Arizona Medigap plans (also called Medicare Supplement plans) cover the gaps in Original Medicare, including deductibles, copays, and coinsurance that would otherwise come out of your pocket. This comprehensive Arizona Medigap guide covers available plans, average premiums, top carriers, the birthday rule, guaranteed issue rights, and how to choose between Plan G, Plan N, and other options. Whether you are approaching your initial Medigap Open Enrollment or considering a plan switch, understanding Arizona Medigap rules helps you make a confident decision.
All information verified against CMS data and state sources as of April 2026.
In This Arizona Medigap Guide:
Medigap Plans Available in Arizona
Standardized plans: A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, N
Every Medigap plan with the same letter provides identical benefits regardless of which carrier sells it. Plan G from one company covers the exact same medical costs as Plan G from another company. The only difference is the premium and the customer service experience. This standardization makes comparison shopping straightforward.
Plan F: Still available in Arizona for beneficiaries who became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. Plan F covers all gaps including the Part B deductible. New enrollees after 2020 cannot purchase Plan F.
High-Deductible Plan G: Available in Arizona. You pay a higher annual deductible before benefits kick in, but monthly premiums are significantly lower than standard Plan G.
Arizona Medigap Rates: Plan G & Plan N
| Plan | Age 65 | Age 70 | Age 75 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan G | $180/mo | Varies | Varies |
| Plan N | $125/mo | Varies | Varies |
These are approximate averages. Your actual premium depends on your carrier, zip code, age, gender, and tobacco use. Always compare quotes from at least three carriers before choosing.
How Arizona Medigap Pricing Works
Arizona uses issue-age-rated Medigap pricing. Your premium is based on your age when you first purchase the policy. Premiums may increase over time due to inflation but not solely because of aging. Buying earlier means a lower starting premium.
Household discount: Many Medigap carriers in Arizona offer 5-12% household or spousal discounts when two people in the same household both have Medigap policies.
Plan G vs Plan N in Arizona
Plan G and Plan N are the two most popular Medigap plans in Arizona. Here is how they compare:
| Feature | Plan G | Plan N |
|---|---|---|
| Part B Deductible | Not covered (you pay $240/year in 2026) | Not covered |
| Part B Copay | Covered (no copays) | Up to $20 copay for office visits, up to $50 for ER visits not resulting in admission |
| Part B Excess Charges | Covered | Not covered |
| Monthly Premium | Higher | Lower (typically 15-25% less than Plan G) |
| Best For | Predictable costs, no copays | Lower premiums, okay with small copays |
Bottom line: If you want the most comprehensive coverage with no copays at the doctor, choose Plan G. If you prefer lower monthly premiums and do not mind occasional $20 copays, Plan N offers strong coverage at a lower cost.
Top Medigap Carriers in Arizona
Top Medigap carriers in Arizona:
- UnitedHealthcare/AARP
- Mutual of Omaha
- Humana
- WMI Mutual
- Aetna
WMI Mutual typically offers among the lowest Plan G premiums in Arizona. However, the cheapest carrier varies by zip code and age bracket.
When comparing Medigap carriers, the benefits are identical for the same plan letter. Focus on premium cost, AM Best financial strength rating (A or higher is strong), customer service reputation, and rate increase history.
Rate increase trend: Arizona Medigap carriers have historically had above average rate increases compared to the national average.
Arizona Medigap Switching Rights
Arizona does not have a Medigap birthday rule. Your primary opportunity to buy or switch Medigap plans without medical underwriting is during your initial 6-month Medigap OEP.
Guaranteed Issue Rights in Arizona
Federal law provides guaranteed issue rights in specific situations where you can buy a Medigap plan without medical underwriting:
- Losing employer/union coverage
- Your Medicare Advantage plan leaves your area
- You joined an MA plan when first eligible and want to switch back within 12 months (trial right)
- Your Medigap carrier goes bankrupt
Arizona-specific guaranteed issue protections: Loss of employer group coverage, Medicare Advantage plan leaves service area, Medicare Advantage plan terminates, Medigap insurer becomes insolvent, turning 65 with disability-based Medicare eligibility (state protection against disability premium surcharge)
Additional Arizona Medigap rules: Arizona prohibits attained-age rating for Medigap (one of only 4 states — must use issue-age or community-rated pricing so premiums do not increase solely due to aging). 30-day free look period on new policies. Disabled beneficiaries who turn 65 receive a new Medigap OEP and state law prohibits insurers from charging higher premiums based on prior disability qualification. Arizona does NOT mandate Medigap access for under-65 disabled or ESRD Medicare beneficiaries. No birthday rule for annual plan switching.
Common Medigap Mistakes in Arizona
- Missing your OEP: Your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period is your best window. After it closes, carriers can deny you or charge higher premiums based on health.
- Choosing by carrier name alone: Medigap plans are standardized. A well-known brand’s Plan G costs more but covers the exact same benefits as a smaller carrier’s Plan G.
- Ignoring rate increase history: Some carriers offer low introductory rates then raise premiums aggressively. Ask for 5-year rate increase history before buying.
- Not comparing at least 3 carriers: Premium differences of 30-50% between carriers for the same plan letter are common.
- Confusing Medigap with Medicare Advantage: They are different products. You cannot have both simultaneously (except during limited trial rights).
Compare Arizona Medigap Rates
Ready to compare Medigap plans in Arizona? Use the official Medicare Plan Finder or contact your local SHIP counselor.
Official Sources & Resources
- Medicare.gov: medicare.gov
- Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions: https://difi.az.gov
- NAIC Medigap Shopping Guide: naic.org
- CMS Medicare & You Handbook: Medicare & You (PDF)
Last verified April 2026. Contact us if you notice outdated information.