Medicare Part C
Medicare Advantage Plans
Medicare Advantage is the all-in-one alternative to Original Medicare — often with $0 premiums and extras like dental, vision, and hearing built right in.
Arizona has some of the strongest Medicare Advantage markets in the country. A local specialist can help you compare every plan available in your county — at no cost to you.
$0
Premium Plans Available
Many Arizona counties have multiple $0 premium Medicare Advantage options
What Is Medicare Advantage?
Medicare Advantage (also called Part C) is an alternative way to receive your Medicare benefits. Instead of getting your Part A and Part B coverage directly from the federal government, you enroll in a private insurance plan that has been approved by Medicare.
These plans must cover everything Original Medicare covers — and many go further, adding dental, vision, hearing, fitness benefits (like SilverSneakers), and sometimes even grocery or transportation allowances.
Most Medicare Advantage plans have a $0 monthly premium beyond the Part B premium you already pay. In Arizona, there are dozens of plans available depending on your county.
Types of Medicare Advantage Plans
HMO
Health Maintenance Organization plans require you to use a network and get referrals to see specialists. Often lowest out-of-pocket costs.
PPO
Preferred Provider Organization plans give you the flexibility to see any doctor — in or out of network — without a referral.
Special Needs Plans (SNP)
Designed for people with specific chronic conditions, dual Medicare/Medicaid eligibility, or those in institutional care.
PFFS
Private Fee-for-Service plans set their own payment terms. Any provider who accepts the plan's terms can treat you.
MSA
Medical Savings Account plans combine a high-deductible plan with a Medicare-funded savings account for healthcare costs.
D-SNP
Dual Special Needs Plans serve those eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid, coordinating benefits across both programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Medicare Advantage?
Medicare Advantage (Part C) is an alternative to Original Medicare offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. These plans bundle Part A, Part B, and usually Part D coverage into one plan and often include extras like dental, vision, and hearing.
Are Medicare Advantage plans free?
Many Medicare Advantage plans have a $0 monthly premium. You still pay your Part B premium, but the plan itself may have no additional monthly cost. Plans with $0 premiums are available in many Arizona counties.
What is the difference between HMO and PPO Medicare Advantage plans?
HMO plans require you to use a network of doctors and get referrals to see specialists. PPO plans give you more flexibility to see any doctor, inside or outside the network, though in-network care costs less. Both are popular options in Arizona.
What extra benefits do Medicare Advantage plans include?
Medicare Advantage plans often include dental, vision, hearing, fitness benefits (like SilverSneakers), transportation, over-the-counter allowances, and sometimes a grocery allowance. Benefits vary by plan and county.
Can I switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare?
Yes. You can switch during the Annual Election Period (October 15 – December 7) or the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 – March 31). Switching back to Original Medicare with a Medigap supplement may require underwriting outside of guaranteed issue periods.
What are Special Needs Plans (SNPs)?
Special Needs Plans are Medicare Advantage plans designed for people with specific chronic conditions (C-SNPs), those who are dual-eligible for Medicare and Medicaid (D-SNPs), or those in institutional care (I-SNPs). They offer tailored benefits for those populations.
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