Changes to AZ Blue Best Life (HMO) Medicare Advantage plans
You may have questions about the recent changes to the AZ Blue Best Life (HMO) Medicare Advantage network plans. This page explains what it may mean for your care at HonorHealth.
On March 16, AZ Blue announced changes to its Medicare Advantage provider network. As a result, HonorHealth will no longer participate in the AZ Blue Best Life (HMO) Medicare Advantage network.
What is changing?
- Effective July 1, 2026: HonorHealth primary care providers (PCPs) are no longer in network with AZ Blue Best Life (HMO) Medicare Advantage plan.
- Effective January 1, 2027: HonorHealth, including all employed physicians, specialists and facilities, will no longer be in-network with AZ Blue Best Life (HMO) Medicare Advantage network.
Please note: These changes apply only to AZ Blue Best Life (HMO) Medicare Advantage plans. HonorHealth continues to be in network with all other Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona plans. See full list of Insurance Plans we accept.
FAQs
Q: Can I still see my HonorHealth primary care provider after July 1, 2026?
A: Yes. You may still see your HonorHealth primary care provider.
However, beginning July 1, 2026, your AZ Blue Best Life (HMO) Medicare Advantage plan will no longer consider these visits in-network. This means your costs may be different than they are today.
Care received on or before June 30, 2026, will continue to be covered at the in-network level under your current plan benefits.
Q: Will HonorHealth specialists and hospitals still be in network?
A: The July 1, 2026 network change applies only to HonorHealth primary care providers (PCPs) for members enrolled in AZ Blue Best Life (HMO) Medicare Advantage plan. HonorHealth specialists, hospitals, outpatient facilities and other services remain in the AZ Blue Medicare Advantage network through Dec. 31, 2026, unless you receive notice from AZ Blue indicating otherwise.
Q: What should I do right now?
A: If you are enrolled in the AZ Blue Best Life (HMO) Medicare Advantage plan and receive care from an HonorHealth primary care provider, you should review your coverage options before June 30, 2026.
You may want to:
- Stay with your current AZ Blue plan and choose a new in-network primary care provider assigned by AZ Blue.
- Consider changing Medicare plans if you want to continue seeing your HonorHealth primary care provider in-network.
Q: What are my options if I want to keep my HonorHealth primary care provider?
A: You may be eligible for a Special Election Period (SEP), which allows you to change Medicare health plans or return to Original Medicare.
The SEP is available through July 31, 2026.
To make a change, you can:
- Visit Medicare.gov
- Call Medicare at 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227); TTY: 877-486-2048
- Work with a licensed insurance broker
- Contact the Arizona State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
Q: What happens on Jan. 1, 2027?
A: Starting Jan. 1, 2027, HonorHealth will no longer participate in the AZ Blue Medicare Advantage network for any HonorHealth providers, hospitals, outpatient facilities or services.
Additional information will be shared ahead of the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (Oct. 15 - Dec. 7, 2026).
Q: If I stay with my current AZ Blue plan, what changes?
A: AZ Blue may assign you a new primary care provider who participates in its network.
For questions about your assignment or coverage, contact AZ Blue Member Services.
Q: How do I change my Medicare health plan?
A: You can review and enroll in a new Medicare health plan by:
- Visiting Medicare.gov
- Calling Medicare
- Working with a licensed insurance broker
Q: What should I do if I change primary care providers?
A: Your medical records can be shared with your new provider.
Community providers may access records through CareLink, or you may request your records directly.
Visit HonorHealth.com/medicalrecords for instructions.
Q: Where can I find a list of insurance plans accepted by HonorHealth?
A: Visit HonorHealth.com/insuranceplans or contact your insurance carrier to verify coverage before receiving services.
Q: Who should I contact with questions?
A: For care-related questions, contact your HonorHealth care team.
For coverage or benefits questions, contact AZ Blue Member Services:
- 480-937-0409 (Arizona)
- 800-446-8331
- TTY: 711
Continuity of care
Depending on your situation, you may qualify for continuity-of-care benefits. Continuity of care applies if you’re already scheduled for non-elective surgery or are undergoing treatment for:
- Serious and complex conditions, such as a condition that is life-threatening, degenerative, congenital or potentially disabling, and that requires specialized medical or behavioral healthcare over a prolonged period of time
- Pregnancy
- Inpatient services
- Terminal illness
- Post-operative care from non-elective surgery
For more information on continuity-of-care benefits and to see if you qualify, or for any other questions regarding your coverage, you can contact AZ Blue Member Services to ask questions, clarify your plan details and review other options:
- 480-937-0409 (in Arizona) or 800-446-8331 toll-free; TTY: 711
- Hours: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
- Visit azbluefacts.com/medicare for more details