Medicare AEP 2027 in Arizona — what to know.
Oct 15 - Dec 7, 2026. The Annual Enrollment Period is your once-a-year chance to switch Medicare Advantage plans, switch Part D drug plans, or move between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. Plans you choose during AEP take effect January 1, 2027.
Why this AEP matters in Arizona
Arizona has roughly 1.5M Medicare beneficiaries, of whom about 62% are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. AEP is when their plans can change — and when you can change yours.
2027 plan changes in Arizona
Banner-Aetna is a co-branded Medicare Advantage plan tied to Banner Health hospitals — a major advantage if your doctors are in Banner. Mayo Clinic Arizona maintains MA network participation through select carriers. Arizona has one of the highest MA penetration rates (62%) — making it one of the most competitive markets in the country.
Your AEP 2027 checklist for Arizona
Your current plan mailed an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) in late September. It lists every benefit, copay, network, and drug change for 2027. Don't recycle it — read it.
Networks change every year. Confirm your primary care doctor and any specialists are still in-network for 2027 — directly with the plan, not just on the website.
Formularies (covered drug lists) change annually. A drug that was Tier 2 in 2026 may move to Tier 4 in 2027 — tripling your copay. Run your meds through the plan's 2027 formulary.
Don't just renew. Compare your current plan against at least 2 alternatives — including Original Medicare + Medigap if you've never considered it. Best plan in 2026 is rarely best in 2027.
The Part D out-of-pocket cap stays at $2,000 in 2027. If you take expensive drugs, that cap dramatically changes the math — many people who couldn't afford Eliquis or Jardiance in past years now can.
After Dec 7 you generally can't change your Medicare Advantage plan until next AEP — except for the limited Open Enrollment window (Jan 1 - Mar 31) which only allows one change.
Top Medicare Advantage carriers in Arizona
Humana, UnitedHealthcare/AARP, Aetna, Banner-Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, Cigna.
Arizona is itself a snowbird destination — many MA plans here are designed to serve part-year residents. If you split time with another state, ask specifically about how the plan handles out-of-area care.
Arizona metros we serve
We're licensed in all 50 states. Top AZ markets:
- Phoenix
- Tucson
- Mesa
- Chandler
- Scottsdale
- Glendale
- Gilbert
- Tempe
- Peoria
- Surprise
Maricopa County (Phoenix area) has the most MA plan options in Arizona. Tucson and Pima County are also well-served. Rural Arizona has fewer plans but Banner often covers most of the state.
Free 14-minute Arizona plan comparison.
A licensed AZ advisor compares your current plan against every AZ alternative — including Original Medicare with Medigap. No cost. No pressure. No commission to you.
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