These are the questions that come up most often in our Mesa and Sun City offices. If yours is not here, call 480-845-0246 and ask — there is no charge and no obligation.
Common questions
When should I start looking at Medicare in Arizona?
About three to four months before your 65th birthday. Your Initial Enrolment Period runs seven months — the three months before your birthday month, the month itself, and the three months after. Enrolling in the first three months means coverage can start the month you turn 65.
Do I have to take Medicare at 65 if I'm still working?
Not always. With active employer coverage from an employer with 20 or more employees you can usually delay Part B without penalty and enrol later through a Special Enrolment Period. Under 20 employees, Medicare typically becomes primary and delaying can leave you underinsured. COBRA and retiree coverage do not count as active employer coverage.
What is the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medigap?
Medicare Advantage replaces how you receive Parts A and B through a private plan with a local network, usually including drug coverage, often at a $0 premium, with an annual out-of-pocket maximum. Medigap keeps you on Original Medicare and pays the share Medicare leaves behind, works with any provider nationwide who accepts Medicare, and requires a separate Part D plan.
I'm a snowbird. Which is better for me?
Usually Medigap. Medicare Advantage plans are built around a local network and generally cover only emergency care outside the service area. A Medigap policy works with any Medicare-accepting provider in the country. If you spend months out of state, say so first — it reshapes the whole recommendation.
Does Arizona have a Medigap birthday rule?
No. A small number of states, including Nevada and California, give existing Medigap policyholders an annual window to change policies without medical underwriting. Arizona does not, which makes your initial six-month Medigap window at 65 more important here.
How much does Medicare cost in 2026?
The Part B standard premium is $202.90 a month with a $283 annual deductible. The Part A hospital deductible is $1,736 per benefit period, and most people pay no Part A premium. The Part D out-of-pocket cap is $2,100. Full detail, including the IRMAA tiers, is on our 2026 Medicare costs page.
What happens if I skip Part D?
If you go 63 days or more without creditable drug coverage after your Initial Enrolment Period, Medicare adds a permanent penalty to your Part D premium — 1% of the national base premium for every month you went without. It does not expire. A low-cost plan is nearly always cheaper than the penalty.
I have savings. Can I still get help paying for Medicare?
Possibly, and Arizona is unusually generous here. Arizona applies no asset or resource test to the Medicare Savings Programs — only income is measured. Savings alone do not disqualify you, which is not true in most states.
I'm a veteran. Do I need Medicare too?
Usually yes. VA care is delivered at VA facilities and does not cover prescriptions filled outside the VA or care at non-VA hospitals except in limited situations. VA coverage also does not let you delay Part B without penalty, and TRICARE For Life actually requires Part B.
Does it cost anything to work with you?
No. We are paid by the carriers when someone enrols, so comparing plans costs you nothing. We do not offer every plan available in your area; you can compare all options at Medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day.
Which Arizona counties do you serve?
All of them. We have offices in Mesa and Sun City, with appointments recommended, and we work with clients across Arizona by phone and video. City guides are available for Phoenix, Mesa, Tucson, Flagstaff, Sedona, Kingman, Lake Havasu City and Yuma.
