Medicare Advantage Plans Maricopa County 2025
Deciding on Medicare Advantage plans in Maricopa County for 2025 doesn’t have to be a burden. This article aims to inform you about the merits of 105 available plans.
Understand star ratings, compare costs, evaluate provider networks, and get the clarity you need to make the best choice for your healthcare—simply and efficiently.
Key Takeaways
- Maricopa County offers 105 Medicare Advantage plans from 17 insurers with 57% rated 4-star or above, and beneficiaries should annually review options considering costs, networks, drug coverage, and added benefits.
- The top providers in Maricopa County, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, and Humana, offer a range of plans including wellness incentives and care coordination, with some providing $0 monthly premiums and various benefits like dental and vision coverage.
- Beneficiaries should compare all out-of-pocket costs, consider the types of plans available based on individual needs, understand enrollment windows, and investigate prescription drug coverage; Medigap plans are available for additional coverage beyond Medicare Advantage.
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Overview of Medicare Advantage Plans in Maricopa County
Maricopa County stands out with a rich selection of 105 Medicare Advantage plans from 17 distinct insurers, offering a wide spectrum of choices to Medicare beneficiaries.
However, this abundance doesn’t compromise quality, as 57% of these plans have received a 4-star rating or higher—a testament to their performance and member satisfaction.
Don’t just settle for any plan. Scrutinize your options annually, considering any changes in benefits and the plan’s network providers. Balance various factors such as:
- provider networks
- prescription drug coverage
- additional benefits
to make an informed choice.
Top Medicare Advantage Companies in Maricopa County
When it comes to quality, four Medicare Advantage companies rise to the top in Maricopa County:
- UnitedHealthcare
- Aetna
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona
- Humana
All are highly rated by CMS for their performance.
Let’s delve into these companies to see what they offer.
UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare stands out with a diverse array of Medicare Advantage plans tailored to cater to a variety of needs in Maricopa County. These plans not only cover your health needs but also promote wellness, offering gym memberships and wellness incentives.
To ensure members with chronic health conditions or complex health issues don’t fall through the cracks, UnitedHealthcare provides care coordination services, including Medicaid services. In addition, their plans incorporate telehealth services, bringing healthcare right to your doorstep.
It’s no wonder UnitedHealthcare’s Medicare Advantage plans have received high star ratings, underscoring their commitment to quality and member satisfaction.
Aetna
Aetna offers a broad selection of Medicare Advantage plans in Maricopa County, featuring both PPO and HMO-POS options. These plans go beyond basic coverage, offering benefits like dental, eyewear, and hearing aid coverage. Some even feature $0 monthly premiums, making them an attractive choice for budget-conscious consumers.
Aetna Medicare Advantage plans offer flexibility, with the PPO plans allowing members to see doctors outside the network at a higher cost, a feature not available in HMO plans. With such a range of options and benefits, Aetna helps you find a health plan that aligns with your needs and financial capabilities, including AARP Medicare Advantage options.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona
For Maricopa County residents seeking flexibility, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona offers a range of Medicare Advantage plans, with both HMO and PPO options, granting freedom in choosing healthcare providers.
But their offerings don’t stop at flexibility. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona rolls out a red carpet of benefits, including:
- Wellness programs
- Preventive services
- Fitness programs
Plus, they have personalized member services, ensuring you get the care and attention you deserve.
The various star ratings their Medicare Advantage plans have received indicate the quality and performance they bring to your healthcare experience, helping you choose the best Medicare Advantage plan for your needs.
Humana
Humana’s Medicare Advantage plans in Maricopa County cater to a diverse range of health needs and budgets. They offer more than just basic coverage, providing benefits like fitness programs and personalized wellness plans. Furthermore, they grant access to a large network of doctors and hospitals, ensuring you’re never far from quality healthcare.
Some Humana plans even offer extras like routine dental, vision, and hearing coverage, enhancing the standard Medicare benefits. And they’ve received high star ratings from CMS, echoing their commitment to delivering quality healthcare and customer satisfaction.
Comparing Medicare Advantage Plan Costs and Benefits
When it comes to Medicare costs, the average monthly premium for Medicare Advantage plans in Maricopa County stands at $12.27, with the premium for a Special Needs Plan averaging $20.25.
However, you can find plans with monthly premiums as low as $0, making quality healthcare accessible even to those on a tight budget.
But don’t let the premiums be your only guide. The average out-of-pocket limit for these plans is $4,369 per year, and for plans that include Part D coverage, the average drug plan deductible is $111.45 per year.
Remember to consider all out-of-pocket costs, including:
- premiums
- deductibles
- copays
- coinsurance
before deciding.
Types of Medicare Advantage Plans in Maricopa County
Maricopa County offers a diverse range of Medicare Advantage plans, including HMO-POS, PPO, and HMO options, ensuring you find a plan that aligns with your preferences and needs. All these plans offer the benefits of Original Medicare, which includes Part A and Part B coverage. This coverage is included in each plan.
For those with specific diseases, Maricopa County offers 29 Special Needs Plans, which are designed to provide specialized coverage and include Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D).
Whether you want the flexibility of a PPO plan or the specific coverage of a Special Needs Plan, Maricopa County has got you covered.
Enrollment Process and Important Dates
Enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan in Maricopa County is a straightforward process. You can initially enroll during a seven-month window around your 65th birthday, known as the Initial Enrollment Period.
However, to be eligible for a Medicare Advantage plan, you must first be enrolled in Original Medicare, Part A and Part B.
If you miss the Initial Enrollment Period, don’t worry. You can still enroll during the Annual Enrollment Period, which runs from October 15 through December 7 each year. For those experiencing certain conditions like a new diagnosis of a severe chronic condition or changes in residence, Special Enrollment Periods are available.
Prescription Drug Coverage and Medicare Advantage Plans
Many Medicare Advantage Plans offer the convenience of rolling health and medication coverage into one, including prescription drugs for those enrolled in Parts A and B.
However, be aware that you could face a late enrollment penalty for Medicare drug coverage if you do not join when first eligible and do not have other creditable prescription drug coverage.
To ensure your medications are covered, follow these steps:
- Check the plan’s formulary to see if your medications are included.
- Assess the estimated costs for your prescriptions.
- Compare your current drug coverage against Medicare drug coverage options to ensure you choose the most suitable prescription drug needs strategy.
Alternative Options: Medicare Supplement Plans and Medigap
If you’re looking for additional coverage, you might consider Medigap or Medicare Supplement Insurance. These plans provide extra insurance to Original Medicare beneficiaries in Arizona, helping cover your share of costs for approved services.
These Medigap plans are standardized into Plans A through N, allowing you to easily compare benefits and choose a plan that fits your specific healthcare needs.
Plus, upon turning 65 and enrolling in Medicare Part B, you get a six-month guaranteed-issue period, during which you can purchase any Medigap policy without health examinations.
Resources for Maricopa County Medicare Beneficiaries
For more personalized assistance and information about Medicare Advantage insurance options, Maricopa County residents can call 833-641-4938 to speak with a licensed insurance agent.
Our agents can provide the guidance you need to navigate the complexities of Medicare Advantage plans and make an informed decision.
Summary
Choosing a Medicare Advantage plan in Maricopa County can seem like navigating a labyrinth. But now, you are armed with the knowledge to make an informed decision.
You understand the variety of options available—from UnitedHealthcare to Aetna, from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona to Humana, and from HMO-POS to PPO to HMO plans. You know the average costs, the importance of considering all expenses, and the alternatives like Medigap plans.
Remember, the best Medicare Advantage plan for you hinges on your specific health needs and budget. So, take your time, weigh your options, and choose wisely. Because your health deserves nothing less than the best.
Frequently Asked Questions
→ How much does Medicare Advantage cost in Arizona?
The average monthly premium for a Medicare Advantage plan in Arizona is $12.14 in 2024, slightly increasing from $11.93 in 2023. There are 155 Medicare Advantage plans available in Arizona in 2024.
→ What are the pitfalls of a Medicare Advantage Plan?
Medicare Advantage plans may have restrictive networks, which can result in higher costs or no coverage for out-of-network care, particularly when traveling.
Make sure to carefully consider the network limitations when evaluating a Medicare Advantage plan.
→ What is the most highly rated Medicare Advantage Plan?
Humana’s Medicare Advantage plans have consistently received high ratings from CMS for the last six years, with nearly 94% of their plans rated 4 stars and above for 2024. With this track record, Humana is considered the most highly rated Medicare Advantage plan.
→ What types of Medicare Advantage plans are available in Maricopa County?
In Maricopa County, you can choose from HMO-POS, PPO, and HMO Medicare Advantage plans, and there are 29 Special Needs Plans available for those with specific needs.
→ Do Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage?
Yes, Medicare Advantage plans often include prescription drug coverage, combining health and medication coverage for those enrolled in Parts A and B.
ZRN Health & Financial Services, LLC, a Texas limited liability company
Russell Noga is the CEO of ZRN Health & Financial Services, and head content editor of several Medicare insurance online publications. He has over 15 years of experience as a licensed Medicare insurance broker helping Medicare beneficiaries learn about Medicare, Medicare Advantage Plans, Medigap insurance, and Medicare Part D prescription drug plans.