Why I’m Advising My Arizona Clients to Choose Plan G in 2026

As an independent insurance broker helping Arizona retirees since 2004, I’m seeing a clear pattern this year: more people are asking whether they should stay with Medicare Advantage or switch to something better. After reviewing what’s happening with Advantage plans in 2026, I’m recommending Medicare Supplement Plan G to virtually every client who qualifies. Here’s why.

Why I’m Recommending Medicare Supplement Plan G in 2026

Medicare Advantage plans have been losing ground. In 2026, several major carriers cut benefits, raised copays, and reduced networks. According to Medicare.gov, you can switch plans during open enrollment if yours no longer works for you. A JAMA study found that 1 in 10 Medicare Advantage members was forced off their plan entirely. Meanwhile, Medicare Supplement Plan G hasn’t changed — and that stability is exactly what my clients need.

No Prior Authorization With Medicare Supplement Plan G

One of the biggest frustrations I hear from clients on Medicare Advantage is prior authorization. Before you can have a procedure, the insurance company has to approve it. That approval can take days or weeks — and it can be denied.

With Medicare Supplement Plan G, there is no prior authorization. If Medicare covers a service, Plan G pays. The decision stays between you and your doctor, not an insurance company’s claims department.

See Any Doctor in Arizona — and Across the Country

Medicare Advantage plans restrict you to a network. Step outside it and you pay out-of-pocket — or you’re not covered at all.

Medicare Supplement Plan G works with Original Medicare, which means you can see any doctor in the U.S. who accepts Medicare. In Arizona, that matters for a few specific reasons:

• Mayo Clinic Scottsdale accepts Original Medicare — and therefore Plan G. Most Medicare Advantage plans are not accepted at Mayo Clinic.
• Snowbird protection — many Arizona clients split time between states. Plan G covers you wherever Medicare is accepted. Your Advantage plan likely doesn’t.
• No referrals required — you can see a specialist directly, without waiting for a primary care gatekeeper.

Predictable Costs All Year

Medicare Advantage plans advertise low or zero premiums. However, the real costs show up in copays, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximums that can reach $8,000–$10,000 per year if you get seriously ill.

With Medicare Supplement Plan G, your only out-of-pocket cost is the Part B deductible — $257 in 2026. After that, you pay nothing for covered services for the rest of the year. No surprise bills. No anxiety about what the mail brings after a hospital stay.

Plan G Rates in Arizona — What to Expect in 2026

Plan G premiums vary by age and carrier. However, as a general benchmark for Arizona:

• Age 65: approximately $100–$150/month
• Age 70: approximately $130–$190/month
• Age 75: approximately $160–$230/month

Rates for the same plan vary significantly between carriers. As a result, comparing quotes from multiple companies before you enroll can save you $50–$100 per month — with identical benefits. That’s exactly what I do for every client.

The One-Way Door: Why Timing Matters

Here’s what most people don’t know: if you enroll in Medicare Advantage and later want to switch to Medicare Supplement Plan G, you may need to pass medical underwriting. That means insurance companies can deny you or charge more based on your health history.

When you first turn 65 and enroll in Medicare Part B, you have a 6-month open enrollment window where no company can deny you Plan G regardless of health. That window only happens once. After it closes, switching becomes much harder — and sometimes impossible.

If you’re turning 65 or newly enrolled in Medicare, get Plan G in place now, while the door is open.

Ready to Talk About Plan G for 2026?

I’m Andy Orlikoff, an independent Medicare broker based in Surprise, AZ. I don’t sell Medicare Advantage — and I’ll tell you exactly why when we talk. I work with multiple carriers and find the lowest rate for Medicare Supplement Plan G that fits your situation.

Serving Phoenix, Scottsdale, Peoria, Glendale, Surprise, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Goodyear, Tucson, Sun City, and all of Arizona.

Call or text: (623) 742-3878
Email: andy@azhealth.us
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American Insurance Benefits | 14955 W Bell Rd #8031, Surprise, AZ 85374 | Licensed Arizona Insurance Broker since 2004