Best Medicare Advantage Plans in Arizona (2026)

Key Takeaways

Arizona has 68 Medicare Advantage plans from 11 insurers, spanning HMO, HMO-POS, PPO and regional PPO options. While many plans feature $0 monthly premiums, prices can climb as high as $295 depending on the plan and coverage level.

Top Arizona Medicare Advantage providers include SCAN Health Plan for HMO, Wellpoint for HMO-POS and Humana for PPO plans.

Find the right Arizona Medicare Advantage plan by weighing provider access, prescription drug coverage and your budget for monthly and out-of-pocket costs.

Best Medicare Advantage Providers in Arizona

We analyzed the best Arizona Medicare Advantage plans to find the top providers for each plan type. We evaluated CMS star ratings, premium costs and maximum out-of-pocket expenses to find insurers offering the strongest value and comprehensive coverage.

SCAN Health Plan leads for HMO coverage with a 4.5 CMS star rating and $0 monthly premium, plus the lowest maximum out-of-pocket limit at $2,250. Wellpoint offers the most competitive HMO-POS option with no monthly premium, though the $8,300 MOOP is higher than other plan types. Humana's PPO plans also charge $0 monthly with a $7,850 out-of-pocket maximum, giving you network flexibility at no added cost.


HMO	SCAN Health Plan	4.50	$0	$2,250	SCAN Classic (HMO)
HMO-POS	Wellpoint	3.50	$0	$8,300	Wellpoint Medicare Advantage 1 (HMO-POS)
PPO	Humana	3.50	$0	$7,850	HumanaChoice Giveback H5216-371 (PPO)

Medicare Advantage Plans Explained

Medicare Advantage plans include benefits like dental, vision and hearing coverage that Original Medicare doesn't cover. Private insurers offer these plans as an alternative to traditional Medicare Parts A and B.

CMS Star Ratings: These ratings measure plan quality and member satisfaction on a scale from 1 to 5 stars. Higher ratings mean better care coordination and customer service.
Monthly premiums: You'll pay your regular Part B premium plus any additional plan fees. Many Arizona Medicare Advantage plans charge $0 in extra monthly premiums.
Maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) limits: This cap limits your annual medical expenses. Once you reach it, your plan covers 100% of eligible services.
Prescription drug coverage: Most plans bundle Part D drug benefits into your coverage, so you pay less for medications than you would out-of-pocket.

SCAN Health Plan

Best HMO

MoneyGeek Rating

4.8/ 5

5/5Affordability

5/5Quality

2.5/5Availability

CMS Star Rating
4.5
Plan Types
HMO

pros
- 4.5-star CMS rating
- $0 monthly premiums
- MOOP as low as $2,000
cons
- HMO only: no PPO or HMO-POS options
SCAN Health Plan has two HMO Medicare Advantage plans in Arizona, both rated 4.5 stars by CMS. Neither charges a monthly premium. The SCAN Classic plan has a $2,000 MOOP; the SCAN MyChoice plan's MOOP is $2,500. Both include enhanced Part D prescription drug coverage. SCAN is a strong fit if you want high-quality care without a monthly premium.

Wellpoint

Best HMO-POS

MoneyGeek Rating

5/ 5

5/5Affordability

5/5Quality

5/5Availability

CMS Star Rating
3.5
Plan Types
HMO-POS, HMO

pros
- $0 monthly premiums on all plans
- Out-of-network access through HMO-POS plans
- MOOP as low as $2,700
cons
- One plan has an $8,300 MOOP
- HMO selection limited to one plan
- No PPO options
Wellpoint's three HMO-POS Medicare Advantage plans all carry $0 monthly premiums, earn 3.5-star CMS ratings and include enhanced Part D drug coverage. The Wellpoint Medicare Advantage 1 plan has the lowest MOOP at $2,700 annually. The standard Wellpoint Medicare Advantage plan caps costs at $3,000, while the Wellpoint Medicare Advantage 2 plan reaches $8,300.

Wellpoint also has a standalone HMO plan with a $0 monthly premium and a $3,400 MOOP. It earns a 3-star CMS rating and covers in-network care with a fixed $3,400 annual cost cap.

Humana

Best PPO

MoneyGeek Rating

5/ 5

5/5Affordability

5/5Quality

5/5Availability

CMS Star Rating
3.5
Plan Types
Regional PPO, PPO, HMO

pros
- Many options for HMO and PPO plans
- 13 out of 16 plans have $0 premium
- PPO flexibility to see specialists without referrals
cons
- Higher maximum out-of-pocket limits
- Higher costs for out-of-network care
Humana leads Arizona's PPO Medicare Advantage market with seven PPO options and nine HMO plans. For PPO coverage, the HumanaChoice Giveback H7617-051 plan earns a 4.5 CMS star rating with $0 monthly premium and a $6,100 maximum out-of-pocket limit. Most Humana PPO plans come at no monthly cost, with out-of-pocket maximums ranging from $4,150 to $7,850.

Humana's HMO plans offer lower out-of-pocket costs for members who are okay with network restrictions. The Humana Gold Plus H4461-059 has a 4-star rating, $0 premium and just $2,550 maximum out-of-pocket spending. All Humana plans include enhanced Part D drug coverage, and many waive deductibles on select drug tiers.

Best Arizona HMO Medicare Advantage Providers

Arizona has 35 HMO Medicare Advantage plans from 10 providers, and most charge $0 monthly premiums. Out-of-pocket maximums range from $2,000 to $8,896, averaging $4,269 a year. Eight plans earn 4-star CMS ratings or higher; the state average is 3.57 stars.

SCAN Health Plan leads Arizona HMO plans with a 4.5-star CMS rating. Both plans charge $0 monthly and average $2,250 in out-of-pocket costs.
Blue Cross Blue Shield also earns a 4.5-star rating. Its two HMO plans average $18 monthly with a $2,680 average MOOP.
Alignment Health Plan offers two $0-premium plans with a 4.0-star rating and $3,900 average out-of-pocket limits.


SCAN Health Plan	4.50	$0	$2,250	2	4.75
Blue Cross Blue Shield	4.50	$18	$2,680	2	4.40
Alignment Health Plan	4.00	$0	$3,900	2	4.39
Cigna HealthCare	3.50	$0	$3,700	4	4.32
Banner Health	3.50	$0	$2,995	1	4.29
Humana	3.50	$0	$4,987	8	4.25
Wellpoint	3.00	$0	$3,400	1	4.16
Aetna	3.00	$0	$5,382	5	4.09
Wellcare	3.50	$0	$7,034	3	3.95
Devoted Health	3.50	$0	$5,897	7	3.90

HMO PROS AND CONS

HMO Medicare Advantage plans require you to stay within a provider network and get referrals before seeing specialists. In exchange, you'll pay lower premiums and face more predictable out-of-pocket costs. These plans work well for Arizona residents who prefer coordinated care and rarely need out-of-network providers.

Best Arizona HMO-POS Medicare Advantage Providers

Arizona has 12 HMO-POS Medicare Advantage plans from two providers, and nine charge $0 monthly premiums. When a premium applies, it averages $10 a month. Out-of-pocket maximums range from $2,700 to $8,300, averaging $4,275 a year. All plans include Part D coverage and earn an average 4-star CMS rating.

Wellpoint offers three HMO-POS plans in Arizona, all with $0 monthly premiums and 3.5-star CMS ratings.
UnitedHealthcare has nine HMO-POS plans averaging $14 a month, a 4.29-star average CMS rating and $4,506 average out-of-pocket caps.


Wellpoint	3.50	$0	$8,300	3	5.00
UnitedHealthcare	4.29	$14	$4,506	9	4.00

HMO-POS PROS AND CONS

HMO-POS plans work well for people who want coordinated, affordable care but occasionally need to see doctors outside their network. You keep most of the cost advantages of a standard HMO while still being able to access out-of-network providers, though you'll pay more for that flexibility. These plans make sense if you have a primary care doctor managing your care but sometimes need out-of-network specialists or coverage while traveling.

Best Arizona PPO Medicare Advantage Providers

PPO plans in Arizona provide the freedom to see out-of-network doctors, but that flexibility comes with higher out-of-pocket costs. The state has 20 PPO Medicare Advantage plans from five providers, with average maximum out-of-pocket limits of $5,874, ranging from $3,000 to $8,300.

Premiums remain largely affordable, with 14 plans charging $0 per month and an overall average of $26. Star ratings average 3.7 across all options, with six plans receiving the common 3.5-star rating. While PPOs generally score lower on customer satisfaction than HMO plans, they offer broader network flexibility. All plans include enhanced Part D prescription coverage and waive deductibles on select drug tiers.

Humana leads Arizona’s PPO market with seven plans at $0 monthly premiums, though out-of-pocket limits are high, averaging $7,850, with 3.5-star ratings.
Aetna offers three plans at $5 per month, earning a 4.5-star CMS rating and averaging a maximum out-of-pocket cost of $5,750.
Cigna HealthCare provides a single plan with a $0 premium and the state’s most affordable $4,900 out-of-pocket limit, rated 3.0 stars.


Humana	3.50	$0	$7,850	7	5.00
Aetna	4.50	$5	$5,750	3	4.67
Cigna HealthCare	3.00	$0	$4,900	1	4.34
UnitedHealthcare	4.00	$109	$5,221	5	4.19
Devoted Health	3.00	$0	$6,888	4	3.75

PPO PROS AND CONS

If you travel often, want to keep your current doctors or prefer skipping specialist referrals, a PPO Medicare Advantage plan may justify the higher cost. These plans let you visit any Medicare-approved provider without a referral, covering both in-network and out-of-network care. Monthly premiums and out-of-pocket maximums run higher than HMO plans, but you get full flexibility over where and how you get care.

How to Find the Best Arizona Medicare Advantage Plans

Choosing the right plan takes more than comparing premiums. Think about which doctors and hospitals you use, what prescriptions you need and your annual budget before enrolling.

1
Check Your Doctor and Hospital Network
Before selecting a Medicare Advantage plan, confirm your current doctors, specialists and hospitals participate in the plan's network. HMO plans restrict you to in-network providers except for emergencies, while PPO plans allow out-of-network access at higher costs. Learn more about health insurance network types to understand these differences.
2
Compare Maximum Out-of-Pocket Costs
Consider the maximum out-of-pocket costs, which represent the most you'll pay for covered services annually. A $0 premium plan with $7,833 maximum out-of-pocket costs might exceed a $29 premium plan capped at $6,750 if you need regular medical care.
3
Review Prescription Drug Coverage
Check that your medications appear on the plan's drug formulary and understand their tier placement, which affects your costs. Most Medicare Advantage plans include Part D drug coverage, though some require separate enrollment.
4
Evaluate Additional Benefits
Medicare Advantage plans offer extras beyond basic Medicare coverage, including dental care, vision services, hearing aids, fitness memberships and transportation to medical appointments. Compare which supplemental services each plan provides.
5
Consider CMS Star Ratings
Review each plan's CMS star rating, which measures quality and performance on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Higher-rated plans offer better customer service, care coordination and health outcomes. Plans earning 4 or 5 stars show superior performance across various quality measures.

Average Arizona Medicare Advantage Cost

Arizona Medicare Advantage costs depend on plan type and network restrictions. Plans with limited networks keep monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs lower than those offering broader provider access.

HMO plans offer the state's most affordable option at $0 median premium and $4,270 average maximum out-of-pocket costs. HMO-POS plans add minimal cost at $11 average monthly premium with $4,275 MOOP for some out-of-network access. PPO plans average $26 monthly with $5,875 MOOP for greater provider flexibility. Regional PPO plans cost the most at $37 monthly premium and $6,800 MOOP but offer the broadest network access across multiple states.


HMO	$0	$1	$4,270
HMO-POS	$0	$11	$4,275
PPO	$0	$26	$5,875
Regional PPO	$37	$37	$6,800

Best Arizona Medicare Advantage: FAQ

Get answers about Arizona Medicare Advantage plans:

When can I enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan in Arizona?

Arizona residents can enroll during the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct. 15 to Dec. 7) or the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (Jan. 1 to March 31). You may also qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you experience qualifying life events like relocating or losing other health coverage.

Does Medicare Advantage cover prescription drugs in Arizona?

Yes, most Medicare Advantage plans in Arizona include prescription drug coverage. Before enrolling, confirm your medications appear on the plan's formulary and review their tier placement, which affects what you pay at the pharmacy.

Do I need to change Medicare Advantage plans if I move to a different county in Arizona?

Moving within Arizona may require switching plans since Medicare Advantage networks differ by county. Contact your current insurer within 30 days of relocating, as it can help you identify plans available in your new area. You'll qualify for a Special Enrollment Period to select coverage that serves your new area.

Our Methodology: How We Chose the Best Arizona Medicare Advantage Plans

We ranked Medicare Advantage plans in Arizona using these weighted criteria:

Affordability (50%): Costs represent half the total score due to their immediate effect on your spending. We analyzed combined monthly premiums for Part C and Part D coverage (weighted at 30%) and in-network maximum out-of-pocket limits (weighted at 20%). Plans with lower premiums and MOOP thresholds score higher.
Star Ratings (40%): CMS star ratings evaluate plan performance in care quality, customer service and member experience. The Overall Star Rating integrates Part C (medical benefits) and Part D (prescription drug coverage) scores into one rating on a 1 to 5-star scale.
Availability (10%): We consider each insurer's coverage area across the United States. Providers serving more states score higher, as broader availability indicates more robust infrastructure, better support and better continuity if you relocate.

These factors create a fair comparison of Medicare Advantage plans, weighing costs against care quality and service.

About Mark Fitzpatrick

Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research for insurance shoppers. His insights have been featured in CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!

He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.

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