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.
If you’re shopping for Arizona PPO health insurance in 2026, you’ve probably noticed two things: premiums are higher than ever, and nearly every ACA marketplace plan in Arizona is now an HMO. For many residents, that means limited doctor networks, required referrals, and no out-of-network coverage. However, there are alternatives. In this guide, you’ll see what Arizona PPO health insurance options still exist in 2026 — and how to find the right one for your situation.
Why Most 2026 ACA Plans in Arizona Are HMOs
The ACA marketplace in Arizona has shifted heavily toward HMO-style plans. As a result, most plans now require you to stay in-network, get referrals to see specialists, and forfeit coverage if you go outside the plan’s network.
For healthy individuals and families who rarely use their insurance, this structure can feel like paying a lot for very little flexibility. In addition, premiums have risen sharply in 2026 — especially for those who don’t qualify for subsidies.
Arizona PPO Health Insurance: What’s Still Available
Despite the marketplace shift, Arizona PPO health insurance options do still exist outside the ACA exchange. These include:
Off-exchange PPO plans — Available from select carriers, these plans offer broader networks and no referral requirements. However, they don’t qualify for ACA subsidies.
Short-term medical plans — These plans offer PPO-style access at significantly lower premiums. They work well for healthy individuals between jobs or waiting for open enrollment.
Level-funded group plans — Self-employed individuals and small business owners may qualify for group-style PPO coverage, often at lower cost than individual ACA plans.
Catastrophic PPO plans — Recent regulatory changes have expanded access to lower-premium, higher-deductible plans with PPO networks for qualifying individuals.
Is Arizona PPO Health Insurance Right for You?
A PPO plan makes the most sense in these situations:
You want access to Mayo Clinic or other major specialty hospitals
You see specialists regularly and don’t want referral requirements
You travel frequently and need out-of-state coverage
You earn too much to qualify for meaningful ACA subsidies
You’re generally healthy and want flexibility over comprehensive coverage
On the other hand, if you qualify for a large ACA subsidy, an HMO marketplace plan may still be the better financial choice. That’s why comparing both options side by side matters.
Mayo Clinic and Arizona PPO Plans
One of the most common questions I hear is whether a plan covers Mayo Clinic Arizona. The answer depends entirely on your plan type.
Most ACA HMO plans do not include Mayo Clinic in their networks. However, select off-exchange PPO plans do. If keeping Mayo Clinic as an option matters to you, this is one of the most important reasons to explore Arizona PPO health insurance outside the marketplace.
How Much Does Arizona PPO Health Insurance Cost in 2026?
Costs vary based on your age, household size, and the specific plan. However, as a general benchmark:
Short-term PPO plans: $100–$300/month for a healthy individual
Off-exchange PPO plans: $300–$600/month depending on coverage level
ACA HMO plans without subsidy: $450–$700+/month for comparable coverage
For many healthy Arizonans who don’t qualify for subsidies, an off-exchange or short-term PPO plan can cost significantly less while providing better network access.
Get a Free Arizona PPO Health Insurance Quote
I’m Andy Orlikoff, an independent health insurance broker based in Surprise, AZ. I’ve been helping Arizona residents compare Arizona PPO health insurance and ACA marketplace plans since 2004. I work with multiple carriers and show you both options side by side — no pressure, no commissions steering my advice.
Your premium is the same whether you use a broker or go direct. You’re just getting 20+ years of Arizona experience at no extra charge.
If your income in retirement is above a certain threshold, you may be paying significantly more for Medicare than your neighbors — and most people don’t find out until they receive their first bill. This extra charge is called the Medicare IRMAA surcharge, and in 2026 it kicks in at $106,000 for single filers. Here’s what it is, how it works, and what you can do about it.
What Is the Medicare IRMAA Surcharge?
IRMAA stands for Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount. It’s an additional premium that higher-income Medicare beneficiaries pay on top of standard Part B and Part D premiums. The Medicare IRMAA surcharge is determined by Medicare.gov and adjusted annually.
In 2026, the standard Medicare Part B premium is $185.00 per month. However, if your income exceeds the threshold, you pay considerably more — potentially hundreds of dollars more per month.
Who Gets Hit by the Medicare IRMAA Surcharge?
The Medicare IRMAA surcharge is based on your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) from two years prior. So your 2026 Medicare premiums are based on your 2024 tax return. That two-year lag catches many retirees off guard — especially those who had a high-income year due to:
Selling a home or investment property
Large capital gains from selling stocks or a business
Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from retirement accounts
Roth IRA conversions
A final year of high employment income before retiring
2026 Medicare IRMAA Surcharge Brackets
Here are the 2026 IRMAA thresholds and the resulting Part B premiums:
Individual Income
Joint Income
Monthly Part B Premium
Up to $106,000
Up to $212,000
$185.00
$106,001–$133,000
$212,001–$266,000
$259.00
$133,001–$167,000
$266,001–$334,000
$370.00
$167,001–$200,000
$334,001–$400,000
$480.90
Above $200,000
Above $400,000
$591.90
At the highest bracket, a married couple could each pay $591.90/month — over $14,000 per year combined just for Part B alone, before any other Medicare costs.
If your income dropped for any of these reasons, you may be able to reduce or eliminate the surcharge immediately rather than waiting for Social Security to use a more recent tax year.
How Medicare Supplement Plan G Protects You
The Medicare IRMAA surcharge increases your Part B premium — but it doesn’t change what Medicare covers or what you owe for services. That’s where a Medicare Supplement Plan G comes in.
With Plan G, once you pay the annual Part B deductible ($257 in 2026), you pay nothing out of pocket for covered Medicare services for the rest of the year. If you’re already paying higher premiums due to IRMAA, the last thing you want is additional copays and coinsurance on top. Plan G eliminates that exposure entirely.
Questions About Your Medicare Costs?
I’m Andy Orlikoff, an independent Medicare broker based in Surprise, AZ. I help Arizona retirees understand their Medicare costs — including the Medicare IRMAA surcharge — and choose the right supplement plan. My help costs you nothing extra.
Medicare Supplement Plan G is the most comprehensive Medigap plan available to new Medicare enrollees in 2026. If you’re turning 65 or newly enrolled in Medicare, Medicare Supplement Plan G fills nearly every gap Original Medicare leaves behind. In this guide, you’ll see exactly what Plan G covers, what it costs in Arizona, and why most of my clients choose it over every other option.
What Medicare Supplement Plan G Covers
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) is a solid foundation. However, it leaves you responsible for significant out-of-pocket costs — including the 20% coinsurance on doctor visits and hospital stays. Medicare Supplement Plan G steps in and covers those gaps.
Plan G covers all of the following:
Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs — up to 365 days after Medicare benefits are used
Medicare Part A deductible — $1,676 in 2026
Medicare Part A hospice care coinsurance
Skilled nursing facility coinsurance
Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayments — 100% covered after your deductible
Foreign travel emergency care — up to plan limits
The only cost you pay with Plan G is the annual Part B deductible — $257 in 2026. After that, you owe nothing for covered services for the rest of the year.
How Medicare Supplement Plan G Works
Think of Medicare Supplement Plan G as a shield for your savings. Here’s how it works step by step:
You pay the Part B deductible once per year ($257 in 2026)
After that, Plan G pays 100% of your Medicare-approved medical bills
You can see any doctor in the U.S. who accepts Medicare — no networks, no referrals, no prior authorizations
As a result, your healthcare costs for the year are completely predictable. You know your maximum out-of-pocket before January even starts.
Medicare Supplement Plan G vs Other Plans
While other Medigap plans exist, Plan G is the gold standard for new Medicare enrollees. Here’s why:
vs Plan N: Plan N costs less per month but charges copays of up to $20 per office visit and $50 per ER visit. If you see doctors regularly, Plan G often costs less overall.
vs Plan F: Plan F covers the Part B deductible too, but it’s no longer available to new Medicare enrollees after January 1, 2020. Plan G is the closest equivalent.
vs Medicare Advantage: Medicare Advantage plans often have networks, prior authorization requirements, and annual plan changes. Plan G works with Original Medicare — no networks, no surprises.
Medicare Supplement Plan G and Mayo Clinic
One of the most important differences between Plan G and Medicare Advantage is hospital access. Mayo Clinic Arizona accepts Original Medicare — and therefore accepts Plan G. Most Medicare Advantage plans, however, are not accepted at Mayo Clinic.
If keeping access to major specialty hospitals matters to you, that distinction alone makes Plan G worth considering.
The Enrollment Window for Medicare Supplement Plan G
When you first enroll in Medicare Part B, you have a 6-month open enrollment window for Medigap. During this period, insurance companies cannot deny you Medicare Supplement Plan G or charge more based on your health history.
After this window closes, insurers can use medical underwriting. Consequently, pre-existing conditions could affect your eligibility or premium. This window only happens once — so timing matters.
If you’re turning 65, get your Plan G in place before your birthday month. Don’t wait.
What Does Medicare Supplement Plan G Cost in Arizona?
Plan G premiums vary by age, gender, and carrier. However, as a general benchmark for Arizona in 2026:
Age 65: approximately $100–$150/month depending on carrier
Age 70: approximately $130–$190/month depending on carrier
Age 75: approximately $160–$230/month depending on carrier
Rates for the same plan can vary significantly between carriers. Therefore, comparing quotes from multiple companies before you enroll can save you $50–$100 per month — with identical coverage.
Get a Free Medicare Supplement Plan G Quote in Arizona
I’m Andy Orlikoff, an independent Medicare Supplement broker based in Surprise, AZ. I’ve been helping Arizona residents enroll in Medicare Supplement Plan G since 2004. I compare rates from multiple carriers and walk you through your options at no cost to you.
Your premium is the same whether you use a broker or go direct. You’re just getting 20+ years of Arizona experience at no charge.
Even health insurance companies now admit that the prior authorization process is broken. Major insurers including UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, CVS/Aetna, and Humana publicly acknowledged the problem in congressional testimony and industry statements — while still continuing to use prior authorization as a cost-control mechanism. Here’s what’s happening and what it means for Medicare enrollees in Arizona.
Insurers Admit the Prior Authorization Process Is Broken
The insurance industry’s own trade association, AHIP, has called for prior authorization reform — acknowledging that the current system creates unnecessary delays and burdens for patients and physicians. Several major insurers committed to reducing the use of prior authorization for certain services, following mounting pressure from Congress, physicians, and patient advocates.
But commitments and action are different things. Despite these acknowledgments, KFF research shows that Medicare Advantage plans continue to require prior authorization for a wide range of services — and denial rates remain high.
Why the Prior Authorization Process Is Broken by Design
The prior authorization process is broken not by accident but by financial incentive. Every time a prior authorization is denied and a patient doesn’t appeal, the insurer keeps the premium without paying the claim. The system financially rewards denial — which is why reform commitments rarely translate to meaningful change.
Common services requiring prior authorization in Medicare Advantage plans include:
Inpatient hospital admissions
Skilled nursing facility stays
Chemotherapy and cancer treatments
Imaging (MRI, CT scans)
Home health services
Durable medical equipment
What Congress and CMS Are Doing
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has implemented new prior authorization rules requiring Medicare Advantage plans to make decisions faster and to align coverage criteria more closely with Original Medicare. However, these reforms don’t eliminate prior authorization — they only constrain how it’s administered.
The Alternative: No Prior Authorization Required
Original Medicare does not require prior authorization for most services. If Medicare covers a procedure and your doctor orders it, it’s covered — without an insurance company’s approval process standing in the way.
With a Medicare Supplement Plan G, your costs after the Part B deductible ($257 in 2026) are zero for covered services. No delays. No denials. No fighting with insurance companies.
Questions About Your Coverage in Arizona?
I’m Andy Orlikoff, an independent Medicare broker in Surprise, AZ. I don’t sell Medicare Advantage. I help Arizona seniors avoid the prior authorization process entirely by choosing Original Medicare with Plan G.
