Health Insurance in Arizona

AHCCCS: Arizona's Medicaid program

Arizona's Medicaid program is called AHCCCS (Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, pronounced "access"). What makes Arizona different is that voters approved a Medicaid expansion through Proposition 204 in 2000, which covered adults up to 100% FPL. When the ACA passed, Arizona already had a broader Medicaid program than most states. In 2014, the state legislature extended coverage to 138% FPL under the ACA expansion framework.

As of early 2025, about 500,000 Arizonans are in the expansion group. AHCCCS covers children, pregnant women, elderly, disabled individuals, and adults under 65 with incomes up to 138% FPL ($21,600 for a single person). You can apply online at HEAplus or by calling 1-855-432-7587.

Because Arizona expanded Medicaid early, there is no coverage gap. Low-income adults are picked up by AHCCCS, and those between 100% and 400% FPL can access marketplace subsidies.

What plans cost in 2026

Arizona saw some of the steepest rate increases in the country for 2026. The average approved increase was about 46% before subsidies, driven by a combination of the enhanced subsidy expiration, rising medical costs, and carriers repricing their risk pools. Individual carrier increases ranged from about 2.5% on the low end to over 55% on the high end.

The biggest jumps came from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (about 49% increase) and Oscar (about 26%). Ambetter and Imperial saw more moderate increases in the 18-19% range. Antidote, a newer carrier, went up about 18%.

For the roughly 90% of Arizona marketplace enrollees who received subsidies in 2025, the picture is more nuanced. Those below 400% FPL still qualify for premium tax credits, which absorb much of the increase. But the credits are smaller than during the enhanced period, so net premiums are higher for most people. Enrollees above 400% FPL who lost all subsidy eligibility face the full sticker price, which can mean $800-$1,100/month for a mid-tier plan for a 50-year-old in Maricopa County.

Major carriers in Arizona (2026)

Seven insurers offer plans on the Arizona marketplace for 2026. Aetna exited at the end of 2025, and BCBS of Arizona dropped its PPO products (keeping only HMOs). The carrier landscape:

• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona has statewide reach but switched to HMO-only plans for 2026, dropping all PPOs. If you had a BCBS PPO, you needed to pick a new plan. BCBS remains the default for people who want a large, established carrier, but the HMO-only change limits flexibility.
• Ambetter from Arizona Complete Health (Centene) offers some of the most affordable plans, especially at the Bronze and Silver levels. Available in most of the state with competitive pricing, though networks are narrower.
• UnitedHealthcare provides plans across Arizona with broad network options. Good choice for people in rural areas where other carriers may not operate.
• Oscar Health focuses on the Phoenix metro (Maricopa County) with a technology-forward approach. Virtual care, app-based navigation, and a concierge-style member experience. Particularly popular with younger enrollees.
• Imperial Health Plan is a newer carrier with cost-effective Bronze and Silver plans in Maricopa County. Worth checking if you are in the Phoenix area and price-sensitive.
• Cigna offers plans in select Arizona counties with a national network that can appeal to people who travel frequently or have providers in multiple states.
• Antidote Health is new to Arizona and offers a virtual-first HMO model. It targets people comfortable receiving most care through telehealth, with lower premiums as a tradeoff for a fully virtual primary care experience.

Key regions

Phoenix / Maricopa County

Maricopa County has the most carrier competition in Arizona. All seven marketplace insurers offer plans here, which means more options and generally more competitive pricing than other parts of the state. Banner Health, HonorHealth, and Dignity Health / CommonSpirit are the major hospital systems. With over 60% of Arizona's population in Maricopa County, this is where the bulk of marketplace enrollment happens.

Tucson / Pima County

Tucson has fewer carriers than Phoenix but still has reasonable competition. BCBS, Ambetter, UnitedHealthcare, and Cigna are typically available. Banner Health (Banner University Medical Center) and TMC Healthcare anchor local networks. Premiums tend to be slightly lower than Phoenix.

Flagstaff / Northern Arizona

Northern Arizona (Coconino, Yavapai, Navajo counties) has limited carrier choices. BCBS and UnitedHealthcare are the most common options. Flagstaff Medical Center (Northern Arizona Healthcare) is the primary hospital system. Healthcare costs are higher due to the rural nature of the region and limited provider supply.

Rural Arizona

Remote counties in eastern and western Arizona often have only two or three carrier options. Some tribal communities face additional access challenges, though the Indian Health Service and tribal health programs supplement coverage. If you are enrolled in a marketplace plan and also eligible for Indian Health Service care, you pay no cost-sharing on marketplace plans under ACA provisions for American Indian and Alaska Native enrollees.

Estimate your subsidy

Resources for Arizonans

• HealthCare.gov for plan shopping and enrollment (Arizona uses the federal marketplace)
• AHCCCS for Medicaid and KidsCare (CHIP) applications
• Arizona Department of Insurance for marketplace information, rate filings, and consumer assistance
• Health-e-Arizona Plus to apply for AHCCCS, KidsCare, and other assistance programs online