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Arizona Insurance and Health Care
Employer health insurance is the most common type of health insurance in Arizona, covering 47% of the population. Medicaid covers 16% of the population and Medicare covers 12%. Twenty percent of people in Arizona have no health insurance. This is slightly higher than the national average of 16%.
Arizona offers no high risk pool insurance for people whose medical conditions exclude them from obtaining private insurance. There is no limit on the premiums that can be charged to HIPAA eligible individuals.
Arizona's Medicaid Program
The state’s Medicaid program is called the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS). Minors, pregnant women, and disabled persons who meet strict income guidelines may qualify for this program.
Uninsured minors who do not meet the stringent income guidelines for Medicaid may qualify for health insurance through KidsCare, the State Children’s Health Insurance Program. Eligible children can receive medical, dental and vision insurance under this program.
Arizona Health Issues
Arizona scores well in prognosis for cancer patients, with a low rate of cancer death relative to the other states. Their home care programs are also excellent, with high numbers of clients reporting increased bladder control and decreased shortness of breath.
Room for Improvement
An area in Arizona’s healthcare system that has potential for improvement and growth, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is Medicare recipient satisfaction. A relatively low number of individuals with Medicare reported being satisfied with their health care providers. Arizona also comes up a little short on diabetes care with a relatively low number of diabetics receiving an A1C hemoglobin test.
The state of Arizona covers a large geographic area and many health care clients live in rural areas. This makes frequent trips to the doctor impractical. Arizona has dealt with this issue by establishing a nationally recognized telemedicine program which allows patients to talk to a health care professional via a video connection. Arizona’s telepsychiatry program alone has won three national awards.
