More than one out of three people (about 2 million) in Arizona under the age of 65 went without health insurance for all or part of the two-year period 2007-2008. It could happen to anyone especially those earning lower wages. Families in the grand canyon state with incomes below $20,800 a year for a single adult and $35,200 a year for a family of three in 2008 were much more likely to be uninsured than families with incomes at or above the poverty. While it may be a daunting task to find inexpensive and reliable health coverage in Arizona it is not impossible. Here is additional information on cheap health insurance in Arizona.
Arizona Individual Health Insurance
If you have had at least 3 months of coverage under a fully insured group health plan and then lose it, you are guaranteed the right to buy a conversion policy. You will not have a new pre-existing condition exclusion period. If you are federally eligible but do not qualify for a conversion policy, you are guaranteed the right to buy an individual health plan from any insurance company that sells such plans in Arizona. Insurance companies must offer you a choice of at least two plans. Health insurers can design different policies and you will have to read and compare them carefully.
Arizona Group Health Insurance
Arizona group health insurance is sold to businesses and organizations who then provide coverage to their employees and members. These group and business health insurance plans are inexpensive compared to individual or family coverage because the cost of medical services can be spread among a larger group of people. Since the risk associated with small group health insurance is lower for the insurance company, they are also more willing to underwrite policies for those with pre-existing conditions. In fact, all small group health insurance plans are required to be guaranteed issue according to federal law.
Arizona Family Health Insurance
Most uninsured Arizonans (79.1 percent) are members of working families. It may seem impossible to obtain affordable and reliable health insurance for your family, but it is not. Normally, family health insurance plans consist on an individual (usually a parent or other adult) adding immediate family members to their policy. Affordable family health insurance usually costs less than having a separate health insurance policy for each person. Also, a family health insurance plan usually has a higher coverage cap or lower combined deductible than an individual one.
Arizona Short Term Health Insurance
There are many people, however, who are uninsured for a portion of a year but not for the entire year. Though these individuals may suffer severe consequences to their health and their economic well-being as a result of being uninsured. You should never have to be without health insurance for any period of time. A short term health insurance plan may be for you if there is a short gap in your insurance. For example, if you lost your job and have begun searching for new employment with health insurance benefits, affordable temporary health insurance can help bridge the gap.
Arizona Student Health Insurance
Many college students risk going without health coverage because they believe they’re young, in good health, and relatively safe from illness. But having access to health care when you need it is important at any age, and some colleges may require you to have health coverage as a condition of enrollment.
The following steps can help you shop for coverage and meet your health care needs:
- Most health plans will allow dependent children to continue coverage until they reach age 25, and sometimes longer. Dependent coverage is typically more affordable than participating in a plan as a primary member. .
- If you’re employed, your first step should be to determine whether your employer offers an employee group health plan, and if so, find out the details. Group health coverage through an employer is typically the easiest to qualify for and is often the most affordable option.
