Arizona Health Insurance: 2023 Coverage Guide

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Arizona Affordable Healthcare Insurance

If you live in Arizona, you have many options for health insurance. If you need to buy insurance this year, it’s important to keep the open enrollment period in mind. You can enroll November 1, 2022 – January 15, 2023. Otherwise, you’ll only be able to buy a health plan if you have a qualifying event. We’ve created a guide below to help you figure out which plan will save you the most money through the course of the year. If you’re a senior, keep scrolling to the sections on Medicare.

When Is Open Enrollment in Arizona?

November 1, 2022 – January 15, 2023

How to Get Health Insurance in Arizona

It’s a good idea to have a projection of healthcare costs for the following year. You can estimate it based on the previous year. You’ll need this to decide which type of coverage is right for you, and which level tier suits your needs and will be most economical. Sometimes, higher premiums end up saving you money if you frequently visit care providers.

The smartest way to get the most competitive rates for the coverage you need is to compare health insurance companies and health insurance quotes. After you submit the form you’ll get several competing health insurance rates to choose from, and we’ll connect you with an agent in your area so you can buy the coverage or ask questions about the plan you’re considering.

What Types of Health Insurance Are Available in Arizona?

HMOs, EPOs, PPOs and point-of-service plans are available in Arizona. You can also find short-term plans and catastrophic plans. If you qualify for Medicare, keep scrolling.

For individual and family plans, you’ll have several tiers to choose from: platinum, gold, silver and bronze. The more expensive plans have cheaper copays and lower deductibles, so if you see a doctor or provider more than once or twice a year, it may make sense to buy a higher tier plan. Platinum plans are great for people with a chronic condition or any reason for needing to see doctors frequently.

Does Health Insurance Cover Pre-existing Conditions?

Marketplace health plans can no longer deny anyone health insurance coverage based on pre-existing conditions.

Compare Health Insurance Plans in Arizona

Do I Qualify for a Special Enrollment Period?

Common reasons people qualify for a special enrollment period:

  • If you just started your own business or switched jobs, where you were not offered health insurance or if you lost or quit a job and have no health insurance, you can enroll now.
  • If you were on your parents plan but need to buy your own because you turned 26, you can do so as soon as your 26th birthday!
  • If your health insurance coverage is invalid because you moved, you can buy a new health plan.
  • If your Cobra coverage reached its deadline, you can buy a new plan.
  • If you shared a health plan with a spouse but divorced, you can buy a new health plan.
  • If you shared a health plan with a spouse/partner but lost coverage due to divorce, you can buy a new plan.
  • The birth or adoption of a child allows you to enroll that child in a new plan.
  • The death of spouse or partner allows you to buy a new health plan if you lost shared coverage.
  • If a spouse or partner loses coverage due to a qualifying reason, you and that spouse/partner may buy a new health plan.

Is Health Insurance Required in Arizona?

No, only California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Vermont, Rhode Island, and DC still require health insurance. Otherwise, there is a tax penalty. Even though it’s not required, buying health insurance is necessary to avoid medical bankruptcy.

How Much Is Health Insurance in Arizona?

Health insurance in Arizona for a 40 year old is about $553 a month, on average. Health insurance costs less for younger people. Tobacco use increases health insurance rates.

How to Save on Health Insurance in Arizona

The best way to save on health insurance in Alabama is to compare rates based on the tier system. Beforehand, you’ll want to estimate your medical costs.

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Medicare in Arizona

Medicare is health insurance coverage for Americans ages 65 years and older. The government also allows younger people with disabilities to enroll in the program. Individuals with End-Stage Renal Disease (a permanent kidney failure treated with dialysis or a transplant) can also sign up as can some individuals with severe mental health issues. Others who qualify for Medicare disability coverage are individuals with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (also called Lou Gehrig’s Disease). Most beneficiaries will receive Original Medicare (Parts A and B). Some people buy Medicare Advantage, which includes Part A and B as well as offering vision, dental and prescription drug coverage.

How Many People Are on Medicare in Arizona?

18% of the people in Arizona are on Medicare.

How Much Is Medicare in Arizona?

If you do not qualify for Medicare, you can buy it for $499 a month for Part A in 2022 and a standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B was $170.10 for 2022, or even higher depending on income.

Original Medicare vs Medicare Advantage: What’s the Difference?

Medicare is a government subsidized health plan that is available to qualified Americans age 65 and older. Medicare Advantage is sold through private health insurance companies, but these policies are also regulated by the government. Medicare Advantage plans offer the same benefits as Medicare Parts A and B. Medicare Advantage plans also offer more coverage for dental, vision, hearing and prescription drugs. Medicare Advantage plans have a maximum out-of-pocket limit. For 2020, it was $7,550 but many plans set their maximums at a much lower cost. That is why it’s important to compare companies. People who opt for original Medicare can buy Medicare Supplements to help with out-of-pocket costs. You cannot buy both Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplements. If you enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan during open enrollment, you will automatically be disenrolled from original Medicare.

How to Get Medicare Coverage in Arizona

If you receive social security payments, you may automatically enroll in Medicare, but you may have to sign up if you do not receive payments. The easiest way to enroll in Medicare is by working with a trusted insurance agent to get the coverages you want. Just enter your zip code and answer a few simple questions.

Types of Medicare Plans Available

Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Cost Plans (only offered in certain areas), Demonstration/Pilot Programs (also called Research Studies; only offered in certain areas) and Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE).

How Do I Qualify for Medicare?

To qualify for Medicare you must be a citizen of the U.S. or have been a legal resident for at least five years. If you are age 65 or older and you/your spouse have worked for at least 10 years (40 quarters) or you have a disability, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or end-stage renal disease (ESRD), you most likely qualify for Medicare.

How Can I Save on Medicare in Arizona?

You can save on Medicare by signing up for Part B as soon as you’re eligible. People who enroll late must pay a penalty every year. If you’re interested in buying Medicare Advantage, you can shop and compare Medicare plans for the best value.

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Arizona State Health System Ranking

Ever wonder how your state stacks up when it comes to quality healthcare? The Commonwealth Fund published a report in 2020 on State Health System Performance. They took into consideration the access to quality care, health outcomes, and disparities in all 50 states. The scores for the Arizona Health System are listed below:

  • Arizona: Overall Ranking: 33 of 51
  • Arizona: Overall Performance: Above U.S. Average
  • Arizona: Access and Affordability: 43
  • Arizona: Prevention and Treatment: 36
  • Arizona: Avoidable Hospital Use and Cost: 9
  • Arizona: Healthy Lives: 32
  • Arizona: Health Care Disparities: 16

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Arizona Health Insurance Coverage

The people of Arizona have different kinds of health insurance while some Arizona residents are not insured at all. See the breakdown below:

  • Private coverage: 50%
  • Medicaid: 22%
  • Medicare: 16%
  • Uninsured: 12%

Report: America's Health Insurance Plans

Arizona Health Insurance Companies

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