Medicare in Arizona: 2026 Plans, Costs, and Enrollment Guide

Arizona Medicare Snapshot

Arizona is one of the most popular Medicare markets for retirees relocating from out of state — 132 MA plans from 17 carriers covering 15 of 16 counties for 2026, with low premiums and broad supplement availability (CMS CY2026 Landscape). Arizona's plan mix is HMO-heavy, reflecting the dense managed-care infrastructure in Phoenix and Tucson: 44 HMO, 24 PPO, 19 HMO C-SNP, 13 HMO-POS, and 12 HMO-POS C-SNP plans.

The average consolidated MA premium is $8.55/month (median $0) — among the lowest in the country, with most Arizona beneficiaries finding $0-premium plans. The standard Medicare Part B premium is $202.90/month in 2026. On the supplement side, Arizona has 42 carriers offering Plan G with attained-age rating — one of the widest Plan G markets nationally.

Plan Types Available in Arizona

Medicare Advantage (Part C)

In Arizona, 132 MA plans are available for 2026 from 17 carriers (CMS CY2026 Landscape). Plan type mix: 44 HMO, 24 PPO, 19 HMO C-SNP (chronic condition special needs), 13 HMO-POS, and 12 HMO-POS C-SNP. HMOs dominate, reflecting Arizona's strong managed-care infrastructure — particularly in Phoenix and Tucson.

County availability ranges from 88 MA plans in Maricopa County (Phoenix) to 14 plans in Apache County (rural northeast). Top carriers by plan count: UnitedHealthcare (21 plans), Devoted Health (20 plans), and Humana (20 plans). Arizona is one of the few markets where Devoted Health is a top-3 carrier — reflecting their concentrated Sun Belt strategy.

Medigap (Medicare Supplement)

Arizona has 42 carriers offering Plan G in the TPP rate database (TPP rate DB, CY2026) — one of the widest Plan G markets in the country. The full set of 12 federally standardized plan letters (A through N, plus high-deductible variants HDG and HDF) is available statewide under standard federal rules. Arizona uses attained-age rating — premiums increase as you age.

Plan F is closed to new enrollees as of January 1, 2020 under MACRA / the 21st Century Cures Act; the same closure applies to High-Deductible Plan F (HDF) — only beneficiaries who became Medicare-eligible before January 1, 2020 may still purchase Plan F or HDF. High-Deductible Plan G (HDG) is the post-2020 high-deductible Medigap option and is offered in Arizona by 32 carriers. See our MA vs Medigap comparison →

Standalone Part D (Prescription Drug Plans)

Arizona is CMS PDP Region 28 — Arizona alone. For 2026, there are 10 standalone PDP plans from 5 carriers. Average total premium is $41.92/month (CMS CY2026 Landscape).

Costs in Arizona

Medicare Advantage Premiums

The average consolidated MA premium in Arizona is $8.55/month (median $0) (CMS CY2026 Landscape) — one of the lowest averages in the country. The standard Medicare Part B premium is $202.90/month in 2026.

The top three carriers by plan count are UnitedHealthcare (21 plans), Devoted Health (20 plans), and Humana (20 plans) (CMS CY2026 Landscape). Average star rating is 3.64.

Medigap Premiums — Plan G and HDG

Medigap premiums in Arizona vary by carrier, age, gender, tobacco use, and rating method (attained-age in AZ, so rates rise with age). Across the 42 carriers offering Plan G in Arizona (non-tobacco rates, ages 65–85), monthly premiums range from approximately $131 to $820/month (TPP rate database, CY2026).

High-Deductible Plan G (HDG) is offered by 32 Arizona carriers; premiums range from approximately $122 to $582/month across ages 65–85, non-tobacco rates (TPP rate database, CY2026). HDG works well for beneficiaries who want catastrophic protection at a lower monthly cost and can absorb the $2,950 deductible (2026).

Part D Costs and the LIS Benchmark

For 2026, Arizona Part D premiums average $41.92/month across 10 standalone PDP plans. The CMS Low Income Subsidy (LIS / Extra Help) benchmark premium for PDP Region 28 (Arizona) is $16.95/month (CMS CY2026 Regional Rates and Benchmarks).

Arizona-Specific Medicare Rules

Arizona Medigap Protections

Arizona follows standard federal Medigap rules. You have a 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period that starts the month you are both 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this guaranteed-issue window, insurers cannot deny you coverage or charge higher premiums based on your health history.

After this window closes, medical underwriting applies and coverage is not guaranteed. Arizona does not have a Birthday Ruleor other annual switch right. (The 10 U.S. states with such rules are California, Idaho, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, Nevada, Oklahoma, and Oregon.) For Arizona retirees relocating from those states, your prior state's annual switch right does not carry over to Arizona. Enrolling in Medigap during your initial Open Enrollment Period is especially important. AZ uses attained-age rating, so when comparing carriers, ask for both current premium and a projection over 5–10 years.

Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs)

Arizona offers Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) administered by the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS — Arizona's Medicaid agency):

• QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary): Covers Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, and cost-sharing.
• SLMB (Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary): Covers Part B premiums only.
• QI (Qualifying Individual): Also covers Part B premiums; subject to annual appropriations.

Apply through AHCCCS or contact Arizona SHIP (1-800-432-4040) for free enrollment assistance. MSP enrollment also automatically qualifies you for Extra Help / LIS on Part D. Learn more about MSPs →

Arizona SHIP

Arizona SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) provides free, unbiased counseling on all Medicare options statewide. Administered by the Arizona Department of Economic Security Division of Aging and Adult Services.

Phone: 1-800-432-4040
Website: https://des.az.gov/services/aging-and-adult/ship

Enrolling in Medicare in Arizona

Standard Enrollment Periods

• Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): 7-month window centered on your 65th birthday month. Enroll at ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213.
• Annual Election Period (AEP): October 15 – December 7 each year.
• Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP): January 1 – March 31.
• Medigap Open Enrollment Period: 6-month guaranteed-issue window starting when you are 65+ and enrolled in Part B. After this window, medical underwriting applies (Arizona has no Birthday Rule).
• Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs): Learn more →

Arizona SHIP Counseling

Contact Arizona SHIP at 1-800-432-4040 for free one-on-one Medicare guidance statewide.

Frequently Asked Questions