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 (about $22,025 for a single person under the guidelines used for 2027 coverage). 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 138% and 400% FPL can access marketplace subsidies.
What plans cost in 2027
Arizona was hit hard in 2026, when premiums jumped and the enhanced subsidies expired at the same time. Premiums are rising again for 2027, though how much depends a lot on where you live and which plan sets the benchmark in your county.
Based on HealthCare.gov plan data, the benchmark Silver plan for a 40-year-old in Maricopa County (Phoenix) costs about $534 per month before subsidies in 2027, up from about $484 in 2026 (roughly 10%). In Pima County (Tucson) it rose from about $449 to $518 (roughly 15%). In Coconino County (Flagstaff), where only two insurers compete, the benchmark is about $920, up from $786.
Those benchmark numbers matter because your premium tax credit is based on them. If your income is between 100% and 400% FPL ($15,960 to $63,840 for a single person), the credit absorbs much of a benchmark increase. The enhanced credits were not extended for 2027, so people above 400% FPL get no subsidy and pay the full sticker price. For a 50-year-old in Maricopa County, that can easily mean $700 or more per month for a benchmark Silver plan (about $746 in 2027).
Major carriers in Arizona (2027)
Six insurers offer plans on the Arizona marketplace for 2027. Cigna is leaving the Arizona individual market at the end of 2026, so Cigna enrollees need to pick a new plan during Open Enrollment. The carrier landscape:
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona has statewide reach. BCBSAZ switched to HMO-only marketplace plans for 2026, dropping its PPOs, so check whether your doctors are in the HMO network you are choosing. In some northern Arizona counties BCBS is one of only two options.
- 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 sells plans in the Phoenix and Tucson metros and in some rural counties, including Mohave and Apache, where it is one of only two options.
- Oscar Health focuses on the Phoenix and Tucson metros with a technology-forward approach. Virtual care, app-based navigation, and a concierge-style member experience. Particularly popular with younger enrollees.
- Imperial Insurance Companies offers cost-effective Bronze and Silver plans in Phoenix and Tucson and in several smaller counties, including Yavapai, Navajo, and Yuma. Imperial set the benchmark Silver plan in Maricopa County in 2026, so it is worth checking if you are price-sensitive.
- Antidote Health 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. Antidote set the 2027 benchmark Silver plan in Maricopa County.
Key regions
Phoenix / Maricopa County
Maricopa County has the most carrier competition in Arizona. All six marketplace insurers offer plans here, with more than 100 plan options for 2027. 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 also has all six carriers for 2027. 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 has limited carrier choices. In Coconino County (Flagstaff), only BCBS of Arizona and Ambetter sell marketplace plans for 2027. Yavapai (Prescott) and Navajo counties have BCBS and Imperial. 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, which shows up in benchmark premiums well above Phoenix.
Rural Arizona
Remote counties in eastern and western Arizona often have only two carrier options. Some tribal communities face additional access challenges, though the Indian Health Service and tribal health programs supplement coverage. Members of federally recognized tribes who enroll in a marketplace plan can qualify for special cost-sharing protections, including no cost-sharing for care received through the Indian Health Service and tribal programs.
Estimate your subsidy
Subsidy Estimator
Enter your info below to get a rough estimate of your monthly premium tax credit for a 2027 marketplace plan.
Open Enrollment for 2027
Open Enrollment runs from November 1, 2026, through January 15, 2027, on HealthCare.gov. Enroll by December 15 for coverage that starts January 1. If you enroll between December 16 and January 15, coverage starts February 1. If you were a Cigna member, you must choose a new plan, and if you are renewing with any carrier, compare your 2027 options rather than letting your plan renew automatically.
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