Short Term health insurance Arizona
2023 Guide to Short-Term Health Insurance in Arizona: Get a Free Quote Today
Availability and Duration of Short-Term Health Insurance in Arizona
In Arizona, short-term health insurance plans are available for purchase, with the state limiting the duration of these plans to no more than 36 months. Prior to 2019, short-term health insurance in Arizona was limited to a plan duration of no more than 185 days, with renewal terms not exceeding 180 days.
However, Arizona enacted legislation (SB1109) in 2019, which aligned the state’s durational limits for short-term health insurance with the Trump administration’s rules that took effect in 2018
Under the new law, short-term plans in Arizona can have initial terms of up to 364 days and can be renewable for a total duration of up to 36 months. It is important to note that insurers selling short-term health coverage in Arizona can set their own term limits shorter than the allowable maximum and can opt to make their plans non-renewable. As of 2022, there were at least eight insurers offering short-term health insurance in Arizona.
Reasons to Consider Short-Term Health Insurance
Short-term health insurance can be a suitable option for individuals who are between jobs, recent college graduates, early retirees, or experiencing other life events that leave them without health insurance coverage. These plans offer a temporary solution to help protect finances when comprehensive health insurance is not available. Some of the situations where short-term health insurance may be beneficial include:
- Filling a gap between employer coverage and the next job.
- Providing coverage for recent college graduates who have not yet secured a job with health insurance benefits.
- Offering a temporary solution for early retirees waiting for Medicare eligibility.
- Covering individuals during other life events that leave them without health insurance, such as changes in employment or income.
It is essential to understand that short-term health insurance plans are not meant to replace long-term or marketplace plans. They are designed to provide coverage for a limited period (up to 364 days) and can be renewed for up to 36 months. These plans may not cover pre-existing conditions and may have other significant limitations compared to comprehensive major medical policies. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully evaluate your specific needs and circumstances before choosing a short-term health insurance plan.
Comparing Short-Term Health Insurance to ACA Plans
Differences in Coverage, Benefits, and Costs
Short-term health insurance plans are designed to provide temporary coverage for individuals experiencing a gap in comprehensive health insurance. These plans typically have lower premiums than ACA plans but offer more limited coverage. Short-term health insurance plans often cover doctor visits, outpatient care, emergency services, hospitalization, and laboratory services/tests, but they usually do not include all the essential health benefits outlined by the ACA. On the other hand, ACA plans are required to cover all 10 essential health benefits, provide specified no-cost preventive care, and are guaranteed issue.
Costs and Affordability of Short-Term Health Insurance in Arizona
The average monthly premium for a short-term health insurance plan sold in Arizona was $290.72 in 2023. Deductibles, coinsurance, and maximum out-of-pocket payments will vary from plan to plan. For example, one economy plan featured a $74.20 per month premium, a $10,000 deductible, 30% coinsurance, a $10,000 maximum out-of-pocket, and $100,000 total policy coverage.
Application Process and Eligibility for Short-Term Health Insurance
Short-term health insurance in Arizona can be purchased by residents who meet the underwriting guidelines of insurers. The application process for short-term health insurance is typically straightforward, with coverage starting as soon as the day after the application is approved.
Coverage Limitations and Exclusions
Short-term health insurance plans have several limitations and exclusions compared to ACA plans. They often do not cover pre-existing conditions, exclude benefits for certain types of illnesses and treatments, and may cap the dollar amount on benefits the company pays. Additionally, short-term plans may not cover all essential health benefits, such as prescription drugs, mental health care, maternity care, and preventive services.
Renewal and Extension of Short-Term Health Insurance Plans
Short-term health insurance plans can be renewed or extended depending on the specific plan and state regulations. In Arizona, short-term plans can have initial terms of up to 364 days and can be renewable for a total duration of up to 36 months. However, insurers selling short-term health coverage in Arizona can set their own term limits shorter than the allowable maximum and can opt to make their plans non-renewable.
Shopping for Short-Term Health Insurance in Arizona
Comparing Plans, Premiums, and Benefits from Different Insurers
When shopping for short-term health insurance in Arizona, it’s essential to compare plans, premiums, and benefits from different insurers to find the best fit for your needs. Some of the companies offering short-term health insurance in Arizona include UnitedHealthOne and PivotHealth.com. To compare plans, request quotes from multiple insurance providers and carefully review the coverage details, including deductibles, coinsurance, and maximum out-of-pocket payments.
Consumer Protection and Required Notices for Short-Term Health Insurance Plans
Arizona has consumer protection regulations in place for short-term health insurance plans. Insurers are required to provide notices on policy and application materials to inform consumers about the limitations and exclusions of short-term health insurance. This includes information about the plan’s coverage duration, renewal options, and any pre-existing condition exclusions.
Short-term health insurance companies
PivotHealth.com: Short-Term Health Insurance Provider in Arizona
Pivot Health offers short-term health insurance plans that cater to a wide variety of individuals, including those who missed the open enrollment period, are temporarily unemployed, or need a COBRA alternative. Their plans provide coverage for various medical services, such as:
– Doctor visits
– Hospitalization
– Emergency care
– Lab tests
– Prescription drug costs
Coverage duration for Pivot Health’s short-term plans can range from 30 days to 364 days, depending on the state regulations. In some states, you can remain continuously covered for up to 36 months. The application process is quick and easy, with instant approval in many cases.
Pivot Health’s short-term health insurance plans are often more affordable than major medical health insurance, making them an attractive option for those looking for a budget-friendly solution. However, it is important to note that short-term health insurance plans do not meet the minimum essential coverage (MEC) standards of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). They are designed to provide temporary health insurance during unexpected coverage gaps and are not intended to replace long-term or marketplace plans.
In addition to the basic coverage, Pivot Health offers extra non-insurance benefits to its members, such as telemedicine access, discounts, and lifestyle benefits. Remember to carefully review the coverage details, including deductibles, coinsurance, and maximum out-of-pocket payments, to ensure the plan meets your specific needs.
Short Term health insurance Arizona
UnitedHealthOne: Short-Term Health Insurance Provider in Arizona
UnitedHealthOne offers fast and flexible short-term medical insurance plans for individuals who need temporary health coverage. These plans are designed to provide coverage for various medical services, including:
– Doctor visits
– Outpatient care
– Emergency services
– Hospitalization
– Laboratory services/tests
Short-term medical insurance plans from UnitedHealthOne can be an ideal solution for those experiencing expected or unexpected life events that leave them without health insurance coverage. Coverage can start as soon as the day after the application is approved in many cases.
UnitedHealthOne’s short-term medical insurance plans are underwritten by Golden Rule Insurance Company]. They offer a nationwide network of over 7,000 hospitals and other medical facilities, as well as access to quality care from 1.5 million physicians and other healthcare professionals.
It is important to note that short-term health insurance plans do not meet the minimum essential coverage (MEC) standards of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). They are designed to provide temporary health insurance during unexpected coverage gaps and are not intended to replace long-term or marketplace plans.
National General Short Term Medical.
National General: Short-Term Health Insurance Provider in Arizona
National General provides short-term medical insurance plans that offer financial protection against unexpected medical bills and other health care expenses. Their plans cover a range of medical services, including:
– Doctor visits
– Emergency room and ambulance services
– Urgent care benefits
Short-term medical insurance plans from National General can be an ideal solution for individuals experiencing expected or unexpected life events that leave them without health insurance coverage. Coverage can start as soon as the next day in many cases.
National General’s short-term medical insurance plans are underwritten by National Health Insurance Company, Time Insurance Company, Integon National Insurance Company, and Integon Indemnity Corporation. They offer access to the Aetna Open Choice® PPO Network, which includes more than 690,000 participating providers.
It is important to note that short-term health insurance plans do not meet the minimum essential coverage (MEC) standards of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). They are designed to provide temporary health insurance during unexpected coverage gaps and are not intended to replace long-term or marketplace plans.
Remember to compare plans, premiums, and benefits from different insurers to find the best short-term health insurance plan for your needs.
FAQs: Short Term Health Insurance
What are the disadvantages of short term health insurance?
Short term health insurance plans often have limited coverage, pre-existing conditions are not covered, and policyholders may not be eligible for certain benefits.
What is considered short term for medical insurance?
Short term medical insurance typically lasts between 30 and 364 days and can be extended for up to 36 months in some states.
Is Cobra or short term health insurance better?
COBRA is typically considered a better choice for those who need long-term coverage or have complex medical needs, while short term health insurance may be a more affordable option for those who are in between jobs or need temporary coverage.
Is there a cheaper option than COBRA?
There may be other lower-cost alternatives to COBRA, such as short term health insurance, Medicaid, or coverage through a spouse's employer.
Why is short term insurance so cheap?
Short term health insurance is often cheaper because it provides limited coverage and may not include certain benefits that are covered by comprehensive health insurance plans.