Key takeaways
- Arizona Medicare enrollees have a choice between Original Medicare (parts A and B) and Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans.
- In Arizona, you can purchase Medicare supplement (Medigap) plans to help cover the gaps in Original Medicare coverage, such as copays and coinsurance.
- To enroll in Medicare in Arizona, you must be age 65 or older, any age with a qualifying disability, or any age with end stage renal disease (ESRD) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
There are four parts to Medicare: Part A, Part B, Medicare Advantage (Part C), and Medicare Part D. Individuals with Original Medicare (parts A and B) can also choose to purchase a Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) plan.
All parts of Medicare are available to Arizona residents.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reported the following information on Medicare trends in Arizona for the 2026 plan year:
- A total of 1,519,395 residents of Arizona were enrolled in Medicare as of the 2025 Open Enrollment Period.
- The average Medicare Advantage monthly premium in Arizona decreased from $7.23 in 2024 to $4.82 in 2026.
- There are 133 Medicare Advantage plans available in Arizona for 2026.
- There will be 10 stand-alone Medicare prescription drug (Part D) plans available for people in Arizona in 2026.
Medicare is a national program for individuals ages 65 and older and for those of any age with certain qualifying health conditions. Original Medicare (parts A and B) is administered directly by the federal government and provides basic coverage for outpatient and inpatient healthcare services.
Original Medicare
Original Medicare has two parts:
- Medicare Part A (hospital insurance): Part A covers a portion of the costs for the inpatient care you get in the hospital, a skilled nursing facility, or hospice, as well as some limited home health services.
- Medicare Part B (medical insurance): Part B covers a portion of the costs for services and supplies you receive when you see a doctor or specialist.
Most people do not have to pay a monthly premium for Part A. However, they are responsible for the deductible and coinsurance for inpatient stays. These are due each benefit period. Everyone with Medicare is responsible for paying the Part B premium and deductible.
Medicare Advantage in Arizona
Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans offer an “all-in-one” replacement for Original Medicare (parts A and B). These plans are provided by Medicare-approved private insurance companies and include the same coverage as Original Medicare, as well as additional benefits.
Medicare Advantage plans may typically include:
Medicare Advantage plans also often offer health and wellness benefits, such as fitness programs or health coaching, to support managing chronic conditions.
If you choose a Medicare Advantage plan, you have plenty of choices in Arizona. Keep in mind, however, that not all of these plans are available in every county. Availability varies depending on where you live. Costs of Medicare Advantage plans can also depend on location.
Some of these plans may also require you to receive healthcare services from in-network providers for them to be covered.
You can find Medicare Advantage plans available in your area by using the Medicare online search tool.
Medicare Part D in Arizona
Medicare Part D plans help cover the costs of prescription drugs. These plans are provided by Medicare-approved private insurance companies.
If you have Original Medicare, you can purchase a stand-alone Part D plan from one of the companies in your area. Most Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug (Part D) coverage.
Each Part D plan has a list of the prescriptions it covers, known as a formulary. It is important to check the formulary when choosing a plan.
Coverage and cost of Part D plans can vary by location and plan.
Medicare supplement plans in Arizona
Medicare supplement (Medigap) plans help cover some of the costs associated with Original Medicare (parts A and B), which might include copays and coinsurance. You can purchase these plans from a Medicare-approved private insurance company in addition to having Original Medicare. However, you cannot enroll in them if you have a Medicare Advantage Plan.
You have 12 different types of Medigap plans (including high-deductible versions of plans F and G) available to choose from this year if you live in Arizona.
You can enroll in Medicare if you meet at least one of the following requirements:
- you are age 65 or over
- you are a United States citizen or legal resident living in the U.S. for at least 5 years
- you are any age and living with a qualifying disability
- you are any age and have end stage renal disease (ESRD) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
Your initial enrollment period begins 3 months before you turn 65 and continues for your birthday month and 3 months after.
Other enrollment periods include:
- Open enrollment: From October 15 through December 7, you may enroll in, drop out of, or change your Part C or Part D plan, or you may switch back to Original Medicare.
- Medicare Advantage open enrollment: From January 1 through March 31, during this time, if you already have Medicare Advantage, you may make changes to your plan or return to Original Medicare
- Special enrollment: For an approved reason, you may qualify for a special enrollment period of 8 months, during which you may enroll in Medicare or switch your Part C, Part D, or Medigap plan.
The following resources can be useful in learning more about Arizona Medicare coverage options:
Over 1.5 million people in Arizona are enrolled in Medicare.
Several private insurance companies in Arizona offer Medicare Advantage, Part D, and Medigap plans.
Overall, monthly premium costs have decreased for 2025 Medicare Advantage plans in Arizona.