Medicare Advantage plans can vary by state regarding beneficiaries and participation rates. In Arizona, for example, Medicare Advantage participation rates are at 32.58%, with beneficiaries totaling 26,173.
Arizona Medicare Advantage plans
Medicare Advantage plans are offered through private insurance companies. These plans provide you with the same benefits that Original Medicare does.
It’s another way to get coverage with a private plan instead of Original Medicare through the federal government program. Some of these plans do include prescription drug coverage, but not all.
These plans differ from carrier to carrier, so you must understand what each plan covers before enrolling by closely looking at the benefits summary.
In more recent years, private Medicare Advantage plans are becoming more popular. In 2021 there were more than 26 million Medicare beneficiaries enrolled. Sixteen carriers are currently offering Medicare Advantage plans in Arizona.
Medicare Advantage plans offered in Arizona
The federal government does not standardize Medicare Advantage plans like a Medigap plan. Most Medicare Advantage plans offer coverage for what Original Medicare doesn’t cover, such as fitness programs and dental, hearing, and vision services. Plans also have the option to choose to cover even more benefits.
There are more specific Advantage plans within Arizona that you can choose. Below, we will list Arizona Medicare Advantage plans with a zero-dollar premium, those with a zero-dollar drug deductible, those with a 5-star rating, and those with Part B reduction.
Medicare Advantage plans with a zero-dollar premium in Arizona
The chart below covers some Medicare Advantage plans with a zero-dollar premium, Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), and Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans. Understanding these plans will cost more out-of-pocket as you use the benefits is crucial.
As you can see, Humana offers a Local PPO plan but has one of the highest maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) costs. The star rating, however, is a 4, which is excellent.
The lowest out-of-pocket cost is with the Banner HMO plan, but it doesn’t have an accurate star rating. So, while this may be tempting to choose due to the lesser cost for your MOOP, you may want to do more research to find out how well they provide customer service.
Aetna’s Local PPO plan has an excellent rating but has the most expensive MOOP. However, the other HMO plans may sometimes require copayment fees for non-preventative visits, raising your out-of-pocket costs.
| PLAN | PREMIUM | MOOP | PLAN TYPE | STAR RATINGS |
| Humana | $0 | $4,440 | LOCAL PPO | 4 |
| UnitedHealthcare | $0 | $3,000 | HMO | 4 |
| Banner | $0 | $2,775 | HMO | N/A |
| BCBS of Arizona | $0 | $4,250 | HMO | 3 |
| Aetna | $0 | $5,500 | LOCAL PPO | 4 |
Medicare Advantage plans with a zero-dollar drug deductible in Arizona
The chart below lists some of the zero-dollar drug deductible plans. With UnitedHealthcare, you get both a zero premium and drug deductible, as well as plans with Banner and BCBS of Arizona.
Wellcare doesn’t have a zero premium but does have a zero-dollar deductible as part of its plan. It also has a lower MOOP, so it may be a plan to consider.
It makes sense that Aetna has the highest out-of-pocket costs since it offers both a zero-dollar drug deductible and zero premium as part of its plan.
| PLAN | PREMIUM | MOOP | PLAN TYPE | STAR RATINGS |
| UnitedHealthcare | $0 | $3,000 | HMO | 4 |
| Banner | $0 | $2,775 | HMO | N/A |
| BCBS of Arizona | $0 | $4,250 | HMO | 3 |
| Wellcare | $0 | $3,450 | HMO | 3 |
| Aetna | $0 | $5,550 | LOCAL PPO | 4 |
Medicare Advantage plans with a Part B reduction in Arizona
Part B Reduction, or the giveback benefit, is provided by giving the beneficiary a reduced monthly premium. The plans vary by zip code; not all areas offer plans with the Part B giveback. So even though they may be available in some areas of the state, they may not be available in your city.
Wellcare and Scan Desert offer the highest Part B reduction. If you’re looking to pay a reduced amount per month that’s more substantial, those plans would be good to consider.
However, the Scan Desert plan has no star rating, so you may want to inquire about or research their customer service. They also do provide the least amount of maximum expenses out-of-pocket.
Aetna is the next largest Part B Reduction at $55, with an excellent 4-star rating. It makes sense that with $0 premiums for drug deductible and premium it would have a more significant Part B giveback.
| PLAN | PREMIUM | MOOP | PART B REDUCTION | STAR RATINGS |
| Humana | $0 | $4,400 | $50.00 | 4 |
| Aetna | $0 | $5,500 | $55.00 | 4 |
| UnitedHealthcare | $0 | $5,900 | $40.00 | 4 |
| Wellcare | $0 | $3,450 | $75.00 | 3 |
| Scan Desert | $0 | $2,999 | $75.00 | N/A |
Ancillary/DVH
Medicare Advantage plans offer additional benefits you would not receive with Original Medicare and Medigap plans. These Ancillary services include dental, vision, and hearing (DVH) and prescription drug coverage.
Cities in Arizona with estimated premiums for Medicare Advantage coverage
You can find charts with estimated premiums for Medicare Advantage coverage for the below cities:
FAQs
When can I add a Medicare Advantage plan in Arizona?
When enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B, you can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan during any of the Medicare Advantage enrollment periods. Just ensure you know you are leaving the federal government program of Original Medicare when you enroll with a private Medicare Advantage plan.
How many Medicare Advantage plans are available in Arizona, and what is the cost?
There are 4 main types of plans available in Arizona’s Medicare Advantage program. These include Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS), and Special Needs Plans (SNPs). What you pay in a Medicare Advantage plan depends on several factors. In most cases, you’ll need to use healthcare providers participating in the plan’s network.
Can I switch back to a Medigap plan from a Medicare Advantage plan in Arizona?
You can switch back to traditional Medicare and Medigap from your Medicare Advantage plan. If you leave the Medicare Advantage plan in the first 12 months, you can return to your Medigap plan without underwriting. You will be guaranteed to reinstate your former Medigap plan in that first year ONLY. Be aware of this window if you try Medicare Advantage and decide you don’t like it.
Do Medicare Advantage plans in Arizona cost more than Original Medicare and Medigap coverage?
Medicare Advantage plans offer all of the same benefits as Medicare, including ancillary benefits like hearing, dental, and vision. Even though they offer more benefits than Original Medicare, they can be cheaper via premium than paying for Original Medicare and a Medicare Supplement plan. This is because carriers make their money when you pay high out-of-pocket costs while using the benefits.
How do I choose the best Medicare Advantage plan in Arizona?
Compare rates and premiums from Arizona’s Medicare Advantage plan providers. Consider all factors, including your maximum out-of-pocket expense, deductibles, copays, and additional benefits. It would be helpful to speak with an expert to help you determine which plan will suit your needs.
How to get help enrolling in an Arizona Medicare Advantage plan
When you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan in Arizona, consider which benefits are most important to you. A Medicare Advantage plan may not be the best option if you like to travel.
To get help comparing plans in your area, call us at the number above. Or, you can use our online rate form to see rates in your area now.
