Arizona Health Insurance
Having health insurance is important, as it makes it possible for you to get the preventative and emergency medical care you need. In Arizona, there are many companies providing health insurance to groups and individuals. Learning about your rights and needs regarding Arizona health insurance can help you choose the best policy for you.
The Arizona Department of Insurance regulates health and other insurance in this state, from offices in Phoenix and Tucson. In Arizona, most people can get a health insurance policy through their employer. If this is the case, your employer will determine the eligibility requirements, which is different from other states. The insurers cannot deny health insurance to individuals who are part of a company with a group policy. However, like in most states, Arizona health insurance companies can deny individuals with preexisting conditions.
There is, however, a “portability” law in Arizona that can help you get health insurance. If you lose your group health insurance coverage due to leaving an employer (for any reason), you are guaranteed to get individual health insurance. This rule only applies if you had been covered for at least 18 months and although you can’t control your premium, it is against the law to deny you coverage.
Once you have an Arizona health insurance policy, whether it is through your employer or through an individual place, there are certain medical services and treatment options that insurers must provide. In Arizona, these include the following:
- You may get emergency treated without notifying your health insurance company first.
- Newborns must be covered for 31 days after birth if their parents have a family health plan. The new baby cannot be denied for inclusion in the plan as long as the baby’s inclusion is requested and paid for.
- If the person owning a family health insurance plan dies, dependents must be approved for conversion to their own plan. The same is true in the case of a divorce.
- Breast reconstruction surgery must be covered under your health insurance policy.
- If the health insurance plan covers prescription drugs, it must have programs for non-formulary drugs and post-business-hours drug availability.
If you need help with Arizona health insurance, you can check out the following organization that provide information about health insurance in this state:
· Health Care Group of Arizona
§ Phoenix (Maricopa County) health insurance program for small businesses
· Health Care Connect
§ Insurance program for low-income, uninsured residents
· Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS)
§ Medicaid in Arizona
You can also find all kinds of information about Arizona health insurance at the Arizona Department of Health Insurance’s website.