Santa Cruz County, Arizona: health insurance
What Santa Cruz County residents should know about Medicare, marketplace plans and Medicaid.
Santa Cruz County at a glance
| State | Arizona |
|---|---|
| Population (2023 est.) | 49,158 |
| Population rank in Arizona | 12 of 15 |
| Land area | 1,236 square miles |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (Population Estimates 2023; Gazetteer 2023).
Medicare plans leaving Santa Cruz County for 2027
9 Medicare plans from 3 companies are listed in Santa Cruz County for 2026 but not for 2027, covering at least 2,359 people enrolled in the plans below today.
- HealthSpring Assurance Rx (PDP) (S5617-138, Cigna HealthSpring (HCSC))
- HealthSpring Extra Rx (PDP) (S5617-378, Cigna HealthSpring (HCSC))
| Plan going away | Company | People enrolled (at least) |
|---|---|---|
| Wellcare Dual Liberty Sync (HMO D-SNP) H5590-008 | Wellcare / Ambetter (Centene) | 1,781 |
| Wellcare Simple (HMO) H0351-053 | Wellcare / Ambetter (Centene) | 412 |
| AARP Medicare Advantage CareFlex from UHC AZ-17 (HMO-POS) H5253-178 | UnitedHealthcare | 114 |
| Wellcare Specialty Simple (HMO C-SNP) H0351-057 | Wellcare / Ambetter (Centene) | 27 |
| Wellcare Giveback (HMO) H0351-054 | Wellcare / Ambetter (Centene) | 25 |
| AARP Medicare Advantage Access from UHC AZ-15 (PPO) H2406-129 | UnitedHealthcare | 10 or fewer |
| Wellcare Arizona Complete Health Dual Align (HMO D-SNP) H5590-010 | Wellcare / Ambetter (Centene) | 10 or fewer |
A plan can be listed because it was renumbered or replaced, not only because a company is leaving the county. When the same company keeps other plans there, members are usually moved to a replacement plan. Your plan should send you a notice, and Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7) is when you can compare and switch. “People enrolled” is the number enrolled in that plan today (CMS hides counts of 10 or fewer). Source: CMS Medicare Advantage and Part D landscape files for 2026 and 2027, and CMS enrollment data from September 2026.
Is your plan on this list? Call 855-367-1095 and we will look at what is available where you live, with no obligation to enroll.
Why your county matters for coverage
In Arizona, the health plans you can choose depend on where you live. Medicare Advantage and Part D plans are offered by service area, usually county by county, and marketplace premiums and carriers are set by area as well. Living in Santa Cruz County means the options on this page apply to you, and plans in a neighboring county may differ.
- Medicare: Arizona State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) gives free, unbiased counseling at 1-800-432-4040. Ask which plans serve Santa Cruz County specifically.
- Marketplace plans: shop through HealthCare.gov (federal Marketplace); enter your Santa Cruz County ZIP code to see what is offered.
- Medicaid: apply through AHCCCS (Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System).
Arizona note: AHCCCS was one of the country's first statewide Medicaid managed-care systems when it launched in 1982, well before managed care became the norm nationally -- Arizona's Medicaid program has essentially always worked through private managed-care plans rather than direct fee-for-service.
Questions about Santa Cruz County
Are the same Medicare plans offered everywhere in Arizona?
No. Plans are offered by service area. A plan available in one county may not be offered in Santa Cruz County, so check by county.
Where do Santa Cruz County residents get free Medicare counseling?
Arizona State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) (1-800-432-4040) is Arizona's free SHIP program.
Do I have to enroll if I call?
No. Calling is a conversation about your options, and you are never required to enroll.
Santa Cruz County residents: call 855-367-1095
Call Lander LLC to go over your options. There is no cost to call or to speak with an agent, and you are never required to enroll in anything.
Call 855-367-1095 Open 8 AM-10 PM Eastern timeOther large counties
Reviewed by Richard Lander, licensed insurance agent (NPN 21255551), Lander LLC. Last updated October 3, 2026. This page is educational and is not a quote, an offer of coverage, or legal or tax advice.