Tucson is one of the largest cities in Arizona, with a population of 557,718. Medicare beneficiaries make up almost half the population, with 269,298 people enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. With its warm, dry climate, many beneficiaries choose to live in Arizona when they retire.
Of the Medicare members in Tucson, 51.12% are enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans.
Medicare plans in Tucson, Arizona
Today we’ll cover all Arizona Medicare options, starting with the most affordable Medicare Advantage plans. Next, we’ll move to the average Medicare Supplement pricing. Following that, we’ll discuss the cheapest Medicare Part D plans.
Finally, we’ll cover special needs plans in Tucson and how to enroll in a Medicare plan. The data shown below is based on a 70-year-old man.
Most Affordable Medicare Advantage plans in Tucson, Arizona
Tucson is in Prima county. Beneficiaries in Prima county have 48 different Medicare Part C plan options they can choose from. Medicare Advantage plans are another way to receive your benefits.
Medicare Part C plans in Arizona must cover everything Original Medicare covers, but they typically include additional benefits. Many of the plans have a zero-premium and include drug coverage.
UnitedHealthcare is one of the largest Medicare insurers in the nation. They are backed by AARP and boast robust plans nationwide. As you can see below, their HMO has a 4-star and low maximum out-of-pocket rating. UHC’s members swear by the care and service they receive.
Alignment is a small California-based healthcare company that offers plans in Maricopa and Prima counties in AZ. They are relatively new to the Medicare Advantage space and have not yet been assigned a star rating. They have the lowest maximum out-of-pocket cost shown at $2,499, making them a good choice for comprehensive care.
| PLAN | PREMIUM | MOOP | Plan Type | Star Rating |
| UnitedHealthcare | $0 | $2,600 | HMO | 4 |
| Alignment | $0 | $2,499 | HMO | N/A |
| Clover Health | $0 | $3,400 | LOCAL PPO | 3 |
| Amerigroup | $0 | $2,700 | HMO | N/A |
| Globalhealth | $0 | $3,400 | HMO | N/A |
Medicare Supplement plans in Tucson, Arizona
Medicare Supplement plans in Arizona help pick up what’s leftover from Original Medicare. Costs such as your hospital deductible and 20% co-insurance.
You can see below the lowest and highest costs of each plan letter. It looks a bit like an alphabet soup. Most Medicare beneficiaries choose to enroll in Plans F, G, or N.
Plan F is the reigning champion as far as plans go. Simply put, Anything Medicare covers, Plan F will cover your portion of the costs. You only pay your monthly premium and nothing else when seeking Medical care.
Plan G is gaining popularity, especially since Plan F is discontinued for new Medicare members. Plan G has identical coverage to plan F, with one difference. It doesn’t cover the small annual Part B deductible. Once a beneficiary meets that deductible, there are no more costs outside the monthly premium.
Plan F and Plan G both have high deductible options. Once you meet your deductible, you will pay nothing additional except your monthly premium for Medicare-covered services.
The most cost-effective plan is Plan N. Plan N is similar coverage to plan G. The main difference is when you visit the doctor, you will have a copay of up to $20. For the emergency room, your copay is up to $50. The only other thing not covered by Plan N is excess charges.
| LETTER PLAN | LOWEST PREMIUM | HIGHEST PREMIUM |
| PLAN A | $112.23 | $492.96 |
| PLAN B | $162.75 | $376.06 |
| PLAN C | $167.35 | $421.75 |
| PLAN D | $140.08 | $353.00 |
| PLAN F | $137.83 | $494.92 |
| PLAN HDF | $49.14 | $71.96 |
| PLAN G | $121.01 | $444.43 |
| PLAN HDG | $46.68 | $69.09 |
| PLAN K | $47.58 | $161.00 |
| PLAN L | $82.00 | $308.37 |
| PLAN M | $102.92 | $349.79 |
| PLAN N | $104.67 | $352.76 |
Cheapest Medicare Part D prescription drug plans
Part D prescription plans in Arizona are the fourth part of Medicare. You can get drug coverage through a Medicare Advantage or a stand-alone Part D Plan. Since Medicare Supplements don’t include drug coverage, you must choose a Part D plan when enrolling in a Medigap plan.
Aetna has the lowest premium in the nation with its SilverScript branded drug plans. With a premium under $10 and backing from their parent company CVS, Aetna is a safe bet for your drug plan.
Wellcare has the second-lowest premium, and with the backing of Centene, their parent company, they are a very good option for prescription coverage.
Humana has been in the Medicare realm for many years. They are one of the staples of the industry in all aspects of Medicare options. Their cheapest Part D plan comes at just over $20.
| PLAN | PREMIUM | DEDUCTIBLE | STAR RATING |
| Aetna | $7.50 | $480 | 3 |
| Wellcare | $13.00 | $480 | 3 |
| Humana | $22.70 | $480 | 4 |
| UnitedHealthcare | $27.60 | $310 | 4 |
| Clear Spring | $29.10 | $480 | 2 |
Medicare Special Needs plans
Special Needs Plans are specially designed for people with specific circumstances. There are three types of Special Needs Plans.
D-SNP – These plans help low-income beneficiaries and coordinate with Medicaid to offset costs.
C-SNP – These plans are designed for people with chronic health conditions such as diabetes and heart conditions. They can lower the drug tiers and cover specific services and procedures at a lower cost than regular Part C plans.
I-SNP – These cater to people living in an institutional setting.
SNP plans are unavailable in all areas, so check with a licensed insurance broker to see what’s available.
Banner Health is a small insurance company that services the Tucson area. They are known for their Dual Special Needs plans and catering to those with low income.
Global Health is another smaller insurance provider that services Prima county. They have great C-SNP plans.
Wellcare has some of the most robust benefits in the nation for its SNP plans. Coverage will vary depending on where you live if you’re looking for an SNP Medicare Advantage plan. Wellcare could be an excellent option for you.
| PLAN | PREMIUM | MOOP | Plan Type | Eligibility |
| Banner | $0 | $2,900 | HMO | Dual |
| Globalhealth | $0 | $2,900 | HMO | Chronic or Disabling |
| Amerigroup | $0 | $2,700 | HMO | Institutional |
| Wellcare | $0 | $5,000 | HMO | Chronic or Disabling |
| UnitedHealthcare | $0 | $2,600 | HMO | Chronic or Disabling |
FAQs
What’s the best Medicare Advantage plan in Tuscon, Arizona?
Everyone’s needs are different, so it’s impossible to say X plan is the best. Depending on your needs and preferences, the best plan for you could be completely different than the best plan for your spouse or neighbor. Speaking with a licensed agent can help you determine which program is best for your needs and situation.
How many Medicare Supplement options are available in Tucson?
Ten letter plans are available, and several companies offer those plans. Depending on when you start, Medicare will determine how many plan options are available to you.
Do I have to enroll in a drug plan in Tucson, Arizona?
No, but if you choose not to enroll and don’t have creditable coverage, you will be accessed a penalty later when you need one.
How to sign up for Medicare plans in Tucson, Arizona
If you need help enrolling or determining which Medicare plan option is for you. You’re in luck. We have access to every carrier in Tucson and can help guide you.
Our licensed insurance brokers specialize in Medicare. They’ll help educate you, assess your needs, and provide options that fit your needs. They can even walk you through the enrollment process and make it quick and easy.
Don’t delay; give us a call today! If now isn’t a good time, simply fill out our online request form, and we’ll reach out.
