Are you one of the tens of thousands of Arizonans who feel that health insurance for low-income families is a luxury you cannot afford? At Arizona Health Insurance Experts, we understand the stress and anxiety that comes without the security of health insurance for your family.
As we approach the final stages of the nationwide Medicaid Rewind, many thousands of Arizonans are stressed and anxious, thinking about the potential loss of their healthcare benefits through the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS).
How will these families, who are already struggling to make ends meet, afford health insurance in the future? Do you feel as if you cannot catch a break – on one hand, you exceed the income requirements to receive benefits, but on the other, you feel you cannot afford health insurance on your own?
The most important thing to remember is not to panic. There are several options for health insurance for low-income families in Arizona.
This blog will educate you on your options and why working with an independent health insurance broker is the most efficient and cost-effective way to apply for healthcare coverage in Arizona.
Overview of AHCCCS Renewal Process
Starting April 1, 2023, AHCCCS returned to the standard renewal process for all members. Implementing this process was scheduled to take approximately 12 months, during which time all members would need to requalify to retain benefits.
While about 75% of these renewals can be completed automatically (meaning the member doesn’t need to take any action), estimates show that approximately 600,000 AHCCCS members could lose coverage because they no longer meet eligibility criteria or they haven’t responded to AHCCCS’s requests for information.
Who Will Be Affected?
The people most affected by the AHCCCS renewal process are those who no longer meet the Medicaid or KidsCare coverage eligibility criteria. This may be due to a change in household income, size, location, health status, or other factors.
Preparation for AHCCCS Renewal
The most effective way to prepare for the AHCCCS renewal process is to ensure that your contact information is up-to-date by logging in at Health-e-Arizona Plus or calling 1-855-432-7587.
It may also be helpful to sign up for text/email alerts from AHCCCS to stay informed about critical updates.
Educate Yourself: What Different Types of Health Insurance Plans Are Available in Arizona?
Educating yourself about the different types of plans is crucial before you start exploring health insurance for low-income families.
HMOs
A Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) is a popular health insurance choice for Arizona families. HMOs have a list of approved primary care doctors to choose from, and you must obtain referrals to see specialists.
HMOs typically offer comprehensive healthcare services for a monthly premium and focus on preventive care and wellness programs.
PPOs
Preferred Provider Organizations, or PPOs, allow you to visit any healthcare provider within or outside your plan’s network without a referral. PPOs generally offer more flexibility in choosing doctors and hospitals but generally involve higher out-of-pocket costs.
PPOs prioritize flexibility and choice, making them great for Arizonans who want greater control over their healthcare decisions.
EPOs
An EPO, or Exclusive Provider Organization, offers coverage only if you use doctors, specialists, or hospitals within the plan’s network (except in cases of emergency care).
EPOs can be a very cost-effective solution for health insurance for low-income families, so long as you utilize only in-network providers.
Temporary or Short-Term Health Insurance
Short-term health insurance provides temporary coverage for Arizonans needing immediate healthcare options and is designed to fill coverage gaps during times of transition, such as job changes or waiting periods for other health plans.
However, many short-term health insurance plans have limitations on pre-existing conditions.
Related: Understanding Temporary Insurance in Arizona
Health Sharing Plans
Health-sharing plans, or healthcare-sharing ministries, are arrangements where members contribute funds to cover each other’s medical expenses. These plans are often based on religious or ethical beliefs and operate independently of traditional health insurance.
The major drawback with these plans is that they are not insurance and do not provide Arizonans with the same protections as licensed insurance plans.
Supplemental Plans
Supplemental plans offer limited benefits and do not provide full medical coverage. They may cover a limited number of visits or pay only a limited dollar amount per service.
This type of insurance can help cover out-of-pocket expenses such as deductibles, copayments, or services not fully covered by primary health insurance.
Options for Healthcare in Arizona
Now that you know a little more about the options for health insurance for low-income families, you can find the plan that best suits your needs and finances.
Affordable Care Act Health Insurance Marketplace
One primary resource for low-income families losing AHCCCS is Arizona’s Health Insurance Marketplace, administered by Healthcare.gov. Losing AHCCCS is a qualifying life event, meaning you are eligible under a Special Enrollment Period to select new health insurance under the Affordable Care Act (ACA)
Under the ACA, you can apply for a tax credit that lowers your premium. And in some cases, you can get coverage for as little as $10 or less per month after the tax credit.
Since this can be a confusing process, we recommend using a broker for Obamacare plans (more information on how an insurance broker can help you find the right insurance below).
Do You Qualify for Medicare and Social Security?
If you’re 65 or older or have a disability, you might be eligible for Medicare or Social Security benefits. For eligibility requirements, click here.
Are You a Veteran?
Veterans can contact the Veterans Administration for health insurance options.
Does Your Employer Offer Insurance?
All Arizona employers with 50 or more full-time (or full-time equivalent) employees are required to offer their employees group health insurance.
That said, many employers offer these benefits only to employees rather than to dependents, or the employee contribution for full-family benefits is simply out of many Arizonans’ budget. Thus, the plans are not a viable option for health insurance for low-income families.
Consult an Independent Health Insurance Broker in Your Neighborhood
One of the best ways to get health insurance for low-income families is by working with an independent health insurance broker in your neighborhood.
Independent brokers have a deep understanding of the local health insurance landscape and will assist you to find the plan that best fits your needs and budget. Choosing a broker in your neighborhood means working with someone who has your best interests at heart. They want to help members of the community that they live and work in.
And the best part for low-income families? A broker’s services are entirely free of charge.
Connecting Arizona’s Low-Income Families to the Right Health Insurance
Arizona Health Insurance Experts connects Arizonans of all income levels to independent health insurance brokers. We understand that access to affordable health insurance for low-income families is crucial for our communities to thrive. Remember, you are not alone in this process.
Find a local Arizona independent health insurance broker today to learn more about your options and take the first step towards securing a health insurance plan that meets your needs.
