Design Highlights
- UnitedHealthcare AARP Medicare Advantage Plan 2 leads in enrollment among Arizona’s 133 plans for 2026.
- BCBS of AZ Blue Medicare Advantage Classic and SCAN Health Plan both achieve a high rating of 4.5 stars.
- The average monthly premium for Medicare Advantage plans in Arizona is $4.82, with some plans offering $0 premiums.
- HMO plans typically have lower out-of-pocket maximums (around $4,269) compared to PPO plans (averaging $7,850).
- Plan selection varies by county, with Greenlee County offering 11 options including low-premium plans from UnitedHealthcare and Humana.
Arizona’s Medicare Advantage Plans for 2026 are shaping up to be quite the spectacle. With 133 plans available statewide, residents have plenty of options to sift through.
UnitedHealthcare AARP Medicare Advantage Plan 2 leads the pack in enrollment—no surprise there. They’ve got the numbers, and they know how to flaunt them. Hot on their heels is Humana Gold Plus, followed closely by HCSC Cigna HealthSpring Alliance Medicare. BCBS of AZ Blue Medicare Advantage Classic is also making moves, showing solid growth. All four of these plans have managed to snag a respectable 3.5 stars or higher for the 2025-2026 period. Stars matter in this game.
Speaking of stars, let’s talk ratings. BCBS of AZ Blue Medicare Advantage Classic is strutting around with a shiny 4.5 stars for 2026. That’s a big deal, especially for a non-SNP plan. SCAN Health Plan is also basking in the glow of a 4.5-star rating. Aetna is holding steady with an average of 4.5 stars across its offerings. Four companies have plans rated at 4.5 stars for 2026.
UnitedHealthcare? They’re not too shabby either, flaunting multiple plans with 4-star ratings. It’s a competitive scene, and everyone wants to come out on top.
Now let’s get down to the nitty-gritty—money. The statewide average monthly premium sits at a mere $4.82. Yes, you read that right. Many plans are even offering $0 premiums. But don’t get too excited; premiums can go up to $295, with approximately 52% of Arizona’s MA coverage concentrated in Maricopa County. Rising prescription drug prices are contributing to overall healthcare cost inflation, which can influence what enrollees ultimately pay out of pocket even on lower-premium plans.
If you’re looking at HMO out-of-pocket maximums, expect to average around $4,269. PPO plans are a bit heftier, averaging $7,850. You’ve got choices, but they come with varying costs.
In the county-specific arena, Greenlee County showcases 11 plans. UnitedHealthcare is back at it with options like the AARP PPO AZ-0008, charging a $36 premium. HumanaChoice has a plan for $11, but don’t let that fool you. The ratings matter.
The highest premium in town? That’s UnitedHealthcare again, with the AARP Access PPO AZ-15 ringing in at a staggering $282.
