Arizona Medicare Plans: 2021 Data and Reviews
In this article...
- Medicare in Arizona covers close to 1.4 million people. Our review highlights the best Medicare Advantage and Part D prescription drug plans in Arizona, how much they cost, what they cover and the plans that are available in 2021.
Over 1.37 million Arizona residents are enrolled in Medicare.1 Of those, roughly 582,000 people are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, also known as Medicare Part C. This equals more than 40% of all Medicare beneficiaries in the state.
While Medicare Part A and Part B (together called Original Medicare) are administered by the federal government, Medicare Advantage plans are provided by private insurance companies. MA plans cover the same benefits that the government provides through Part A and Part B, but most MA plans also offer additional benefits such as prescription drugs, routine dental and vision care, hearing care, telehealth, non-emergency transportation and much more.
If Medicare beneficiaries don’t join a Medicare Advantage plan that includes prescription drug coverage, they may have the option of enrolling in a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan (PDP). A standalone PDP can be used alongside your Original Medicare coverage, or you can enroll in a PDP if your Medicare Advantage plan doesn’t have prescription drug benefits.
In 2021:
- There are 279 individual Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) plans available in Arizona
- There are 32 Part D Prescription Drug Plans (PDPs) available in Arizona
Average Cost of MA Plans in AZ
The weighted average premium for a Medicare Advantage plan in Arizona in 2021 is $16.35 per month.2
This means that for an average of $16 per month, Medicare Advantage beneficiaries in Arizona have access to not only the hospital benefits and medical insurance that their Original Medicare coverage entitles them to, but also the additional benefits that most MA plans offer.
According to national 2021 figures from the Kaiser Family Foundation:3
- 98% of Medicare Advantage plans cover telehealth
- 96% offer fitness benefits such as free SilverSneakers membership
- 92% cover routine dental care
- 91% offer eye exam and glasses coverage
- 88% cover hearing aids
- 75% pay for over the counter (OTC) items
Top-Rated Medicare Advantage Plans in Arizona
Every year, Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5-star rating system. Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Part D plans that earn 4 or more stars out of 5 are considered top-rated plans.
In 2021:
- 38% of Medicare Advantage plans in Arizona are top rated plans according to Medicare
- 4% of Medicare Part D plans in Arizona are considered top rated
Medicare health plans are rated according to a number of factors including the plan’s management of chronic conditions, how easily plan members can access vaccines and physical exams, overall customer satisfaction and more.
AARP Medicare Advantage Plans in Arizona
The table below outlines some of the specific plan details for AARP Medicare Advantage plans available in Arizona in 2021.
| Plan Name | Code | Monthly Premium | Deductible | Out-of-Pocket Spending Maximum | Medicare Star Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AARP Medicare Advantage (HMO) | H0609:025-0 | $0 | $0 | $2,600 | 4 out of 5 |
| AARP Medicare Advantage Plan 1 (HMO) | H0609:026-0 | $0 | $0 | $3,900 | 4 out of 5 |
| AARP Medicare Advantage Plan 2 (HMO) | H0609:027-0 | $0 | $0 | $3,000 | 4 out of 5 |
| AARP Medicare Advantage Walgreens Plan 1 (PPO) | H2228:074-0 | $0 | $0 | $5,000 | 4 out of 5 |
| AARP Medicare Advantage Walgreens Plan 1 (PPO) | H2228:075-0 | $0 | $0 | $5,000 | 4 out of 5 |
| AARP Medicare Advantage Choice Plan 1 (PPO) | H2228:076-0 | $34 | $0 | $5,900 | 4 out of 5 |
| AARP Medicare Advantage Walgreens Plan 2 (PPO) | H2228:077-0 | $0 | $0 | $5,900 | 4 out of 5 |
| AARP Medicare Advantage Choice Plan 2 (PPO) | H2228:094-0 | $0 | $0 | $6,200 | 4 out of 5 |
| AARP Medicare Advantage Patriot (PPO) | H2228:095-0 | $0 | $0 | $5,000 | 4 out of 5 |
| AARP Medicare Advantage Walgreens Plan 2 (PPO) | H2228:096-0 | $25 | $0 | $4,000 | 4 out of 5 |
| AARP Medicare Advantage Walgreens Plan 3 (PPO) | H2228:097-0 | $25 | $0 | $4,000 | 4 out of 5 |
| AARP Medicare Advantage Plus (HMO-POS) | H5253:035-0 | $12 | $0 | $4,800 | 4 out of 5 |
| AARP Medicare Advantage (HMO) | H5253:036-0 | $49 | $0 | $5,500 | 4 out of 5 |
UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage Plans in Arizona
The table below outlines some of the specific plan details for the UnitedHealthcare Assure PPO plan available in Arizona in 2021.
| Plan Name | Code | Monthly Premium | Deductible | Out-of-Pocket Spending Maximum | Medicare Star Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage Assure (PPO) | H0271:008-0 | $27.20 | $0 | $7,500 | N/A |
Humana Medicare Advantage Plans in Arizona
The following table details some of the specific plan cost information for Humana Medicare Advantage plans available in Arizona in 2021.
| Plan Name | Code | Monthly Premium | Deductible | Out-of-Pocket Spending Maximum | Medicare Star Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Humana Gold Plus (HMO) | H0028:021-0 | $0 | $0 | $2,800 | 4 out of 5 |
| Humana Gold Plus (HMO) | H0028:023-0 | $50 | $0 | $6,700 | 4 out of 5 |
| Humana Gold Plus (HMO) | H0028:024-0 | $0 | $0 | $4,900 | 4 out of 5 |
| Humana Gold Plus (HMO) | H0028:027-0 | $0 | $0 | $3,400 | 4 out of 5 |
| Humana Gold Plus (HMO) | H0028:028-0 | $0 | $0 | $5,500 | 4 out of 5 |
| Humana Gold Plus (HMO) | H0028:027-0 | $0 | $0 | $3,400 | 4 out of 5 |
| Humana Gold Plus (HMO) | H2463:001-0 | $0 | $0 | $4,900 | N/A |
| HumanaChoice (PPO) | H5216:034-0 | $120 | $0 | $7,550 | 4 out of 5 |
| Humana Value Plus (PPO) | H5216:197-0 | $20.90 | $0 | $7,550 | 4 out of 5 |
| HumanaChoice (PPO) | H5216:198-0 | $31 | $0 | $4,900 | 4 out of 5 |
| Humana Honor (PPO) | H5216:213-0 | $0 | $0 | $4,400 | 4 out of 5 |
| HumanaChoice (PPO) | H5216:224-0 | $16 | $0 | $4,500 | 4 out of 5 |
| HumanaChoice (Regional PPO) | R7220:001-0 | $0 | $0 | $6,000 | 3 out of 5 |
| HumanaChoice (Regional PPO) | R7220:002-0 | $52 | $0 | $6,700 | 3 out of 5 |
WellCare Medicare Advantage Plans in Arizona
This table outlines some of the specific plan cost information for Arizona WellCare Medicare Advantage plans available in 2021.
| Plan Name | Code | Monthly Premium | Deductible | Out-of-Pocket Spending Maximum | Medicare Star Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WellCare Value (HMO) | H6439:002-0 | $0 | $0 | $3,400 | N/A |
| WellCare Compass (HMO) | H6439:003-0 | $15.50 | $0 | $3,400 | N/A |
| WellCare Dividend (HMO) | H6439:004-0 | $0 | $0 | $3,400 | N/A |
| WellCare Premier (PPO) | H8553:001-0 | $0 | $0 | $5,000 | N/A |
| WellCare Patriot (PPO) | H8553:002-0 | $0 | $0 | $4,400 | N/A |
| WellCare Rx Plus (PPO) | H8553:003-0 | $0 | $0 | $6,000 | N/A |
Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Advantage Plans in Arizona
The table below details cost information and other plan details for Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Advantage plans available in Arizona in 2021.
| Plan Name | Code | Monthly Premium | Deductible | Out-of-Pocket Spending Maximum | Medicare Star Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BlueJourney (PPO) | H5140:002-0 | $59 | $0 | $5,000 | N/A |
| Blue Medicare Advantage Classic (HMO) | H0302:006-0 | $0 | $0 | $4,250 | 3 out of 5 |
| Blue Medicare Advantage Classic (HMO) | H0302:008-0 | $0 | $0 | $3,400 | 3 out of 5 |
| Blue Medicare Advantage Standard (HMO) | H0302:009-0 | $0 | $0 | $4,500 | 3 out of 5 |
| BlueJourney (PPO) | H5140:001-0 | $59 | $0 | $5,000 | N/A |
| BluePathway Plan 2 (HMO) | H6936:003-0 | $0 | $0 | $3,400 | N/A |
| BluePathway Plan 3 (HMO) | H6936:004-0 | $32 | $0 | $2,900 | N/A |
| BluePathway Plan 2 (HMO) | H6936:005-0 | $0 | $0 | $2,900 | N/A |
| BluePathway Plan 1 (HMO) | H6936:006-0 | $0 | $0 | $2,900 | N/A |
Aetna Medicare Advantage Plans in Arizona
The following table includes cost information and other plan details for Aetna Medicare Advantage plans available in Arizona in 2021.
| Plan Name | Code | Monthly Premium | Deductible | Out-of-Pocket Spending Maximum | Medicare Star Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aetna Medicare Prime Plan (HMO) | H3931:092-0 | $0 | $0 | $7,550 | 3.5 out of 5 |
| Aetna Medicare Platinum Plan (HMO) | H3931:129-0 | $0 | $0 | $7,550 | 3.5 out of 5 |
| Aetna Medicare Platinum Plan (HMO) | H3931:130-0 | $0 | $0 | $7,550 | 3.5 out of 5 |
| Aetna Medicare Platinum Plan (HMO) | H3931:131-0 | $40 | $0 | $7,550 | 3.5 out of 5 |
| Aetna Medicare Prime Plus Plan (HMO) | H4835:001-0 | $0 | $0 | $3,600 | N/A |
| Aetna Medicare Premier Plan (HMO) | H4835:002-0 | $0 | $0 | $4,700 | N/A |
| Aetna Medicare Premier Plan (HMO) | H4835:003-0 | $0 | $0 | $4,700 | N/A |
| Aetna Medicare Premier Plan (HMO) | H4835:004-0 | $0 | $0 | $3,600 | N/A |
| Aetna Medicare Premier Plan (HMO) | H4835:005-0 | $0 | $0 | $6,700 | N/A |
| Aetna Medicare Premier Plan (HMO) | H4835:006-0 | $29 | $0 | $7,550 | N/A |
| Aetna Medicare Freedom Plan (PPO) | H5521:100-0 | $0 | $0 | $7,350 | 4 out of 5 |
| Aetna Medicare Platinum Plan (PPO) | H5521:184-0 | $59 | $0 | $6,500 | 4 out of 5 |
| Aetna Medicare Platinum Plan (PPO) | H5521:200-0 | $88 | $0 | $7,550 | 4 out of 5 |
| Aetna Medicare Elite Plan (PPO) | H5521:290-0 | $0 | $1,000 | $7,550 | 4 out of 5 |
| Aetna Medicare Eagle Plan (PPO) | H5521:329-0 | $0 | $0 | $5,550 | 4 out of 5 |
Arizona Medicare Advantage Plans by Type
There are several different types of Medicare Advantage plans. The most common are HMO plans and PPO plans, which both operate similarly to other types of health insurance you might be familiar with.
- Arizona Medicare HMO Plans
A health maintenance organization (HMO) Medicare health plan typically allows you to receive care from doctors, hospitals and other providers who are part of your plan’s local network. You often select a primary care physician who coordinates your health care and who can refer you to specialists when you need additional care.
By receiving health care from members of a local provider network, Medicare HMO beneficiaries are often able to save money by paying little to no monthly premium for their plan.
In 2021, 97% Medicare beneficiaries in Arizona have access to at least one Medicare HMO plan.3 - Arizona Medicare PPO Plans
A preferred provider organization (PPO) Medicare health plan is similar to an HMO plan. With a PPO plan, you typically select a primary care physician and receive care from doctors and specialists within your plan network. PPO plans, however, often allow you more freedom to see providers and doctors who are aren’t part of your plan network.
If you receive care from doctors outside of your PPO plan network, you will typically pay higher out-of-pocket costs than if you visit a doctor who is part of your plan network.
In 2021, 98% of Arizona Medicare beneficiaries have access to at least one Medicare PPO plan.3
Two other common types of Medicare health plans are PFFS plans and SNPs.
- Medicare private-fee-for-services (PFFS) plans allow you to visit any doctor, hospital or health care provider you choose, as long as they accept Medicare and agree to the terms and conditions of your specific plan. This might be a good type of plan for you if you like to travel frequently within the U.S. and want to have access to more doctors who will potentially accept your plan.
In exchange for the greater network flexibility that PFFS Medicare plans offer, they often charge higher monthly premiums than HMO or PPO plans. - Medicare Special Needs Plans (SNPs) offer added support for beneficiaries who meet specific requirements, such as having a chronic health condition, living in a long-term care facility or being dual eligible for Medicare and Medicaid.
A Medicare SNP will cover your Medicare care costs as well as your prescription drug costs much like any other Medicare health plan, but an SNP will also offer extra benefits that are tailored to your specific needs.
A chronic condition SNP (C-SNP) can often be offered for individuals who have health conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, chronic lung disorders and more.
A dual-eligible SNP (D-SNP) allows beneficiaries who have both Medicare and Medicaid to access quality health care with little-to-no costs out of their own pocket.
Arizona MA Plans by County
The table below details the average costs and other information about 2021 Medicare Advantage plans available in each Arizona county.
| County | Number of Plans Available | Average Monthly Premium | Percentage of Plans Rated 4 Stars or Higher |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apache | 7 | $20.78 | N/A |
| Cochise | 12 | $23.01 | 14% |
| Coconino | 14 | $23.94 | 56% |
| Gila | 10 | $30.38 | 17% |
| Graham | 11 | $28.90 | 29% |
| Greenlee | 10 | $17.24 | N/A |
| La Paz | 13 | $27.99 | 63% |
| Maricopa | 52 | $15.58 | 34% |
| Mohave | 18 | $27.24 | 55% |
| Navajo | 4 | $26.00 | N/A |
| Pima | 39 | $12.21 | 34% |
| Pinal | 30 | $14.24 | 35% |
| Santa Cruz | 16 | $27.81 | 38% |
| Yavapai | 27 | $23.56 | 41% |
| Yuma | 16 | 19.94 | 40% |
