Arizona Medicare Supplement Plans: What You Need to Know
Arizona is one of the fastest-growing states for retirees, with communities like Sun City, Scottsdale, and Tucson attracting seniors from across the country. With over 1.3 million Medicare beneficiaries, understanding your Medicare Supplement options is essential for protecting your health and finances.
Like all states, Arizona requires that Medigap plans be standardized by letter (A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, N). This means a Plan G from one company covers exactly the same benefits as a Plan G from another company. The only differences are the premium and the company's service quality.
Arizona's Medigap Open Enrollment Period
Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period in Arizona begins on the first day of the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B. This 6-month window is your best opportunity to get coverage because:
- Insurance companies cannot deny you coverage for any reason
- They cannot charge you more due to pre-existing health conditions
- You have guaranteed issue rights to any Medigap plan sold in Arizona
Arizona's Continuous Open Enrollment
Unlike most states, Arizona provides limited continuous open enrollment protections. If you're already enrolled in a Medigap plan, Arizona law allows you to switch to another Medigap plan from the same insurer without medical underwriting. However, switching to a different company may require underwriting outside of your initial open enrollment. This makes your initial choice even more important.
Most Popular Medigap Plans in Arizona
While 10 standardized Medigap plans are available in Arizona, the most common choices are:
| Plan | Coverage Level | Best For | AZ Monthly Premium* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan G | Comprehensive | Most new enrollees (best value) | $110 - $220 |
| Plan N | High with copays | Those wanting lower premiums | $85 - $165 |
| Plan F | Most comprehensive | Those eligible before 2020 | $140 - $280 |
*Premium ranges are estimates and vary by age, location within Arizona, gender, and tobacco use. Contact us for personalized quotes.
Plan G vs Plan N in Arizona
For most Arizona residents new to Medicare, the choice comes down to Plan G or Plan N:
- Plan G covers everything except the Part B deductible ($240 in 2024). No copays, no surprises. Ideal if you want predictable costs and visit doctors frequently.
- Plan N has lower premiums but requires up to $20 copays for office visits and up to $50 for ER visits (waived if admitted). Good choice if you're healthy and want to save on monthly costs.
Arizona Medicare Supplement vs Medicare Advantage
Arizona has a very competitive Medicare Advantage market, especially in the Phoenix metro area. But these are fundamentally different products:
| Feature | Medigap (Supplement) | Medicare Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Premium | $85 - $280+ | $0 - $50 (some higher) |
| Out-of-Pocket Maximum | Very low (predictable) | Up to $8,850/year |
| Doctor Network | Any doctor accepting Medicare | Network restrictions |
| Referrals Needed | No | Often yes (HMO plans) |
| Prescription Drug Coverage | Separate Part D plan needed | Usually included |
| Travel Coverage | Nationwide (any Medicare doctor) | Limited outside network |
Read our complete Medigap vs Medicare Advantage guide to understand which option might be better for your situation.
Arizona-Specific Medicare Considerations
Snowbirds: Splitting Time Between States
Many Arizona residents are "snowbirds" who spend part of the year in other states. If you split your time between Arizona and another state, Medigap is often the better choice because it works with any doctor who accepts Medicare, anywhere in the country. Medicare Advantage plans typically have network restrictions that can complicate care when you're away from Arizona.
Arizona's Healthcare Landscape
Arizona has excellent healthcare facilities, including the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, Banner Health system, and numerous specialized facilities. With a Medigap plan, you have unrestricted access to any of these providers. Medicare Advantage plans may limit which facilities are in-network.
Rural Arizona Coverage
If you live in rural areas like Flagstaff, Yuma, or smaller communities, Medigap can be especially valuable. Medicare Advantage networks are typically concentrated in Phoenix and Tucson metro areas, which can leave rural residents with fewer in-network options.
Arizona SHIP Program
Arizona offers free Medicare counseling through the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). While SHIP counselors can provide general Medicare education, they cannot recommend specific plans or companies. A fee-only Medicare advisor can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions: Arizona Medicare
The best time is during your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which starts the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Part B. During this time, you have guaranteed issue rights and cannot be denied coverage or charged more due to health conditions.
Medigap premiums in Arizona typically range from $85-$280+ per month depending on the plan letter, your age, location within Arizona (Phoenix metro is often higher than rural areas), gender, and tobacco use. Arizona premiums are generally moderate compared to coastal states.
Yes! One of the biggest advantages of Medigap is that it works nationwide. Whether you're visiting family in another state or spending the summer elsewhere, your Medigap plan covers you with any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare.
Plan F is only available to those who became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. If you turned 65 before that date, you can still enroll in Plan F. However, Plan G offers nearly identical coverage and often has lower premiums.
Yes. Medigap plans do not include prescription drug coverage. You'll need to enroll in a standalone Medicare Part D plan separately. We can help you compare Part D options based on your specific medications and the pharmacies available in your area.