What is the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage?

Original Medicare (Parts A and B), often paired with a Medigap policy and a Part D drug plan, lets you see any provider that accepts Medicare and offers predictable costs. Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans are network-based, typically have lower or $0 premiums, and often bundle drug, dental, vision, and extras — but you're limited to the plan's network.

When can I enroll in Medicare in Maricopa County?

Your Initial Enrollment Period is the seven months around your 65th birthday. After that, Annual Open Enrollment runs October 15 to December 7, and Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment runs January 1 to March 31 each year.

What is IRMAA and how can I avoid it?

IRMAA is an income-related surcharge added to Medicare Part B and Part D premiums for higher-income retirees, based on your tax return from two years prior. You can often avoid or reduce it by planning the timing of Roth conversions, capital gains, and large one-time distributions before age 63.

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Healthcare PlanningApril 18, 20266 min read

Medicare in Maricopa County: A Practical Guide for New Retirees

Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage in Scottsdale and Phoenix, key enrollment deadlines, and how to avoid potential surcharges.

A mature couple reviewing Medicare enrollment paperwork at a sunlit kitchen table with an advisor

Healthcare Medicare Scottsdale & Phoenix

Medicare in Maricopa County is competitive — that is the good news. Many major insurers offer plans here, and Phoenix is one of the strongest Medicare Advantage markets in the country. The flip side is that more choice means more ways to potentially choose poorly.

The two paths, very briefly

Original Medicare (Parts A + B) plus a potential Medicare Supplement policy (aka 'Medigap') and a standalone Part D drug plan. Predictable, see any provider that accepts Medicare, generally higher monthly premium.
Medicare Advantage (Part C). Lower or $0 premium, network-based, often includes drug coverage and extras like dental, vision, and gym memberships.

Enrollment dates that matter

Initial Enrollment Period: the 7 months around your 65th birthday.
General Enrollment: January 1 to March 31, with coverage starting the following month.
Annual Open Enrollment: October 15 to December 7 each year.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment: January 1 to March 31 each year.

The IRMAA Surcharge

Higher-income retirees pay an Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount on Part B and Part D premiums. It is based on your tax return from two years prior. A one-time Roth conversion or large capital gain at the wrong age can push you into a higher bracket and potentially add thousands per year per spouse.* This is one of the common surprises we catch in a second-opinion meeting.

How Medicare fits the bigger plan

Healthcare is the income line many retirees underestimate. We model lifetime Medicare cost — including IRMAA risk and a reasonable long-term care reserve — as part of every retirement plan. If you're 60-65 and have not mapped this out yet, it's time.

*Hypothetical example and figures shown for illustrative purposes only and will vary by your specific circumstances.

Frequently asked

Questions Scottsdale retirees ask us

What is the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage?: Original Medicare (Parts A and B), often paired with a Medigap policy and a Part D drug plan, lets you see any provider that accepts Medicare and offers predictable costs. Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans are network-based, typically have lower or $0 premiums, and often bundle drug, dental, vision, and extras — but you're limited to the plan's network.
When can I enroll in Medicare in Maricopa County?: Your Initial Enrollment Period is the seven months around your 65th birthday. After that, Annual Open Enrollment runs October 15 to December 7, and Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment runs January 1 to March 31 each year.
What is IRMAA and how can I avoid it?: IRMAA is an income-related surcharge added to Medicare Part B and Part D premiums for higher-income retirees, based on your tax return from two years prior. You can often avoid or reduce it by planning the timing of Roth conversions, capital gains, and large one-time distributions before age 63.

Important disclosures

This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as individualized investment, tax, legal, or insurance advice. Please consult a qualified professional regarding your specific situation. Tax laws, contribution limits (including QCD limits, IRMAA thresholds, and RMD ages), and Social Security rules change frequently; figures cited (including the $111,000 2026 QCD limit) reflect current guidance and are subject to change.

All investments involve risk, including possible loss of principal. No strategy — including diversification, bond ladders, or any planning framework — can ensure a profit or protect against losses in a declining market. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

References to "guaranteed income" from insurance products (such as annuities) refer to guarantees backed solely by the financial strength and claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company. Insurance products are not FDIC-insured and are not deposits of, or guaranteed by, any bank. Insurance and annuity products are offered through Solutions First Insurance Services LLC; advisory services are offered through Joe Donti as an Investment Adviser Representative. See our Form ADV Part 2A, Form CRS, and Privacy Notice for additional information about services, fees, and conflicts of interest. Disclosure documents last updated March 2026.