What to Expect for the 2017 Arizona Individual Health Insurance Marketplace

PHOENIX - Oct. 27, 2016 - PRLog -- "The news is not good for individuals who have to buy their own health insurance," said Lynn Marble, a spokesperson for Phoenix Health and Life Insurance. "Those who are self-employed or who do not have insurance through their work will struggle to get the insurance coverage they need to meet the mandate this year."

Starting in January, the only health insurers in the Phoenix area will be Cigna (Off Exchange Only), AM Better/Healthnet (On Exchange Only), and Aetna (Off Exchange Only). These carriers will only off small narrow HMO networks that will mostly revolve around the Banner and Abrazo Health Hospital systems. Several options will no longer be available on the individual market.

• Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Aetna
• Humana
• United Healthcare
• Health Choice
• Phoenix Health Plan
• Assurant
• Meritus
• Honor Health
• Scottsdale Healthcare Systems
• John C. Lincoln
• Dignity
• IASIS

"With so few options available to customers, they are looking at paying higher rates, having higher deductibles, and having fewer options for where they can go to get care," Marble said. "It is essential that customers work with the right insurance brokers to get the coverage they need at a price they can afford."

Customers cannot just opt to forego health insurance – not only because they would not have the protection they need if they are injured or fall ill, but also because they would have to pay a steep penalty when they file their taxes. Those who purchased a plan before Jan. 1, 2014, are likely to have a grandfathered or grandmothered plan and do not need to worry about losing their coverage, but those who are looking at buying a new policy may have trouble getting what they need.

Phoenix Health and Life Insurance has a few options to help. Those who are self-employed may be able to qualify for a group PPO medical plan if they are able to hire additional help.

"It only takes two people to form an employer group health insurance plan," Marble said. "Our agents can help you explore group options if you think you can make one other person a part of your endeavors. They will provide advice on what is required and what the benefits would be."

With a group health insurance plan http://phxhealthinsurance.com/group-health-insurance -  residents would gain access to a larger PPO network and would provide more stable rates and better benefits.

Another option that individuals can consider is a Medical Health Share membership. This is a cutting-edge program that is not technically health insurance but is more like a health co-op. You pay a lower monthly contribution that can be as little as $100 for a single person or up to $480 for a family.

A Medical Health Share membership may not be a good fit everyone. For those who have significant pre-existing conditions this program might not work.

"Medical Health Share plans are best for those who are height weight appropriate, are tobacco free, and live a healthy lifestyle". Marble said.

Medical Health Share plans are biblically based, which means that they are exempt from the Affordable Health Care requirements. Many are offered only to members of a certain religion. However, the plans offered by Phoenix Health and Life Insurance are non-denominational. Those who sign up for the plan have to attest to a statement of standards, but not profess to hold any particular religious beliefs.

Some of the benefits of a Medical Health Share program include:

• Choice of doctors in nationwide PPO network
• Stable rates
• $1 million in coverage
• Doctors' visits with preventative care
• Low monthly contributions
• Ability to avoid Obamacare tax penalty
• The ability to enroll all year round

Since you can enroll in a health share ministry program year round, Phoenix Health and Life Insurance encourages people to call an insurance agent to discuss the options now. Though some plans may not phase out until the end of the year, time is running out quickly, and it will be easier for residents to start exploring their options now.

Arizona residents are encouraged to call Phoenix Health and Life Insurance at (623) 516-8300 our visit their website at http://phxhealthinsurance.com.