Arizona Medigap Plans: A Friendly Guide to Choosing

If you’re already enrolled in Original Medicare in Arizona, you’ve probably felt the sting of deductibles, coinsurance, and surprise medical bills. A Medigap (or Medicare Supplement) policy can act like a safety net, filling those gaps so you can focus on staying healthy instead of stressing over paperwork.

In 2025 the Grand Canyon State offers twelve standardized Medigap plans—lettered A through N. Each one works the same way across every insurance carrier; the only thing that changes is the monthly premium. Knowing which plan lines up with your health needs, budget, and travel habits will save you money and give you peace of mind.

What Is Medigap?

“Medigap” is short for Medicare Supplement. It’s a private‑insurance policy that sits on top of your Original Medicare (Part A hospital insurance and Part B medical insurance). The goal is simple: cover the out‑of‑pocket costs that Medicare leaves behind—deductibles, coinsurance, copayments, and even some foreign‑travel emergencies.

According to Senior65’s overview, the core benefits you’ll find in most Arizona Medigap plans include:

• Hospital deductible (Part A)
• Part B coinsurance (typically the 20 % you’d otherwise pay)
• Three pints of blood per year
• Skilled‑nursing facility copayments
• Foreign‑travel emergency care (up to a lifetime maximum)

What’s good to know is that the plans are standardized. Whether you buy Plan G from Blue Cross or from Mutual of Omaha, the benefits are identical. Only the price you pay each month can differ.

Arizona’s 12 Plans

Arizona follows the federal standardization, offering twelve lettered options. Some letters (like C, H, J, and S) are no longer sold to people who became eligible for Medicare after January 1 2020, but the rest are still widely available.

Plan	Key Benefits	Eligibility Note
A	Hospital deductible only	Available to all eligible
B	Hospital deductible + 1% of Part B coinsurance	Same as A
D	Hospital deductible + Part B coinsurance + 1% of Part B coinsurance	Same as A
F	All covered costs except Part B deductible	Only for those who turned 65 < Jan 1 2020
G	All covered costs except Part B deductible	Open to everyone
K	Partial coverage; 50% coinsurance for many services	Open to everyone
L	Similar to K but with different cost‑sharing	Open to everyone
M	Hospital deductible + 1 “first‑sheet” of copies of X‑rays	Open to everyone
N	All benefits except Part B deductible; modest copays for ER & doctor visits	Open to everyone

Among these, Plans F, G, and N dominate enrollment because they strike a balance between comprehensive coverage and reasonable premiums. If you’re not sure which letter matches your situation, keep reading—there’s a simple way to break it down.

2025 Cost Overview

Let’s face it: the word “premium” can make anyone’s stomach drop. But the good news is that Arizona’s market is competitive, so you can often find a plan that fits your wallet.

Based on data from Medisupps, here’s a quick snapshot of average monthly premiums for 2025 (non‑smoker, age 65, average health):

• Plan F: $260 – $340
• Plan G: $200 – $300
• Plan N: $150 – $250
• High‑deductible versions of G and N can drop another $30‑$50.

What drives those numbers? A few factors:

• Age: Premiums rise after age 65 and then again at 75.
• Tobacco use: Smokers often pay 20‑40 % more.
• Location: ZIP code matters—urban areas like Phoenix tend to be pricier than smaller towns.
• Gender: Some carriers use gender‑rating (though it’s becoming less common).
• Household discounts: If you and a spouse both have Medigap, many insurers shave up to 14 % off each premium.

Imagine you’re a 68‑year‑old non‑smoker living in Tucson. Your quote for Plan G might land at $225 per month, while Plan F could be $295. If you’re comfortable paying the $257 Part B deductible out‑of‑pocket each year, the $70‑month savings on Plan G add up fast.

Choosing The Right

Picking a Medigap plan feels a bit like choosing a pair of shoes—what feels comfortable depends on your stride, the terrain, and how far you plan to walk.

Ask yourself these quick questions:

1. How often do you see a doctor? Frequent visits make the “no‑copay” letters (F, G) more appealing.
2. Do you travel abroad? If you love overseas vacations, a plan with foreign‑travel emergency coverage (most plans have it, but F & G cover it fully) could save you a lot.
3. What’s your budget? If premiums are tight, a high‑deductible Plan G or the lower‑cost Plan N (with modest copays) may be just right.
4. Are you comfortable paying the Part B deductible? If yes, Plan G usually wins on price.

Now, the timing. The Medigap Open Enrollment Period begins the first day you’re enrolled in Part B and lasts six months. During this window, insurers must offer you any plan you want without medical underwriting—meaning they can’t deny you based on health conditions.

If you miss that window, don’t panic. You can still qualify under a “special enrollment” if you lose other coverage (for example, if you move to Arizona from another state) or if you experience a significant change in your health status. The key is to act promptly and keep documentation handy.

Real‑World Example Stories

Story 1: The Budget‑Savvy Retiree

John, a 70‑year‑old former teacher from Mesa, was paying $320 a month for Plan F. He loved the “no‑surprises” feeling, but after reviewing his yearly expenses, he realized he could afford the $257 Part B deductible. He switched to Plan G, dropping his premium to $245. Over a year, that’s $900 saved—enough to cover a vacation he’d been dreaming about.

Story 2: The Avid Traveler

Maria, 66, lives in Scottsdale and visits family in Canada twice a year. She needed a plan that would cover emergency care abroad without a massive deductible. Both Plan F and Plan G cover foreign‑travel emergencies fully, but because Maria qualifies for the open enrollment, she chose Plan F for its total peace of mind, even though it costs a bit more. “If I get sick overseas, I don’t want to be juggling bills,” she says.

Story 3: The Smoker Who Wants Simplicity

Mike, a 68‑year‑old longtime smoker from Tucson, found that his premiums were climbing each year. He switched from Plan F to a high‑deductible version of Plan G, saving $40 a month. Mike knows he’ll pay the Part B deductible if needed, but he’s comfortable because his regular doctor accepts Medicare assignment, minimizing excess charges. “Less money each month means more for my grandkids,” he laughs.

Actionable Next Steps

Ready to put this knowledge into practice? Follow this simple checklist:

1. Assess your health needs. List how often you see doctors, any upcoming surgeries, and whether you travel abroad.
2. Get three free quotes. Use an online tool (like the one on Medisupps) and ask for “community‑rated” and “age‑rated” options.
3. Compare premiums vs. out‑of‑pocket. Remember: a lower premium may mean a higher deductible or copays.
4. Check enrollment windows. Mark the start of your six‑month Open Enrollment period on your calendar.
5. Talk to a licensed Arizona agent. A local expert can clarify any confusing terms and confirm that the plan you pick works in your ZIP code.
6. Enroll before the deadline. Fill out the application, pay the first month’s premium, and keep a copy of the confirmation.

If you’d like a printable version of this checklist, click the “download PDF” button on our site (the link is embedded in the footer of the article). Having it on hand makes the process feel less overwhelming.

Final Takeaway Summary

Arizona’s Medigap landscape offers twelve standardized options, each designed to plug the gaps left by Original Medicare. The right plan for you hinges on three things: your health‑care usage, your budget, and whether you travel outside the U.S.

Remember, you don’t have to go it alone. Use free quote tools, talk to a trusted Arizona insurance agent, and act during your Open Enrollment window. By doing so, you’ll turn the confusing maze of Medicare into a clear, manageable path—leaving you free to enjoy the desert sunsets without worrying about hidden medical bills.

Got questions or a story of your own? Drop a comment below. I love hearing how fellow Arizonans navigate their Medicare journey, and I’m happy to help you figure out the best Medigap fit for you.