This article is for general education only (learn more about medicare cost calculator) (learn more about medicare cost calculator: complete guide to estimating your annual costs) (learn more about disability insurance strategy guide) (learn more about best medicare part d drug plans 2026: top 6 ranked by premium, deductible, (learn more about annuity surrender charges: what you need to know) (learn more about assisted living vs memory care: which is right for your loved one?) and coverage). It is not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), or any insurance carrier. Plan availability, premiums, and benefits vary by ZIP code and change every year. Always confirm current details at Medicare.gov or with a licensed insurance agent before making a decision.
Medicare Advantage plan details for 2027 — premiums, benefits, star ratings — won't be published until fall 2026, when carriers file with CMS ahead of enrollment. The Annual Enrollment Period runs October 15 through December 7, 2026, for coverage starting January 1, 2027. While exact 2027 numbers aren't out yet, Arizona seniors can already get familiar with the carriers that have a strong, established presence here — names like UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, Cigna Healthcare, Devoted Health, Banner|Aetna, and Wellcare.
Think of this as a planning guide, not a rate sheet: an overview of the carriers likely to offer plans in Arizona again for 2027 and what tends to matter most when comparing them.
UnitedHealthcare
One of the largest Medicare Advantage carriers nationally, UnitedHealthcare has a broad footprint across Arizona, including Maricopa and Pima counties. It's known for a wide network of contracted doctors and hospitals and a large menu of plan types — HMO, PPO, and Special Needs Plans for chronic conditions or dual Medicare/Medicaid eligibility. Many UHC plans bundle dental, vision, hearing, and fitness benefits, though inclusions vary by county and plan year.
Best for: Seniors who want a large provider network and a wide choice of plan types in one place.
Humana
Humana has long been a major player in Arizona, particularly around Phoenix. It offers HMO and PPO plans with structured supplemental benefits and has invested in senior-focused wellness programs, including in-home care coordination and chronic condition support. It also tends to offer competitive OTC allowances and grocery or utility benefit cards on select plans, though the lineup differs by county.
Best for: Seniors who value structured wellness programs and supplemental spending benefits.
Aetna (a CVS Health company)
Aetna has a long-standing presence in Arizona, offering HMO and PPO plans often paired with CVS pharmacy access and MinuteClinic locations — a distinctive edge for shoppers who prioritize drug coverage and low-cost care. Plans typically include preventive care, routine dental and vision, and telehealth access; Aetna also partners locally through Banner|Aetna in parts of the state.
Best for: Seniors who fill prescriptions regularly and want pharmacy benefits closely tied to their plan.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (BCBSAZ) is the state's own Blue Cross affiliate, with deep roots in Arizona's provider community. As a local plan rather than a national one, it often emphasizes relationships with in-state hospital systems and physician groups, and offers HMO and PPO options with typical supplemental benefits like dental, vision, and hearing.
Best for: Seniors who prefer a plan rooted in Arizona's local provider networks.
Cigna Healthcare
Cigna Healthcare offers Medicare Advantage plans in select Arizona counties through HMO and PPO structures, with an emphasis on preventive care and its Healthy Today card — a supplemental benefits card for approved health-related purchases. Its Arizona footprint tends to be more concentrated around Phoenix than some larger national carriers, so checking availability by ZIP code matters here.
Best for: Seniors focused on preventive care benefits and flexible supplemental spending cards.
Devoted Health
Devoted Health is a newer, tech-forward carrier that has expanded into the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas in recent years. It's known for hands-on member support (including a dedicated guide for each member), competitive supplemental benefits, and $0-premium options in many counties it serves. Being newer than the legacy names, its availability is more limited by county — confirm coverage at your specific ZIP.
Best for: Seniors who want a smaller carrier with hands-on member support and modern digital tools.
Banner|Aetna
Banner|Aetna is a joint venture between Banner Health — one of Arizona's largest hospital and physician systems — and Aetna. That partnership gives its plans a tight connection to Banner's hospitals, urgent care centers, and physician network across the Phoenix metro and beyond, which can mean smoother coordination for seniors who already see Banner Health providers.
Best for: Seniors already using Banner Health doctors or hospitals who want a plan aligned with that system.
Wellcare
Wellcare, part of the Centene family of health plans, has built a presence in Arizona with a focus on affordability and accessible $0-premium options in many counties. It's known for straightforward HMO plans and value-oriented extras like OTC allowances and dental coverage, though availability still varies by county, especially outside the major metros.
Best for: Budget-conscious seniors looking for low or $0-premium plan options.
What to Expect for 2027 in Arizona
Arizona has one of the more competitive Medicare Advantage markets in the country, and that's expected to continue into 2027:
- Phoenix and Tucson metro strength. Maricopa (Phoenix) and Pima (Tucson) counties typically have the largest number of plan choices, since these metro areas have the population density and provider networks insurers look for. Rural counties usually have fewer options.
- Snowbird considerations. If you split time between states, pay close attention to whether a plan is an HMO (limited to in-network care at home, with emergency coverage while traveling) or a PPO (more flexibility for out-of-network care, at higher cost). This matters more for snowbirds than almost anything else.
- $0-premium plans are common. Many Arizona counties have historically had several $0-premium plans. A $0 premium doesn't mean $0 cost overall — copays, deductibles, and drug costs still apply — but it's a common feature here.
- Extra benefits beyond Original Medicare. Dental, vision, hearing, and OTC allowances are standard extras on many Arizona plans; some also offer transportation or post-hospital meal benefits. Exact inclusions vary by plan and change yearly.
None of this is guaranteed for 2027 — it reflects general, historical patterns. Confirm details once plans publish in fall 2026.
How to Compare Arizona Medicare Advantage Plans
Once 2027 plan details are available, check each option for:
- Your doctors and hospitals are in-network — especially if you use Banner Health, HonorHealth, TMC Health, or another specific Arizona system.
- The drug formulary covers your medications — look up each prescription's tier and estimated cost.
- Availability in your exact ZIP code — plans are approved county by county, and benefits can differ even within a county.
- Star ratings — CMS scores each plan 1–5 stars on quality and satisfaction, published annually.
- Out-of-pocket maximum — every plan caps annual spending; compare this, not just the monthly premium.
- Extra benefits that matter to you — dental, vision, hearing, OTC allowances, and transportation vary widely; prioritize what you'll use.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I enroll in a 2027 Medicare Advantage plan?
The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs October 15 through December 7, 2026, for coverage starting January 1, 2027. Outside AEP, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period after a qualifying life event, or use the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1–March 31) if you're already enrolled and want to switch.
What's the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage?
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) is run by the federal government and lets you see any provider nationwide that accepts Medicare. Medicare Advantage (Part C) is offered by private carriers approved by Medicare, often bundles in drug coverage and extras, but usually works through a defined provider network.
Will my current plan automatically change for 2027?
Your plan's premiums, benefits, and network can change each year even without switching. Carriers send an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) letter each fall — worth reading even if you plan to stay put.
How do I know which plans are available in my ZIP code?
Availability is set at the county level and sometimes varies within a county. Once 2027 details publish in fall 2026, check by ZIP code at Medicare.gov's Plan Finder, or ask a licensed agent familiar with Arizona plans.
Choosing a Medicare Advantage plan depends on your doctors, medications, budget, and where you spend your time during the year. Once 2027 plan details publish this fall, take time to compare your options by ZIP code at Medicare.gov, or talk with a licensed, local Arizona agent. There's no rush — AEP gives you until December 7 to make a confident, well-informed choice.