Services
Medicare
What Is Medicare?
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people age 65 or older. People younger than age 65 with certain disabilities, permanent kidney failure, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease), may also be eligible for Medicare. The program helps with the cost of health care, but it doesn't cover all medical expenses or the cost of most long-term care.
What Are The Different Parts of Medicare?
You have choices for how you get Medicare coverage. If you choose to have Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) coverage, you can buy a Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policy from a private insurance company. Medigap covers some of the costs that Medicare does not, such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. If you choose Medicare Advantage, you can buy a Medicare-approved plan from a private company that bundles your Part A, Part B, and usually Part D (prescription drug coverage) into one plan. Although the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is the agency in charge of the Medicare program, Social Security processes your application for Original Medicare (Part A and Part B).
Part A
Hospital Insurance
Helps cover
- Inpatient care in hospitals
- Skilled nursing facility care
- Hospice care
- Home health care
Part B
Medical Insurance
Helps cover
- Services from doctors and other health care providers
- Outpatient care
- Home health care
- Durable medical equipment
- Some preventive services
Part C
Medicare Advantage
Key points
- Includes all benefits and services under Part A and Part B
- Run by Medicare-approved private insurance companies
- Usually includes Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D) as part of the plan
- May include extra benefits and services for an extra cost
Part D
Prescription Drug Coverage
Key points
- Helps cover the cost of prescription drugs
- Run by Medicare-approved private insurance companies
- May help lower your prescription drug costs and help protect against higher costs in the future
Medigap
Medicare Supplement Insurance
Helps cover
- Some costs that Original Medicare doesn't, such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductible expenses
- Run by private insurance companies
- Plans are standardized by Medicare and named by letters. All plans with the same letter offer the same basic benefits. An insurance company cannot change the basic benefits, but it can change the price (premium) for each Medicare Supplement plan available in its portfolio
- Plans C, D, F, G, M, and N provide some emergency coverage while traveling outside the U.S.
Compare Medicare plans in your area
Compare Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans in your area on SunFire, Desert Dawn Insurance's enrollment partner.
This plan comparison tool is provided through SunFire and is not the official Medicare.gov website. Plan availability and costs vary by county. Contact Cara for personalized guidance.
Free plan comparison
Your Medicare questions, answered
I help Medicare beneficiaries compare health plan options at no cost to you—I'm compensated by the insurance companies I represent when you enroll.
- Is my doctor in network?
- Do I qualify for Extra Help programs that could reduce my drug costs?
- Are there benefits available from another plan that will better fit my needs?
- What will my prescriptions cost on various plans?
Affordable Care Act (ACA)
What Is the ACA Marketplace?
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) created the Health Insurance Marketplace — a way for individuals and families to shop for and enroll in health plans when they don't have coverage through an employer, Medicare, or another program. Plans cover essential health benefits and cannot deny coverage based on pre-existing conditions.
Who Can Enroll?
You may qualify for ACA marketplace coverage if you:
- Are not eligible for affordable employer coverage or Medicare
- Live in the United States and are lawfully present
- Are not incarcerated
Open Enrollment runs November 1 through January 15. Enroll by December 15 for coverage that starts January 1. Enroll December 16 through January 15 for coverage that starts February 1. Pay the first premium for coverage to start. Special Enrollment Periods may apply after qualifying life events such as losing other coverage, moving, or changes in household size.
Subsidies and Savings
Many Arizona households qualify for premium tax credits (subsidies) that lower monthly premiums based on income and household size. Cara can help you understand what savings you may qualify for and compare plans side by side.
Compare plans and prices
The plan comparison tool opens on HealthSherpa, Desert Dawn Insurance's ACA enrollment partner. Compare available plans, see estimated costs, and enroll when you're ready.
This website is operated by Geozoning, Inc DBA HealthSherpa Insurance Agency and is not the Health Insurance Marketplace® website. Visit HealthCare.gov for the official federal marketplace.
Free plan comparison
Your ACA questions, answered
I help Arizona residents compare ACA marketplace plans at no cost to you—I'm compensated by the insurance companies I represent when you enroll.
- Am I eligible for a subsidy to lower my premium?
- Which plans include my doctors and prescriptions?
- What is the difference between Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans?
- Do I qualify for a Special Enrollment Period?
Dental PPO
Dental PPO (DPPO) — Preferred Provider Organization
Dental PPO insurance plans are popular with families who want a large network of providers to choose from. PPO providers typically offer a lower rate for service than a non-contracted provider, but you have the freedom to utilize either type of provider.
What to look for in a dental PPO plan
Dental PPO plans balance dentist choice with plan rules that affect how much you pay and when coverage starts. When you compare plans, review these details carefully—they vary by carrier and plan level:
- Annual maximum benefit — Most plans cap how much they pay toward covered services each calendar year (often $1,000–$2,000 for individual coverage). After you reach that limit, you pay remaining costs out of pocket until the plan year resets.
- Waiting periods — Major work such as crowns, bridges, or dentures may not be covered until you have been enrolled for several months (commonly 6–12 months). Preventive care like cleanings and exams is often covered sooner; always check the plan's schedule before scheduling treatment.
- In-network vs out-of-network costs — You usually pay less at a PPO network dentist. Out-of-network care is still allowed, but your share of the cost is typically higher and the plan may reimburse based on a lower allowed amount.
- Deductibles and coinsurance — Some plans require a deductible before benefits apply, then pay a percentage of covered services (for example, 80% for basic care and 50% for major work). Cara can help you estimate how these add up for the care you expect in the coming year.
Compare dental plans in your area
Shop individual and family dental and vision plans on Smile Power™, Desert Dawn Insurance's enrollment partner with Delta Dental of Arizona.
This plan shop is operated by Arizona Dental Insurance Service, Inc. dba Delta Dental of Arizona through Smile Power™ and is not the official Desert Dawn Insurance website. Plan availability varies by zip code. Contact Cara for personalized guidance.
Individual & family dental
Your dental questions, answered
I help Arizona families compare dental PPO plans with a large provider network—contact me for guidance or use the Smile Power™ plan shop below.
- Which dental PPO plan fits my family's needs?
- What is the difference between in-network and out-of-network costs?
- Are my dentists in the plan network?
- How do annual maximums and waiting periods affect coverage?
