Arizona Health Insurance Buying Guide 2024

Health insurance helps protect you for whatever comes your and your family’s way. You have lots of options for health insurance coverage that’s affordable and meets your needs.

In this guide, we explain the different routes you can take for health insurance coverage in Arizona and things to consider as you sign up for a plan for 2024 and beyond. Open enrollment for health insurance takes place November 1, 2023, through January 15, 2024, so keep reading to decide which plan works best for you. 

3 Ways to Get Health Insurance in Arizona

First, it’s helpful to be aware of the different ways you can obtain health insurance in Arizona for yourself and for your family. For all of the following methods, the AZ Health Insurance Brokers team can help answer any questions you have and ensure you get the coverage you need. 

2. Private Insurance

Private health insurance, which you can obtain through an insurance broker like AZ Health Insurance Brokers, can be a great option for people who are relatively healthy and who don’t qualify for many or any of the Marketplace discounts due to their income levels. Private insurance is also an ideal solution for self-employed professionals who aren’t interested in Marketplace plans, but who need to obtain insurance because they’re self-employed. 

Private insurance also provides more PPO health insurance options. Private insurance can help you get health insurance coverage for the medical providers you want to see, instead of being restricted like you would be in a Marketplace plan. 

3. Group Health Insurance

Group health insurance is health insurance that’s offered through an employer, generally for businesses that have two or more employees. Group insurance plans can vary depending on what the employer has chosen, so employees may be restricted with an HMO or get more provider choice through a PPO.

Generally, group health insurance offers different plans to choose from. One downside with group health insurance is that it can be expensive to get the best coverage. Also, some employers may restrict the plans available to ones that have a high deductible. 

Many professionals choose to get private insurance even if their employer offers healthcare coverage, because what’s offered is too expensive. In some cases, a group plan doesn’t provide adequate coverage for the employee and their dependents.

How to Choose a Health Insurance Provider

With Marketplace health insurance, private health insurance and group health insurance options available, you may be wondering which provider is the best one to go with. As you compare your options, consider the following.

1. Which Doctors Do You Want to See?

If you have a preferred doctor you want to have continued coverage for, check each plan to see if your preferred doctor(s) are covered. A PPO gives you more choice, but some HMOs may offer coverage for your preferred providers. If you don’t have a preference, an HMO might work.

2. What Prescriptions Do You Have?

If you have prescriptions now or anticipate you may have them in the near-future, you’ll want to choose a plan that offers coverage for those prescriptions. Prescriptions can be very expensive without healthcare coverage. Factor these in to your choice.

3. Do You Have Upcoming Procedures/Surgeries?

Medical procedures and surgeries are another consideration when choosing health insurance. You may have a preferred doctor and/or treatment center, so you’ll want to make sure those are covered under the insurance plan you choose. As you compare plans, look at deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums. 

We generally recommend people who have upcoming surgeries or procedures to look into using a health savings account (HSA) plan, since these typically have the lowest out-of-pocket maximum. If your employer doesn’t offer HSA plans, you could save by comparing private insurance options. Certain silver and gold plans through the Marketplace may also work.

Conversely, if you’re relatively healthy, and you don’t have any upcoming medical procedures planned, Marketplace bronze and silver plans, as well as private health insurance, may be better options when you don’t plan to meet a deductible with your healthcare needs.

4. What Is Your Income?

Again, Marketplace plans make the most sense for people whose income qualifies them for subsidies. If you can estimate your income for 2024, you’ll be able to anticipate whether or not you’ll qualify for government subsidies for healthcare and a discount off your premium.

If you likely won’t qualify for subsidies, you won’t be able to save on Marketplace plans. Keep in mind that if you state a lower income on the Marketplace plan, but you end up making more money, you’ll still have to pay back the difference in subsidies from the income you listed compared to your actual income come tax time. 

Also, if you list a lower income, you’ll most likely be asked to show proof of income. If your income is too low, you might get directed to Medicaid.

Need Help With Health Insurance? Contact AZ Health Insurance Brokers

Navigating the health insurance market can be confusing. Ideally, you want the most comprehensive coverage for your unique medical situation, at the lowest price. 

AZ Health Insurance Brokers can help you compare your options. We offer free, no-hassle health insurance consultations, so you can understand everything you qualify for, how much it will cost, and what type of coverage you’ll get. 

Whether you’re getting a discount based on your income and you need help selecting and signing up for a plan, you want help with a private plan, or you want group health insurance quotes for your business, reach out to AZ Health Insurance Brokers. 

Contact us online, call 602.617.4107 or email quotes@azhealthinsurancebrokers.com. We’re happy to help guide you and get you the coverage you need.