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