Turning 65 in Arizona: 2026 Medicare Enrollment Guide (Parts A–D, Medigap & Advantage Explained)

Key Takeaways

• If you’re nearing the age of 65 years old, it’s time to start thinking about Medicare in AZ. The Medicare Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) lasts for 7 months, typically spanning 3 months prior to when you turn 65 years old to 3 months after the month you turn 65 years old.
• If you miss the Medicare IEP, you may have to pay a lifetime monthly late enrollment penalty, which can increase the longer you wait. 
• You have different Medicare options in AZ. These include Parts A, B, C and D, plus Medigap policies to add on to Original Medicare.

How to Choose Medicare at 65 in Arizona

Turning 65 and enrolling in Medicare isn’t one-size-fits-all. The right path depends on your work status, doctors, prescriptions, and how you prefer to manage healthcare costs.

Most Arizona residents compare Medicare plans based on four factors: provider access, prescription costs, monthly premium comfort, and long-term out-of-pocket predictability. Reviewing these side-by-side before enrolling leads to better plan fit and fewer coverage surprises.

Medicare decisions can vary by city and provider network in Arizona

• Phoenix residents turning 65 should compare Medicare Advantage networks that include Banner Health, HonorHealth, and Mayo Clinic providers.
• Scottsdale and Mesa Medicare beneficiaries often compare Medigap plans for broader physician access and fewer network restrictions.
• Arizona retirees relocating from California or Texas should re-evaluate Medicare plan networks, drug formularies, and provider availability when establishing residency.

Moving to Arizona at retirement?

“If you’re relocating to Arizona after turning 65, your previous Medicare Advantage plan may not transfer. Many retirees switch to a new Arizona-based Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan to maintain provider access and prescription coverage.”

Start with these key questions Arizona residents should walk through before enrolling:

Step 1: Are you still working for a company with 20+ employees?

If yes, you may be able to delay Parts B and D without penalties and stay on your employer coverage.
If no, your Initial Enrollment Period is critical to avoid lifetime penalties.

Step 2: Do you want nationwide provider access?

If keeping access to doctors across the country is important, Original Medicare with a Medigap plan may be the better fit.

If you're comfortable using local provider networks in Arizona, Medicare Advantage plans may offer lower premiums.

Step 3: Do you take expensive prescriptions?

Prescription needs can significantly affect which plan is best.

Comparing Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage drug formularies is essential before enrolling.

Step 4: Do you prefer lower monthly premiums or predictable total costs?

• Lower premiums → Medicare Advantage
• Predictable out-of-pocket costs → Medigap + Original Medicare
  
  

Step 5: Do your doctors and hospitals accept the plan you're considering?

Provider access varies widely across Arizona.
Always confirm:

• Primary doctor
• Specialists
• Preferred hospitals (Banner, HonorHealth, Mayo, Dignity, etc.)
  
  

Step 6: How often do you expect to use healthcare?

• Frequent care, chronic conditions → Medigap often provides more stability
• Occasional care, budget-focused → Advantage may be more cost-effective
  
  

Step 7: Are you planning to travel or split time between states?

Snowbirds and frequent travelers often prefer Original Medicare + Medigap for nationwide coverage flexibility.

“Medicare plan availability, provider networks, and drug formularies vary by county across Arizona, so comparing options locally in Maricopa, Pima, and surrounding counties is important before enrolling.”

Step 8: Do you want extra benefits like dental, vision, and hearing?

• Medicare Advantage often bundles these benefits.
• Original Medicare requires standalone plans.
• Cost vs coverage tradeoffs should be reviewed before enrolling.

7 Medicare Mistakes Arizona Residents Make at 65

Turning 65 is a major transition, and many Arizona residents make avoidable Medicare decisions that can impact coverage, provider access, and long-term costs.

Here are the most common mistakes we see.

  1. Missing your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)

Your first Medicare enrollment window is limited. Missing it can lead to late enrollment penalties and delayed coverage. You may not be able to sign up until the General Enrollment Period (GEP) from January- March 31st. 

  2. Assuming employer coverage automatically works with Medicare

If you're still working, Medicare coordination depends on employer size and plan design. Many people assume coverage continues seamlessly — but that’s not always the case.

  3. Choosing a plan without checking your doctors and hospitals

Provider networks vary widely across Arizona. Always confirm your physicians, specialists, and hospitals are included before enrolling. That way, you can find a plan that includes coverage for your Arizona doctors. Typically, Medicare Advantage plans and/or Medigap plans paired with Original Medicare offer the most provider choice to ensure you’re covered.

  4. Ignoring prescription drug coverage

Even if you don’t take medications now, delaying Part D coverage can lead to permanent penalties and higher costs later.

  5. Not comparing Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap

Each option works differently:

• Advantage: lower premiums, network-based care
• Medigap: higher premiums, broader access and predictable costs

Choosing without understanding the trade-offs can lead to frustration later.

  6. Waiting until after retirement to review options

Many people assume they’ll “figure it out later.” Planning before retirement gives you more flexibility and avoids rushed decisions.

  7. Not working with a local Medicare advisor

Medicare options vary by county, provider networks, and drug formularies. A local broker can help compare plans based on Arizona-specific availability and provider access.

“Most Medicare mistakes aren’t intentional — they happen because the process is confusing. Having a plan review before your 65th birthday can prevent costly coverage gaps and ensure your doctors, medications, and hospitals are covered.”

Call to talk with an Arizona health insurance broker early on to learn about your options and sign up for the right plan, on time. Call 602.617.4017 to talk with an Arizona Medicare broker for free now.

What Is the AZ Medicare Timeline? 

The Arizona “Medicare timeline” for signing up for Medicare to avoid penalties is typically between ages 64 and 65 years old. You’ll want to sign up for Medicare during this period to avoid lifetime late penalties.

Penalty costs for not signing up for Medicare in AZ on time are expensive. Most penalties are lifetime penalties (an increase of 10%+), so signing up for Medicare during the IEP is crucial. Keep this timeline in mind.

• Potential automatic enrollment: If you’re already getting disability or retirement benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board when you turn 65 years old, you’re automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance).
• 3 (or 4) months before you turn 65 years old: If you’re still working and need to get benefits, the Medicare IEP begins 3 months before you turn 65 years old. If your birthday is on the 1st of the month, your enrollment period starts 4 months before you turn 65 years old. 
• The month you turn 65 years old: This is generally the middle month of when your Medicare IEP is. 
• 3 (or 2) months after the month you turn 65 years old: During this time, your window for signing up for Medicare and avoiding penalties is closing. If your birthday was on the 1st of the month, you only have 2 months after the month of your 65th birthday to sign up for Medicare and avoid penalties.

What happens with Arizona Medicare enrollment if you’re still working at 65 years old or older? It’s important to be aware that only employees working at large group employers, which are those with at least 20 employees, can delay Medicare enrollment without a penalty. If you’re working with a small group employer of fewer than 20 employees, you’d need to activate Medicare within the IEP to avoid penalties. If you’re still working for a large employer, you have the option to drop your employer coverage for Medicare, or you could have both Medicare and employer coverage.

If you want to delay Medicare enrollment because you’re still working, you may be eligible for creditable coverage for prescription drugs in Arizona. This type of coverage enables you to avoid having to pay a Medicare Part D late enrollment penalty, as long as you’re enrolled in prescription drug coverage from your employer that pays, on average, at least as much as Medicare prescription drug coverage. If you don’t have creditable coverage and go 63 days or more in a row without Part D Medicare coverage, you may have to pay a lifetime Part D late enrollment penalty.

What Are Medicare Parts A, B, C and D in Arizona?

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people age 65+ and certain younger individuals with disabilities. Medicare Parts A and B are “Original Medicare,” which include hospital and medical insurance. Medicare Part D provides prescription drug coverage. Medicare Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, offers an alternative to Original Medicare, with more insurance coverage and low to no cost premiums.

These are the four types of Medicare to consider during the IEP. It’s helpful to compare and shop AZ Medicare options early, so you can be ready to enroll and avoid a penalty. An Arizona health insurance broker can help you compare pricing and coverage in plans such as Part C (Medicare Advantage) versus others with higher premium costs.

• Medicare Part A & B: Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) offers coverage for inpatient hospital treatment, skilled nursing facility treatment, some at-home healthcare services and hospice care. The costs for Medicare Part A are $0 for most people, which is why it’s also known as “premium-free Part A”. If you miss the IEP, your monthly premium may increase up to 10%. Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) offers coverage for outpatient care, preventive services, medical supplies and specific doctors’ services. In 2026, the Standard Part B Premium is $202.90 per month. This price may be higher, depending on your income, and the amount can change each year. If you miss the IEP, you’ll pay an extra 10% lifetime penalty for every year you could have signed up for Part B but failed to do so.
• Part C (Medicare Advantage): Medicare Part C, also known as a Medicare Advantage Plan, is similar to a private healthcare insurance plan, that’s approved by Medicare. These plans typically include everything that’s included in Part A and Part B, as well as may offer Part D prescription drug coverage and extra coverage for programs like dental, vision, wellness and hearing programs. Arizona has 90+ plan options in 2026, and 100% of AZ residents have access to plans with low or no cost premiums, which can help you save, compared to getting a plan through the government. 
• Part D: Medicare Part D offers prescription drug coverage. In 2026, Medicare Part D out-of-pocket prescription drug costs cannot exceed $2,100 for the year, due to the Inflation Reduction Act. After someone pays that amount for prescription drugs, Medicare Part D beneficiaries won’t have to pay anything for covered Part D drugs for the rest of the year. 

Remember that failing to sign up for Part A, B, C and/or D during the IEP could result in a penalty, should you choose to sign up later. Talk with an AZ health insurance broker early on, months before you turn 65 years old, so you understand your eligibility and how to avoid penalties.

What Is Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage in AZ?

An Arizona Medigap policy pairs with an Original Medicare plan, as long as the policyholder has both Part A and Part B of Original Medicare. A Medigap policy helps cover out-of-pocket medical costs, such as deductibles, coinsurance and copayments. Medicare Advantage replaces Original Medicare and may offer additional benefits, such as vision, dental and hearing.

You can purchase a Medigap plan through a private insurance carrier. Since Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans offer similar benefits, the comparison table below shows key differences.