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Compare Medicare Plans in Arizona (December 2024)

Discover Medicare plan options in Arizona, compare providers, and get expert tips to secure the best healthcare coverage for your needs and budget.

9 mins read
Arizona landscape at night
Our goal is to give you the tools and confidence you need to improve your health and finances. Although we may receive compensation from our partner insurance companies, whom we will always identify, all opinions are our own. CoverRight Inc. and CoverRight Insurance Services Inc. (NPN: 19724057) are collectively referred to here as "CoverRight".

Key Takeaways:

  • Arizona offers 153 Medicare Advantage plans, with an average monthly premium of $8.10. It also offers 14 Part D plans, with an average monthly premium of $47.26.
  • All Arizona residents have access to at least one Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D plan with $0 premiums for comprehensive coverage while on a budget.
  • Thrivent, MassMutual, and Transamerica are some of the top-rated insurance providers of Medigap Plan G and Plan N supplemental coverage in Arizona.

Whether you’re approaching Medicare eligibility or reassessing your current plans, understanding Medicare plans in Arizona is crucial to optimizing your coverage.

From Original Medicare to the more comprehensive Medicare Advantage plans, your choice of coverage can substantially impact your healthcare experience and financial security.

With an array of plans to choose from, each with distinct advantages and drawbacks, many find it challenging to find a plan that suits them.

This comprehensive guide breaks down Arizona’s Medicare options, helping you understand costs, benefits, and the key factors to consider when selecting coverage.

Types of Medicare Plans Available in Arizona

Arizona Medicare beneficiaries can access several coverage options, each serving different healthcare needs.

Here’s a detailed look at each type of plan.

Original Medicare (Part A and Part B)

Original Medicare forms the cornerstone of Medicare coverage for Arizona’s senior residents.

It is split into two components:

Part A (Hospital Insurance) covers inpatient medical care, including:

  • Hospital stays.
  • Skilled nursing facility care.
  • Hospice services.
  • Limited home healthcare.

Most people don’t pay a premium for Part A if they or their spouse have paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years.

Part B (Medical Insurance) handles outpatient services, including:

  • Doctor visits.
  • Medical equipment.
  • Preventive screenings.
  • Lab tests.
  • Diagnostic services.

In 2025, the Part B premium is $185 per month in most cases. Once you’ve met your $257 deductible, you’re liable for 20% of Medicare-approved costs for each item or service.

Medicare Part A also comes with a deductible of $1,676 in 2025.

Out-of-pocket expenses associated with Original Medicare can add up quickly, especially for those requiring frequent medical care.

Learn more: Medicare Advantage vs. Original Medicare.

Data sourced from Medicare Basics.

Medicare Advantage (Part C)

Medicare-approved private insurance companies offer Medicare Advantage or Part C plans for comprehensive healthcare coverage.

These plans are federally mandated to provide all the benefits of Original Medicare and extra benefits like prescription drug coverage and dental, vision, and hearing services.

Some Part C plans even cover fitness programs and food allowance benefits.

The popularity of Part C plans is based on beneficiaries receiving extensive healthcare coverage under a single plan.

Here are a few key facts about Medicare Advantage plans in Arizona in 2025:

  • There are 153 Medicare Advantage plans available in the state, four more than last year.
  • The average monthly Medicare Advantage plan premium fell from $11.4 in 2024 to $8.10 in 2025.
  • Arizona’s lowest monthly premium for a Medicare Advantage plan is $0.
  • All individuals with Medicare have access to Medicare Advantage and at least one plan with a $0 monthly premium.

Top Medicare Advantage Plans in Arizona

Carrier Average CMS Star Rating (All Plans) Availability Monthly Premium Annual Deductible Maximum Out-of-Pocket
UnitedHealthcare(AARP Medicare Advantage Essentials Plan) 3.82 ★ 49 states and D.C. $0 $0 $2,400
Humana (Humana Gold Plus Plan) 3.63 ★ 48 states, D.C., Puerto Rico. $0 $250 (Only for Tier 3-5 Drugs) $3,900
Aetna(Medicare Value Plus Plan) 4.27 ★ 44 states and D.C. $9.90 $0 $2,700
Cigna (Preferred Medicare Plan) 3.93 ★ 29 states and D.C. $0 $0 $2,900

Data gathered via CMS.gov and direct provider plans. Comparison of plans from Arizona Zip Code 85702. Star ratings and plan information reflect publicly available data as of 2025.

Private insurers offering Medicare Advantage plans in Arizona include:

  • Aetna
  • Devoted Health
  • UnitedHealthcare
  • Cigna

Take control of your Medicare decisions.

At CoverRight, we help Arizona residents find Medicare coverage that fits their healthcare needs, lifestyle, and budget. Our experts understand the local healthcare landscape and can guide you to the right plan choice.

Start comparing your options today.


Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D)

Medicare Part D plans offer standalone prescription drug coverage that works alongside Original Medicare to help Arizona beneficiaries manage their medication costs effectively.

Each Part D plan structures its drug coverage through a formulary — a list of covered medications organized into cost-sharing tiers. Understanding these tiers is crucial as they directly impact your out-of-pocket medical expenses.

Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, out-of-pocket costs for covered drugs have been capped at $2,000 for 2025. This same Act has also expanded the eligibility for Extra Help, a financial support program for prescription drugs.

Here are some important details about Medicare Part D plans in Arizona in 2025:

  • There are 14 stand-alone Part D plans available in Arizona, and all Medicare beneficiaries have access to at least one such plan.
  • In 2025, 67.51% of Arizona residents with Part D coverage can switch to a plan with premiums lower than what they paid in 2024.
  • 24.21% of those with a Part D plan are eligible for Extra Help.
  • The lowest monthly premium for a stand-alone Medicare Part D plan in Arizona is $0.

Learn more: Cost of Medicare Part D.

Plan Name Premium Deductible CMS Star Rating
WellCare Value Script $0 $590 3.5 ★
Humana Premier Rx Plan $133.30 $0 3.5 ★
SilverScript Choice $44.90 $590 2.5 ★
Cigna Healthcare Extra Rx $57.90 $175 2.5 ★

Note: Data from MedicareWire.

Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plans

Medicare Supplement or Medigap plans cover gaps in Original Medicare while providing predictability in healthcare costs.

Medigap Plan G and Plan N are popular choices among Arizona Medicare beneficiaries for their distinct advantages:

  • Plan G delivers comprehensive coverage by paying for nearly all Medicare-approved costs, including excess charges but excluding the Part B deductible.

This plan’s predictable costs and broad coverage make it an attractive option for Medicare beneficiaries in Arizona who frequently access medical care or travel between states.

The average cost of Medigap Plan G in Arizona ranges from $150 to $200 per month.

  • Plan N offers a cost-effective alternative to Plan G with some cost-sharing, including copayments for some office visits and emergency care.

The plan’s lower monthly premiums appeal to healthier beneficiaries who want solid coverage with lower recurring costs.

Unlike Plan G, however, Plan N does not cover excess charges.

Plan N costs range between $120 to $170 per month.

While both plans are standardized, their costs vary depending on your age, gender, location, and health status.

Learn more: Medicare Plan N vs Plan G.

The highest-rated Arizona Medigap providers for lan G and Plan N include:

  • AARP
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • MassMutual
  • Standard Life
  • Reserve National

Average Costs of Medicare Plans in Arizona

Let’s compare the different Medicare plans in Arizona.

Plan Type Average Monthly Premium Average Deductibles What it Covers
Original Medicare Part A $0($285 or $518 if you do not qualify for free premiums). $1,676 Inpatient care, such as hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, and hospice care.
Original Medicare Part B $185 $257 Outpatient care, preventative services, and medical equipment.
Medicare Advantage $8.10 ($0 – $590)
Varies by plan/region.
All Original Medicare + extra benefits like vision, hearing, and dental care.
Part D $47.26 $475 Prescription drugs.
Medigap Plan G and Plan N $120 – $200 N/A Fills gaps in Original Medicare out-of-pocket costs.

Note: All data reflect 2025 averages sourced from Medicare.gov, CMS.gov, and MedicareWire and may vary by provider.

Top Medicare Advantage and Medigap Providers in Arizona

The choice of insurance provider can impact your Medicare experience significantly.

Understanding each provider’s strengths is key to selecting one that aligns with your specific healthcare situation and budget.

Best Medicare Advantage Providers

When evaluating Medicare Advantage providers in Arizona, look beyond the advertised premiums to understand the complete value proposition.

While many plans feature $0 monthly premiums, it’s important to understand how each plan’s benefits match your specific healthcare needs.

Key features to compare among Arizona providers include:

  • Coverage for specialized care at leading medical facilities.
  • Comprehensive wellness and preventive care programs.
  • Prescription drug formularies and pharmacy networks.
  • Extra benefits like dental, vision, and fitness memberships.
  • Travel coverage options and out-of-state care access.

Learn more: How to Find the Right Medicare Providers

Carrier Highest Rating Lowest Rating Median Rating Total Number of MA Contracts
Aetna 4.5 2.5 4.0 45
Centene 4.0 2.0 3.0 106
Cigna 4.5 3.0 3.5 17
Elevance (Anthem BCBS) 5.0 2.5 3.5 46
Humana 5.0 3.0 4.0 48
United Healthcare 5.0 3.0 4.0 75

Note: Medicare Advantage CMS Star Ratings: 6 Major Carriers (Updated 11/15/24).

Best Medigap Providers

Arizona’s Medigap market features providers with strong financial ratings and established track records in supplemental insurance. The best providers combine competitive rates with reliable customer service and efficient claims processing.

You can compare the financial stability of different providers by using AM Best, a reputed 125-year-old global credit rating agency. The company’s ratings help you look beyond the bare costs and balance them against provider quality.

For example, MassMutual’s Plan G monthly premium is $126.29, which may be slightly more than others, but it has an outstanding A++ rating.

Here’s how the top providers for Plan G and Plan N in Arizona compare:

Plan G Providers

Carrier Average Monthly Premium Fee AM Best Rating
AARP $111.57 None A
Blue Cross Blue Shield $122.20 None N/A
MassMutual $126.29 None A++
Reserve National $132.90 None A-
Transamerica $137.44 None A+
Standard Life $143.88 None A
Globe Life $147.00 None A+
Thrivent $180.06 None A++
United American $228.00 None A+
Unified Life $116.38 None B++

Plan N Providers

Carrier Average Monthly Premium Fee AM Best Rating
AARP $87.23 None A
Blue Cross Blue Shield $96.36 None N/A
Standard Life $93.98 None A
MassMutual $109.87 None A++
Transamerica $117.75 None A+
Globe Life $126.00 None A+
Reserve National $144.25 None A-
United American $201.00 None A+
ManhattanLife $94.75 $25.00 B+
Unified Life $97.93 None B++

Note: Data for Plan G and Plan N from MedicareWire.

How to Choose the Right Medicare Plan in Arizona

We’ve discussed a wide range of Medicare plans in Arizona, and there are even more Medigap plans, too. Given the importance of this decision, plan early to get the right coverage for your healthcare needs and with your budget.

  1. Review your healthcare patterns from the past year, including doctor visits, specialist appointments, and prescription medications. Calculate your typical monthly medical expenses to determine whether a Medicare Advantage plan or Original Medicare with supplemental coverage best suits your budget.
  2. If you travel frequently or spend winters in Arizona, ensure your chosen plan provides appropriate coverage for your lifestyle. Consider whether a Medigap plan might offer better flexibility than a network-based Medicare Advantage plan.
  3. Evaluate prescription drug needs carefully. Compare different formularies and pharmacy networks of Part D plans to find the most cost-effective coverage for your medications. Remember, some Medicare Advantage plans include prescription coverage but others do not.
  4. Consider future health needs and not just current ones. A slightly higher premium now might help you save money later if your healthcare needs increase. Look at maximum out-of-pocket limits and coverage for potential health conditions that run in your family.
  5. Factor in additional benefits that matter to you. If dental, vision, or hearing coverage is important, compare the supplemental benefits of different Medicare Advantage plans or consider purchasing separate coverage to complement Original Medicare.

How to Enroll in a Medicare Plan in Arizona

Medicare plans in Arizona follow standard enrollment periods. Understanding the enrollment process will help you meet important deadlines.

Here’s all you need to know:

Key Enrollment Periods

  • Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): Your IEP is a seven-month window that starts three months before your 65th birthday, includes your birth month, and ends three months thereafter. This is your first opportunity to enroll in Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage (Part C), and Part D prescription drug plans.
  • Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): You can change your existing Medicare coverage from October 15th to December 7th of each year. That includes switching between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, changing Medicare Advantage plans, and enrolling in or changing Part D plans.
  • Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP): If you’re already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you have another opportunity to make changes from January 1st to March 31st of each year. You can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or disenroll, return to Original Medicare (and join a Part D plan).
  • Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs): Certain life events, such as relocating, natural disasters, or losing employer coverage, may trigger a Special Enrollment Period.

Learn more: Medicare Special Enrollment Periods

Steps to Enroll:

Start by gathering essential documents, including your Medicare card (if you are already enrolled), Social Security card, personal ID documents, and a list of your current prescriptions and healthcare providers.

Choose your preferred enrollment method:

  1. Online through the Medicare website.
  2. By phone at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
  3. Through a licensed insurance agent, such as CoverRight.

Medicare Resources for Arizona Residents

Understanding your Medicare options becomes easier with the help of these state organizations, which provide free, unbiased assistance to Arizona residents.

  • State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP): Arizona’s dedicated SHIP counselors offer free, personalized guidance for Medicare choices. SHIP provides unbiased assistance, whether you need help comparing plans or understanding enrollment periods.
  • Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System: Helps eligible residents manage their Medicare costs through various assistance programs. You may qualify for help with premiums, deductibles, and copayments if you meet the necessary income requirements.
  • Arizona Department of Health Services: Provides valuable health information and resources to help you make informed healthcare decisions. It complements Medicare advice with broader health education and support.
  • Arizona Department of Economic Security: Serves as your gateway to additional Medicare information and resources.

Make Medicare simple in Arizona.

At CoverRight, our specialists deeply understand the Medicare system and the Arizona healthcare market. We’ll help guide you to coverage that fits your life and budget.

Start today.


Sources

  1. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
    • Medicare Open Enrollment Partner Resources. Published 2024. Available at: cms.gov. Last Accessed December 13, 2024
  2. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
    • 2024 Medicare Advantage and Part D Ratings Fact Sheet. Published October 13, 2023. Available at: cms.gov. Last Accessed December 13, 2024
  3. Medicare.gov
    • Medigap Coverage Information: When to Buy. Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed December 13, 2024
  4. Medicare.gov
    • Medigap Overview. Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed December 13, 2024
  5. Medicare.gov
    • What Does Medicare Cost? Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed December 4, 2024.
  6. Medicare.gov
    • When Does Medicare Coverage Start? Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed December 13, 2024.
  7. Medicare.gov
    • What Does Medicare Cost? Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed December 13, 2024.
  8. Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF)
    • Key Facts About Medicare Part D Enrollment, Premiums, and Cost Sharing in 2024. Available at: kff.org. Last Accessed December 13, 2024.

Richard Chan

Richard is based in New York. He is passionate about empowering consumers to take control of their health and finances. Prior to CoverRight, Richard had extensive experience working in financial services with over 8 years' experience in consumer lending and investment banking.