There are many public health insurance plans and options that make healthcare accessible to all Arizona residents. These services are provided through the U.S. federal government or Arizona Medicaid and Medicare programs. These public health insurance programs are available to you in the event that you do not want to enroll in private health insurance or are unable to afford other health insurance options.
Click on an area below to be taken to more detailed pages about Obamacare (The Affordable Care Act), Medicaid, or Medicare programs, plans, options, and FAQs.
Obamacare, The Affordable Care Act
Obamacare, or The Affordable Care Act, refers to any health care insurance plan that can be bought through the federally operated Health Insurance Marketplace. When applying for Obamacare, you may find that you also qualify for cost assistance or government subsidies. Currently, 54% of Arizona residents that enrolled through the exchange received a government subsidy.
Currently, there are four options for carriers through the Arizona exchange:
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona
- Cigna
- Health Net Life Insurance
- Phoenix Health Plans
You can decide to go outside of the exchange for carriers like Aetna or Cigna, but you would forgo your subsidy or government assistance. It’s important to compare your options because off-exchange carriers may be a better price option for you. Due diligence in making a healthcare decision is always beneficial.
Arizona Medicaid: Health Insurance For Low Income
Medicaid programs include: Arizona Medicaid is the state-funded health insurance for low-income individuals, families, pregnant women, and those with disabilities. Arizona did opt to expand its Medicaid program in 2013, which increased access to healthcare for 58% of the uninsured non-elderly. As such, you may want to reapply if previously denied. You can apply for Arizona Medicaid, and if approved, begin benefits at any time of the year.
Arizona Medicare
Medicare is the federal health insurance for those who are 65 years of age or older, or who have a specific disability such as end-stage renal disease. If you have Medicare Part A today, you meet the requirements for qualified health coverage per the Affordable Care Act. Medicare Part B, unfortunately, does not meet this requirement so you will need additional health insurance coverage to avoid the Affordable Care Act penalty. About 11% of Arizona’s population receives Medicare benefits today.
Arizona Medicare programs and services include:
- Original Medicare Plans - Part A (hospital insurance), Part B (medical insurance)
- Medicare Advantage Plan - Part C
- Medicare Rx Plan - Part D
- Medigap
- HICAP
