approved for SLMB
- Approved for QI
- Receiving Medicaid
In these cases, one of the assistance programs pays the Part B premium, and the D-SNP provides additional benefits such as:
- Dental
- Vision
- Hearing
- Transportation
- OTC allowances
- Healthy food cards
The combination can dramatically reduce total healthcare costs.
Who Qualifies to Have Their Part B Premium Paid in Arizona?
Eligibility varies by program but generally depends on:
Income Level
Medicare Savings Programs use federal poverty guidelines to determine eligibility.
You may qualify even if your income is higher than expected due to allowable deductions.
Resource Limits
Some resources count (bank accounts, investments), but many do not (home, one vehicle, personal belongings).
Medicare Enrollment
You must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B.
Arizona Residency
Applicants must live in Arizona and apply through AHCCCS.
How to Apply to Have Your Part B Premium Paid
The application process depends on the program you are applying for.
Step 1: Gather Documentation
Most programs require:
- Medicare card
- State-issued ID
- Social Security card
- Proof of income
- Bank statements
- Proof of residency
- SS award letter
- Health insurance information
Step 2: Apply Through AHCCCS
Applications for QMB, SLMB, and QI go through the AHCCCS office using:
- Online Health-e-Arizona Plus portal
- By mail
- By phone
- In person at a DES office
Step 3: Wait for Eligibility Determination
Determinations typically take:
- 30–45 days for MSP
- 30–45 days for Medicaid
- 45–60 days for ALTCS
If approved, your Part B premium is paid automatically through Social Security.
Signs You May Qualify to Have Your Part B Premium Paid
You may qualify for assistance if:
- You receive only Social Security income
- You struggle to afford monthly medical or prescription costs
- Your income is limited
- You have significant medical bills
- You take multiple medications
- You are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan and still have trouble affording costs
- You recently retired and lost employer insurance
Millions of eligible beneficiaries never apply simply because they assume they won’t qualify.
Conclusion
Arizona offers multiple programs that can completely eliminate the Medicare Part B premium. Whether you qualify for QMB, SLMB, QI, Medicaid, or ALTCS, the savings can be substantial and may significantly reduce your healthcare expenses.
Understanding the requirements and applying correctly can ensure you receive the benefits you are entitled to and avoid unnecessary financial strain.
Need Help Getting Your Part B Premium Paid in Arizona?
Menke Insurance provides free, personalized Medicare assistance for Arizona residents. We can determine your eligibility, help you apply for the correct program, and ensure your Medicare coverage is optimized.
Contact Menke Insurance today for free guidance on getting your Medicare Part B premium paid.