Health Insurance Tucson AZ: Finding Affordable Coverage
Navigating the health insurance landscape can be challenging. But with the proper guidance and information, you can find a plan that suits your needs and budget. At Blake Insurance Group, we strive to make health insurance in Tucson, AZ, accessible to everyone.
For 2024, there are eight insurers offering plans on Arizona’s exchange. These include Aetna CVS Health/Banner Health, Arizona Complete Health, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, Cigna, Imperial Insurance, Medica Community Health Plan, Oscar Health Plan, and UnitedHealthcare of Arizona. Each of these insurers offers a variety of plans with different coverage options, deductibles, and premiums, providing a wide range of choices to suit various needs and budgets.
Special Enrollment Period
If you have recently experienced a major life event, such as losing your job or having a new baby, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. This period allows you to change your health plan or browse the 2024 health plans and apply. Additionally, you may be eligible for a premium tax credit and a cost-sharing reduction, which can help lower your premium and out-of-pocket costs.
Understanding Your Options
In Arizona, individuals and families can secure affordable health insurance coverage. These options include:
**ACA Individual and Family Plans**: These health insurance plans meet all the requirements of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). They are available to individuals and families who do not have access to health insurance through an employer or government program. If you qualify, these plans are sold on the Health Insurance Marketplace during the annual Open or Special Enrollment Period.
**Small-Group Plans**: These are health insurance plans available to small businesses with between 1 and 50 employees. Small-group health insurance plans must provide certain “essential health benefits” and cannot deny coverage or charge higher premiums based on employees’ health status or pre-existing conditions.
**Short-Term Plans**: Short-term health insurance plans provide temporary coverage for individuals between health plans, waiting for coverage to start, or needing coverage for a specific short-term period. These plans typically do not cover pre-existing conditions or the essential health benefits required by the ACA.
**Medicare**: Medicare is a federal program that provides health coverage for individuals aged 65 or older or with specific disabilities. Medicare coverage includes hospital insurance (Part A), medical insurance (Part B), and prescription drug coverage (Part D).
**Medicaid**: Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides health coverage for some low-income people, families and children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Eligibility rules for Medicaid vary from state to state.
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How much is health insurance in Arizona per month?
Arizona’s average health insurance cost is approximately $569 per month. However, the cost of individual health insurance can vary significantly depending on several factors. These factors include location, income, age, tobacco use, plan category, and whether the plan covers dependents.
For instance, the average monthly cost of health insurance for 2022 in Arizona was $577, and the average yearly cost was $6,924. However, the cost can vary by age and the type of plan (metal tier). For example, an average Silver plan for middle-aged adults costs $1,247 monthly.
Location also plays a significant role in determining health insurance costs. For example, the cheapest Silver plan in Maricopa County, Arizona’s most populated county, is around $359 per month, while in Greenlee County, the state’s least populated county, it’s around $487 per month.
Moreover, the cost of health insurance can also vary depending on whether you are an individual or part of a family. For instance, the average cost of health insurance for a family of four is $1,819 per month.
It’s important to note that individuals may be eligible for government subsidies to help pay for premiums. These subsidies are available only for coverage purchased through the exchange and are calculated based on the modified adjusted gross income for the year and the household size.
In Arizona, there are eight health insurance companies offering plans on the exchange for 2024. Here's a brief overview of each:
**Aetna CVS Health/Banner Health**: Aetna is a well-known insurance provider partnered with Banner Health, one of the country’s largest nonprofit healthcare systems. They offer a variety of plans to suit different needs and budgets.
**Arizona Complete Health (formerly Health Net of AZ)**: Arizona Complete Health offers a comprehensive range of health insurance plans, including Ambetter, designed for individuals who do not qualify for Medicaid but may still need financial assistance.
**Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona**: As one of the largest health insurance providers in the state, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona offers both HMO and PPO options. They have a vast network of healthcare providers, ensuring members have ample choices for their healthcare needs.
**Cigna**: Cigna is a global health service company offering Arizona health insurance plans. They have a broad network of doctors and healthcare providers, and their plans often include wellness incentives.
**Imperial Insurance**: New to the Arizona market in 2023, Imperial Insurance offers a range of health insurance plans. While specific details about their offerings in Arizona are not readily available, they are expected to provide competitive options for residents.
**Medica Community Health Plan**: Medica offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the needs of different individuals and families. They focus on community health, aiming to make healthcare accessible and affordable.
**Oscar Health Plan**: Oscar is a tech-driven health insurance company that aims to make health insurance simple and easy to understand. They offer a variety of plans, including some with low premiums for those who are budget-conscious.
**UnitedHealthcare of Arizona**: UnitedHealthcare is one of the largest health insurance providers in the U.S. They offer a wide range of plans in Arizona, ensuring that residents can find a plan that fits their needs and budget.
Each of these companies offers a variety of plans with different coverage options, deductibles, and premiums. It’s important to carefully review each plan to ensure it meets your specific health needs and budget. If you need assistance, consider working with a licensed insurance agent or broker to help navigate the options.
At Blake Insurance Group, we prioritize finding the right coverage to suit your unique needs at the best price. We specialize in auto, health, commercial, and business insurance. We have developed a unique model and process that matches you to the right coverage at the right price.
Short-Term Health Insurance Tucson AZ
Short-term health insurance can be a more budget-friendly option for temporary coverage. In Arizona, there are currently seven insurers offering short-term plans. These plans can be purchased for 30 days up to 36 months. However, it’s important to note that insurers can set their term limits shorter than the allowable maximum and opt to make their plans non-renewable.
Arizona’s average premium for short-term health insurance is around $111 per month. However, the cost can vary significantly depending on the specific plan and the individual’s health status. For example, a 35-year-old woman living in Arizona could pay as little as $69 a month and as much as $311 monthly for short-term healthcare coverage.
While short-term health insurance can be a more affordable option, it’s essential to understand that these plans are not required to comply with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) regulations. This means they may not provide the same level of coverage as a traditional healthcare plan. For instance, short-term plans almost always include blanket exclusions for pre-existing conditions. They also might not cover essential health benefits such as hospitalization, emergency services, maternity care, preventive care, prescription drugs, and mental health and substance use disorder services.
Therefore, while short-term health insurance can be a good option for some individuals, it’s crucial to carefully review the details of the specific plans you’re considering. If you have significant health problems, it might be better to consider a market-based plan that is obligated to cover both pre-existing diseases and all essential benefits.
Christian Healthshare options in Tucson AZ
In Tucson, Arizona, several Christian healthshare options are available for individuals and families who prefer a faith-based approach to managing their healthcare costs. These programs are not insurance but are cost-sharing ministries where members share each other’s eligible medical expenses. Here are some of the Christian healthshare options available in Arizona:
**Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM)**: CHM is the longest-serving health cost-sharing ministry in the nation. They offer four programs that best fit your needs. At CHM, they work with you to offer flexibility and provide a solution that aligns with your Christian values. CHM shares 100 percent of eligible medical bills and has satisfied nearly $10 billion in members’ healthcare costs.
**Medi-Share**: Medi-Share is a leading healthcare sharing ministry with an industry-leading 98% member satisfaction rating. They have shared every eligible medical bill for 30 years. Medi-Share offers an affordable alternative to health insurance, a supplementary health care sharing option for seniors, a health care solution for employers, and affordable health care options for missionaries.
**Liberty HealthShare**: Liberty HealthShare offers health-conscious individuals and families an affordable way to share medical care expenses in a like-minded community. They are a Christian membership-based, non-profit organization that helps facilitate the voluntary sharing between members to pay each other’s medical costs.
**Samaritan Ministries**: Samaritan Ministries is another health care sharing program considered by individuals who attend church regularly. They have over 64,000 member households, which adds up to about $23 million per month that is eligible for sharing.
**Zion Health**: Zion Health’s Direct plan is designed to work alongside a Direct Primary Care (DPC) membership. By pairing a Zion Healthshare with an existing DPC membership, consumers can get a more comprehensive version of health sharing that is significantly less expensive than insurance.
**Universal Healthshare**: Universal Healthshare is another option that offers annual preventive care services, 24/7 telemedicine, and access to LifeWorks mental health resources at a meager additional cost.
Each program operates on the principle of members sharing each other’s eligible medical costs. They are not regulated by the ACA (Affordable Care Act) rules and regulations and thus can offer a dramatically different structure of benefits and limitations. It’s important to carefully review each program to ensure it meets your health needs and aligns with your faith and values. If you need assistance, consider working with a licensed insurance agent or broker to help navigate the options.
In Tucson, Arizona, residents have access to a variety of supplemental health insurance options, including plans from Ally Health Insurance and Safeguard Health Plans.
**Ally Health Insurance** is a telehealth service provider that offers a comprehensive range of virtual health services, including virtual urgent care, mental health services, and consultations with specialists. AllyHealth’s services are designed to provide convenient and affordable healthcare options.
Their Basic Plan, priced at a nominal monthly fee, includes unlimited doctor and pediatrician consultations, secure messaging, and more, without additional costs. AllyHealth also provides tools and services to save on prescriptions, lab tests, medical imaging, surgical procedures, and more. This can help individuals save money on healthcare costs and make healthcare more affordable and accessible.
**Safeguard Health Plans** provides a comprehensive health insurance option offering various benefits to help manage healthcare costs. Some of the critical features of Safeguard Health Plans include:
– **Preventive Care**: Safeguard Health Plans cover preventive care services, such as annual check-ups, immunizations, and cancer screenings, at no cost to you.
– **Flexible Options**: Safeguard Health Plans offer a range of plan options to meet your needs and budget, including SecureHealth Value, SecureHealth Preferred, and SecureHealth Elite.
– **Prescription Drug Coverage**: Safeguard Health Plans offer prescription drug coverage to help manage the cost of your medications.
– **Telemedicine**: Safeguard Health Plans offer telemedicine services, allowing you to consult a doctor or nurse practitioner from home.
It’s important to note that while supplemental health insurance can provide additional coverage, it should not be used as a substitute for a comprehensive health insurance plan. Instead, it should be used with a primary health insurance plan to help cover out-of-pocket costs and services that the preliminary plan may not cover.
It’s crucial to carefully review each plan and consider your specific health needs and budget when choosing a supplemental health insurance plan. If you need assistance, consider working with a licensed insurance agent or broker to help navigate the options.