Arizona Health Insurance

If you or a family member has ever been ill, then you understand the importance of Arizona health insurance. If you are one of the millions of people in America that does not have health insurance then you know what it is like to dread being sick or injured. There are, however, some affordable Arizona health insurance choices for you, if you only take the time to do some thorough research. Before you get started, however, it may behoove you to understand some of the decisions you'll need to make.

For example, what kind of Arizona health insurance do you and your family need? Here are some of the things that you should consider when making this decision:

How much money do you have in the bank for doctors and hospital fees?
Can your family afford long-term medical care?
How much of a deductible can you afford to carry?
Is anyone in your family chronically ill?
Do you already have a doctor you are comfortable with?
Do you prefer the freedom of choosing your own doctor or do you mind choosing from a list?
How much can you afford to pay in monthly premiums?
Are you healthy enough to pass an insurance physical?

Types of Arizona Health Insurance Plans

Once you have determined what your family’s needs are as far as health insurance, now you need to determine what kind of Arizona health insurance you would like to purchase. You need to understand the different kinds of Arizona health insurance available and then decide which one best fits the needs of your family. Keep in mind that these are just generalities and of course the plan specifics will different from company to company and from plan to plan. Your best option for finding the specific coverage that you need for your specific situation is to compare quotes from a variety of different companies and then work with an independent Arizona health insurance agent or broker that can help you sort through the many different plan options.

Indemnity – Indemnity health insurance is very flexible when it comes to your standard services. You have the option to choose your own provider or doctor, and any hospital that you wish to visit. Depending on the relationship that you have with your provider you either pay for services up front or are reimbursed by your Arizona health insurance company, or the provider is paid direct.

Typically, there is no co-pay with an Indemnity policy; instead, you pay 20% of whatever services you receive. Usually there is a maximum out of pocket limit for the policyholder, usually at about $1500 dollars for a family or $500 for an individual. Once that limit is met, the insurance will pay 100% of all medical costs. The downsides to this type of care is that is it usually more expensive than other types of Arizona health insurance and you typically have to get pre-approval for any expensive treatments or services.
Basic and Essential Indemnity – This is a lower cost alternative to an Indemnity plan. With this Arizona health insurance policy, you continue to have the option of choosing what doctor, provider, or hospital you wish to be treated at. However, many important treatments or prescriptions are not covered, such as maternity care or chemotherapy and associated medications. For this component, you will be required to take a physical and your rates will be determined by your general health, age, weight, sex, and sometimes family history.
High Deductible Indemnity – The most inexpensive Indemnity plan, as the name suggests, has a very high deductible that must be met before the insurance begins to pay claims. In most cases, it is $1000 for an individual or $2000 for a family. Once the deductible is met, there are three options for coverage, 90/10, 80/20, or 70/30. An out of pocket limit is set after the first deductible is met, in other words, the initial deductible does not apply to the out of pocket limit.
Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO) – With an Arizona HMO you have to choose a primary care physician within a network of doctors. In order to see a specialist your doctor has to refer you to one and they have to be within the network as well or receive written permission from the HMO to deviate from the network.

Out of pocket expenses with an Arizona HMO are typically low and require a co-pay for most services. Although it is required to use doctors within a network, the upside is that HMO networks are very large and usually house hundreds of doctors. There are no deductibles with an HMO; however, the HMO does not cover anyone who goes out of network for service unless it is a documented emergency.
Point of Service (POS) – Is a combination of an HMO and a PPO. An Arizona POS plan has a co-pay based on the type of service the insured receives. They are also required to work within a network. There are no deductibles or limits with a POS and if a POS member goes out of network for service, a portion of their claim will be paid.
Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) – The Arizona health insurance company pays doctors fees based on a price negotiated by the Arizona health insurance company. If the insured wants to go out of network, then they will be required to pay the difference between the in-network cost and out of network cost.
AHCCCS – This is the State of Arizona's health care program. There are income limitations that you must meet in order to qualify for their program. The program covers all necessary treatments for adults and children who qualify with no limitations and no co-pay.