3 Tips To Finding Health Insurance In Arizona
O.K. You live in Arizona and you need health insurance - sooner rather than later. Are you wondering how to begin?
It's not as simple as it may initially appear. It's not easy finding the time to do all the research and knowledge-gathering it takes to lock down a good insurance plan that precisely addresses your needs, circumstance, and budget.
Below are three tips for finding a great health insurance plan in Arizona.
Good to know: When it comes to medical services, shop around for a better deals. Patients often think that medical fees are set, but just like any other business, costs for goods and services can vary widely. Shop the cost of exams, tests, procedures, medications, nursing facilities, and imaging centers before non-emergency events. The price of an MRI on one side of Main Street can be $500, and $2,500 on the other. Healthcare pricing, as a rule, is arbitrary. Even the pharmacy you choose can be the difference in hundred of dollars annually.
Tip #1: Compare different types of health care plans
There are several types of health coverage options that you may choose from in Arizona. Even some that you may not be aware of - like faith-based health
plans. Faith-based health plans, (sometimes referred to as healthcare sharing programs), function very much like traditional health insurance plans. However, they are not
insurance plans at all - at least not in a legal sense.
There are also the new short-term plans. Today's short-term health insurance plans are quite different than what they were in the past. They now feature benefits that
are comparable to traditional health insurance plans. In addition, you can be covered by a short-term health plan for much longer periods than before.
We will touch on all the health plan options available in the Arizona region, below.
Health plan options In Arizona Include:
- Traditional health insurance plans.
Traditional health insurance refers to health insurance plans that are offered via the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
Companies offering these plans include: BlueCross BlueShield, Aetna.
- Short-term health insurance.
Short-term health insurance plans are not so "short" any more. Do to recent changes in health insurance guidelines, you can now, in some cases, keep the same low-cost short-term health insurance plan for a year or more - making
such plans a serious long-term health insurance option. Companies offering these plans include: United Healthcare, National General.
- Faith-based healthcare coverage (Healthcare sharing plans).
Faith-based, or healthcare sharing programs is the exponentially exploding new market. Their unique plan structure makes such plans an intriguing and affordable alternative to traditional health insurance plans. Companies offering these plans include: OneShare Health.
When reviewing your health plan options, be sure to take a close look at the summary of benefits of each plan you are considering. Most health plans summaries can be found online somewhere within the description of benefits on most any major health insurance plan website. If you don't see it, request it before applying for any plan. A provider directory, which displays the facilities and doctors
that are part of the plan's physician network, should also be readily available.
Also, when comparing various plans, make certain to pay serious attention to your family's current medical needs. Consider the cost and manner of treatment you have gotten in the past. Though it is not possible to foretell
every future medical circumstance, being aware of your family's medical history can assist you in making the right decision.
Good to know: Ask questions. If you don't understand the details of the plan offered, contact the insurance company or give us a call. While there are a variety of online tools and resources that can help, the best thing to do is simply pick up the phone and talk to an insurance professional. You need to clearly understand what you're buying.
Tip #2: Review physician / hospital Networks
Be sure to check the hospital/physician network of any plan that you are considering. Make certain the specific hospitals or doctors you desire, are participating in the network. The expense of utilizing a physician or hospital that is out-of-network, can be staggering. Insurance firms negotiate
with physicians and hospitals to obtain more reasonable rates. When you opt out of the network, those negotiated rates are not available to you. If you have personal doctors and you want to keep visiting them, make certain they are part of the provider network associated with your plan.
Tip #3: Compare out-of-pocket costs
Perhaps the most important part of any health plan is the amount you will be responsible to pay should a medical need arise. Make sure you have a clear understanding of what your plan will pay toward a medical bill, and what you will be required to pay. You need to be clear
on this issue for most every possible medical circumstance. This includes office visits, x-rays and laboratory tests, emergency room visits, hospital procedures and stays, etc. Also, make sure you know the maximum amount your plan will pay toward every medical circumstance. Many plans have lifetime limits. Some plans have procedure limits. These
are things you do not want to learn of after you gone through a medical circumstance. You need to have pertinent knowlege concerning these issues before you purchase your health insurance plan. When it comes to finding a good health insurance plan in Arizona, there is a lot you need to know. Talk to the experts. We are happy to help. Give us a call today.
Other articles:
3 Important Tips to Getting Medicare Supplement Insurance In Arizona
Explaining The Growth of Healthcare Sharing Healthplans
Is Short-Term Health Insurance Right For You?