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Guide · Arizona

Free and low-cost health coverage in Arizona

Which coverage fits depends mostly on age and income. Many people qualify for more help than they expect.

Adults under 65

AHCCCS covers adults with lower income. If your income is higher, Marketplace plans may come with tax credits.

AHCCCS health coverage (Arizona Medicaid)Free service or coverageFree or low-cost health insurance: doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions and more.Who qualifies: Arizona residents with low income, including adults, children, pregnant women and people 65+ who meet the income rules.Marketplace health insurance with premium tax creditsTax breakPrivate health plans, with tax credits that lower monthly premiums for many moderate-income households.Who qualifies: People without affordable job-based coverage or Medicaid; tax credits depend on household income.El Rio Health community health centersFree service or coverageMedical, dental and behavioral health care with fees on a sliding scale based on income, insured or not.Who qualifies: Anyone in the Tucson area, insured or not; fees are lower for people with lower income.

Children

Children often qualify even when parents don't.

AHCCCS health coverage (Arizona Medicaid)Free service or coverageFree or low-cost health insurance: doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions and more.Who qualifies: Arizona residents with low income, including adults, children, pregnant women and people 65+ who meet the income rules.KidsCare children's health insuranceFree service or coverageLow-cost health coverage for children whose families earn too much for AHCCCS.Who qualifies: Children under 19 in Arizona whose family income is too high for AHCCCS but within KidsCare's limit.

People 65 and older

Medicare, plus programs that help pay its costs.

Medicare enrollmentFree service or coverageFederal health insurance starting at age 65, or earlier for some people with disabilities.Who qualifies: People 65 and older, and younger people who have received disability benefits for a set time.Medicare Savings ProgramsFree service or coveragePays your Medicare Part B premium, and sometimes deductibles and copays.Who qualifies: People with Medicare who have limited income and savings.Extra Help with prescription costsFree service or coverageLowers Medicare Part D premiums, deductibles and drug copays.Who qualifies: People with Medicare drug coverage who have limited income and savings.

Long-term care

Help paying for nursing home or in-home care.

ALTCS long-term care coverageFree service or coveragePays for nursing home, assisted living or in-home care for people who need help with daily activities.Who qualifies: Arizonans 65+ or with a disability who need nursing-home level care and meet income and asset rules.

Veterans

VA health care is separate from Medicare and Medicaid.

VA health careFree service or coverageMedical care at VA medical centers and community clinics, often at little or no cost.Who qualifies: Veterans who served on active duty and meet basic service requirements.

Good to know

  • Community health centers serve people with or without insurance, with fees based on income.
  • Missing your Medicare enrollment window can mean lifetime penalties.

Rules, limits and deadlines change. Each program page links to the official source for current details. Use the Arizona benefits finder to check your situation.