Arizonans have numerous ways to obtain affordable health insurance. Many people receive health benefits through an employer. However, depending on your income, employment, and other qualifications, you may opt to enroll in Medicaid, Medicare, choose an Affordable Care Act plan, or purchase a plan directly from a health insurance company.

This guide explains your Arizona health insurance options in detail.

What to know about insurance in Arizona

  • Open Enrollment: Open enrollment for 2023 coverage in Arizona begins October 15, 2022 through December 7, 2022. If you’ve missed this period, you’ll need to wait for a special enrollment period.
  • Special Enrollment: You can qualify for a special enrollment period with a qualifying life event, such as a new marriage, the birth of a child, being laid off from work, or moving into a new home with a different zip code. If you’ve experienced any of the above and lost qualified coverage, you can sign up for new coverage within 60 days of the event as a special enrollment period.
  • Marketplace plans: You can use the federal Health Insurance Marketplace to find individual health insurance plans that conform to Affordable Care Act standards. You’ll also find out if you qualify for an Advanced Premium Tax Credit. If you don’t purchase a plan through the exchange, you’ll miss out on this benefit.
  • Direct enrollment: You can purchase a medical insurance policy directly from an insurance company of your choice. However, you can’t qualify for a premium tax credit unless you sign up for a plan through the marketplace.
  • Coverage types: Just over 45% of Arizonans are covered through workplace policies, while 21% of Arizona residents are enrolled in Medicaid. Another 16% are enrolled in Medicare, and about 5% are enrolled in private policies. Just over 11% of those in the state are uninsured.

How do I enroll in Arizona’s health insurance marketplace?

Arizona doesn’t have a state website for health insurance enrollment, so you’ll need to use the federally run website, Healthcare.gov, to enroll. You’ll need to create an account to get started. Make sure to follow the instructions and provide accurate contact information.

Once you apply online or over the phone, Healthcare.gov will determine your eligibility for Medicaid and other assistance programs. The marketplace will also inform you if you qualify for a subsidized premium with the Advanced Premium Tax Credit. Have essential information on hand when you fill out your application, such as the Social Security number, full name, birth date, and income for all family members on your plan.

Additional information you’ll need to provide includes:

  • Your marital status
  • How many people you claim as dependents on your yearly taxes
  • Your household income
  • Whether you wish to apply for financial assistance

After you’ve made it through these steps, you can shop marketplace plans. You’ll be able to review what the monthly premium is for each plan, what your deductible and copayments will look like, and additional details that will help you decide which plan is right for you. Healthcare.gov makes it easier by allowing you to compare plans side-by-side. From there, all you need to do is pick a plan and complete your enrollment. The following insurance companies provide individual insurance plans in Arizona:

  • Ambetter from Arizona Complete Health
  • BannerAetna
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of AZ
  • Cigna HealthCare of AZ
  • Imperial Insurance Companies, Inc.
  • Medica
  • Oscar Health Plan, Inc
  • UnitedHealthcare

How do I enroll in Arizona individual and family insurance?

There isn’t a different enrollment process for individuals and families, but you should consider everyone’s needs if you’re shopping for a family policy. You’ll want to consider:

  • Monthly premium
  • Your deductible, including family deductible
  • Copayment requirements
  • Special medical needs

Insurance for individuals in Arizona

If you have a chronic health condition, however, you need to weigh the low premium against  other out-of-pocket costs. A plan that costs $350 per month and has a $500 deductible may be a better fit for your financial needs than a plan that costs $250 per month and has a $5,000 deductible if you require regular medical care. A more expensive plan may also give you access to more specialists or better coverage for your prescriptions.

Before you select a plan, you should understand the differences between each type of plan:

  • Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans: HMO plans offer lower premiums while putting more restrictions on your care. You’ll need to get a referral to see a specialist and only see local doctors in the network to receive coverage.
  • Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs): PPO plans don’t require approval to see the specialist of your choice. PPOs also offer nationwide coverage and out-of-network benefits. You’ll likely pay more in premiums for a PPO than an HMO, though.
  • Point-of-Service (POS) plans: POS plans compromise the advantages and disadvantages of HMOs and PPOs. You still need a referral to see a specialist, but if you’re willing to pay a little more, you can still see out-of-network providers.

Insurance for families in Arizona

There are more factors to consider when purchasing insurance for your entire family. Do any members of your family need access to more comprehensive service? If your family members need ongoing care, this may sway your decision toward a specific type of coverage or plan.

If you need regular access to health care, paying more for a lower deductible plan can help manage your family’s care costs. Paying less in monthly premiums could cost you more in the long run if you need to meet a large deductible before benefits kick in. Also, consider whether you want more choice over your doctors and specialists when deciding between an HMO, PPO, or POS plan.

How much does health insurance cost in Arizona?

The Health Insurance Marketplace places policies into four tiers based on how much the plans cost per month, annual deductibles, and copayments. The four tiers are Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum.

Average premium in Arizona 2020 2021 2022 2023
Most affordable Bronze plan $363 $342 $314 $326
Most affordable Silver plan $435 $418 $383 $405
Most affordable Gold plan $579 $553 $500 $478

  • Bronze plans are the cheapest policies on paper but come with high deductibles, and you’re required to pay up to 40% of the cost of any medical treatment. These plans are usually best if you have no ongoing need to visit doctors for a chronic condition and primarily want coverage in case of an emergency. The most affordable Bronze plan in Arizona costs $326 per month in 2023.
  • Silver plans are mid-level plans that cost more per month than Bronze but provide greater coinsurance and a lower annual deductible. You may qualify for a discount on a Silver plan based on your income, which could make a Silver plan’s premium less than a Bronze equivalent. You can expect to pay 30% of the cost of medical care on a Silver plan after you have met your yearly deductible. The least expensive Silver plan in Arizona costs $405 per month in 2023.
  • Gold and Platinum plans are most appropriate if you or a family member requires ongoing care and treatment. These plans have much higher premiums but also cover a lot more. You can expect to only pay 20% with a Gold plan or 10% with a Platinum plan, which can save you on coverage, potentially enough to make higher premiums worth it. The least expensive Gold plan in Arizona costs $478 per month in 2023.

Can you get cheap health insurance in Arizona?

The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) is Arizona’s Medicaid program. Arizona has two government-funded health care programs run by AHCCCS to assist low-income residents with health coverage: Medicaid and KidsCare. Eligibility will depend on your income, how many members are in your household, each member’s age, and whether you have or are caring for someone with a disability.

Medicaid in Arizona

The Medicaid program in Arizona is called the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, but it serves the same purpose as other state Medicaid agencies throughout the country. To qualify for Medicaid in Arizona, you must have a low income and have one of the following additional qualifications:

  • Have a disability, which can include blindness
  • Care for someone with a disability
  • Care for one or more children under the age of 18
  • Are 65 or older
  • Are pregnant
  • Have been diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer or precancerous cervical lesions

The income threshold for individuals seeking Medicaid is $18,804 per year, but that threshold increases if your household includes other people. For a family of three, your income must not exceed $29,207, for example. Pregnancy allows you to add another member to your household income calculation even before the baby is born. If you would like to apply for Arizona Medicaid, you can do so through the online application portal or apply through the Health Insurance Marketplace.

Arizona KidsCare

Arizona provides health coverage to children from families with income under the qualifying threshold. To enroll in KidsCare, a child:

  • Can’t be covered by an existing health insurance policy
  • Must either have a Social Security number or have a submitted application for one
  • Must be ineligible for Medicaid
  • Must be under the age of 19

Coverage requires a monthly premium, ranging from $10 per month to $70 per month. Native American children from a federally recognized tribe can get KidsCare without a monthly premium.

KidsCare provides coverage for routine doctor’s visits, physical examinations, diagnostic testing, immunizations, and medical treatment as needed when your child is injured or diagnosed with an illness. It also covers emergency treatment and hospital care. The AHCCS will connect enrollees with the health providers and services that are covered under the program.

What are Arizona’s Medicare options for seniors and people with disabilities?

Qualifying Medicare recipients can choose from a traditional Original Medicare plan, which offers Part A and B, or a Medicare Advantage Plan from an insurance company.

  • Original Medicare’s Medicare Part A provides coverage for inpatient care, while Medicare Part B is used for preventive care, testing, transportation, medical supplies, and other outpatient services. The Medicare Part A pPremium and dDeductible for inpatient hospital stays is $1,600 in 2023. Medicare Part B enrollees pay a standard monthly premium of $226 for 2023.
  • Medicare Advantage Plans are sold by private insurance companies. Although plans must offer at least the same coverage as Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage Plans often cover extra services such as prescription medications, dental, and vision. As of 2023, there are 157 Medicare Advantage Plans available in the state, however, you can only select a plan that’s available in your county.

You can enroll in a Medicare Part D plan regardless of whether you have Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan.

You can add a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan to cover some of your out-of-pocket Medicare expenses.

Eligibility

Arizona offers Medicare coverage to seniors over the age of 65 and younger people with qualifying disabilities. You may qualify for dual coverage with a Medicare plan and Medicaid if your income is under the qualifying threshold.

Enrollment

If you start receiving your Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits at least four months before you turn 65, you’ll be automatically enrolled in Medicare. Otherwise, you must fill out an application online or contact your local Social Security office. You can enroll in Medicare during the following periods:

  • Initial enrollment: Your initial enrollment period starts three months before your 65th birthday and ends three months after your 65th birthday. If you’ve never had Medicare, you can enroll during this period. If you started receiving Medicare when you were younger, you can also make changes to your plan.
  • General enrollment: Choose this enrollment period if you missed your initial enrollment period. The Medicare general enrollment period is January 1 to March 31. You can choose Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medigap, or Part D.
  • Medicare Advantage open enrollment: You can make changes to your Medicare Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, from January 1 to March 31.
  • Open enrollment: You can join, switch plans, or drop your coverage from October 15 to December 7 each year.
  • Special enrollment periods: You may qualify for a special enrollment period if you lose your coverage or have changes to your eligibility outside the regular enrollment periods.

Medicare Resources 

You can contact the Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions for assistance reviewing available Medicare and Medicare Advantage Plans and assistance with enrollment. Get in touch by calling 1-800-325-2548.

Are there short-term health insurance plan options in Arizona?

Short-term health insurance plans are useful if you’ve recently moved, lost your job, are waiting to be enrolled on a new employer plan, or are otherwise between insurance plans. These plans don’t qualify for minimum essential coverage: you can be denied coverage for a preexisting condition, and your medical history may influence premiums.

Arizona allows short-term plans to have terms of up to one year, with up to three renewals. You might be denied coverage if you’re being treated for any of the following conditions:

  • Cancer
  • Autoimmune disorders
  • COPD
  • Heart disease
  • Kidney disease
  • Seizures
  • Congestive heart failure
  • Asthma

Arizona Insurance FAQs

Does Arizona require health insurance?

Federal law mandates health insurance for every U.S. citizen, but that mandate is no longer enforced with a financial penalty. Arizona doesn’t have any separate law requiring you to have coverage, so you won’t be affected if you choose not to have insurance.

Do I have to use the Health Insurance Marketplace in Arizona?

There are many pathways to insurance; the marketplace is just one of them. The main benefit of purchasing a policy through the marketplace is the potential to qualify for the Advanced Premium Tax Credit. If you’re unable to qualify for the credit or don’t want to receive it, you’re free to purchase insurance from any insurance company you choose.

What types of alternative health insurance plans (like cost-sharing plans) are available in Arizona?

You can see significant savings on your health care if you enroll in a cost-sharing plan, which may be offered by religious groups. Cost sharing plans are not insurance and are not required to meet minimum essential coverage standards, nor are the plans legally required to pay your claims.

Do I need health insurance if I have HSA/FSA?

Flexible savings accounts and health savings accounts will help you put away money to cover medical expenses but are not viable replacements for health coverage. These accounts are most useful when combined with a health insurance policy so that you can cover out-of-pocket expenses.

Do I need short-term disability coverage in Arizona if I have health insurance?

Short-term disability coverage isn’t health insurance. It covers bills that don’t traditionally fall under medical coverage, like your rent or mortgage, groceries, and other day-to-day expenses. A short-term disability policy can help if you’re concerned a disability could impede your ability to work.

Do I need long-term disability coverage in Arizona if I have health insurance?

Long-term disability coverage is very similar to short-term disability coverage and pays you for household expenses. Disability coverage can’t replace the benefits you receive through health insurance, but it can be useful for protecting your finances if you’re unable to work due to disability.

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Insurance and health care consultant

Tammy Burns is an experienced health insurance advisor. She earned her nursing degree in 1990 from Jacksonville State University, obtained her insurance billing and coding certification in 1995, and holds a health and life insurance license in Alabama, Georgia, Iowa, Mississippi, and Tennessee. Burns is Affordable Care Act (ACA)-certified for health insurance and other ancillary, life, and annuity products. She maintains an active nursing license and practices private-duty nursing.

Burns’ background as a nurse, insurance biller and coder, and insurance consultant includes infectious disease, oncology, gynecology, phlebotomy, post operative, family medicine, geriatrics, home health, hospice, human resources, management, billing, coding, claims, fixed annuities, group and individual health and life products, and Medicare. She’s always been driven by a desire to help people, spending more than 25 years as a practicing nurse in hospitals, private doctors’ offices, home health, and hospice. As a nurse, Burns supported patients filing insurance claims with Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance companies as well as responding to billing questions from confused patients.

Seeing firsthand how unsuspecting patients are frequently confused by an overly complex system they don’t understand led Burns to become an insurance agent and health care consultant, now helping people understand the medical system. Since becoming an insurance agent in 2013, she has worked with some of the largest and most reputable insurance carriers and agencies in the nation, and she has built a large and loyal clientele by way of her commitment to transparency and personalized service.

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