How to Get Health Insurance in Arizona on Your Own
If you don't get coverage through an employer, you can still buy your own health insurance in Arizona. That includes people who are self-employed, between jobs, retired before Medicare, or whose employer plan doesn't cover their family. This guide covers your options, when you can enroll, and how to choose. I'm Braedan Sanders, a licensed health insurance agent in Phoenix.
Your options for buying health insurance in Arizona
ACA Marketplace plans. Arizona uses the federal Marketplace at HealthCare.gov. You can't be turned down for health reasons, every plan covers the 10 essential health benefits, and premium tax credits can lower your cost depending on household income.
Medically underwritten private plans. Sold outside the Marketplace. The carrier reviews your health history, and premiums can be lower for healthy applicants. You can generally apply year-round, but there are no tax credits and pre-existing conditions may be excluded. Learn how private plans work.
AHCCCS (Arizona Medicaid). Arizona's Medicaid program for people with lower incomes. You can apply at any time through Health-e-Arizona PLUS.
Employer coverage or COBRA. A spouse's employer plan, or COBRA after leaving a job, may also be options.
When you can enroll
Open Enrollment for 2027 Marketplace plans: November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027. Enroll by December 15, 2026 for coverage starting January 1. Enroll December 16 to January 15 and coverage starts February 1.
Outside Open Enrollment: you need a qualifying life event, such as losing other coverage, moving, getting married, or having a baby. You generally have 60 days from the event to enroll.
Underwritten private plans: generally available year-round, subject to approval.
AHCCCS: you can apply any time of year.
What health insurance costs now
The enhanced Marketplace tax credits that started in 2021 expired at the end of 2025, so many people now pay more for Marketplace coverage. Households with income above 400% of the federal poverty level generally no longer qualify for any Marketplace help. If that's you, it's worth comparing Marketplace plans with underwritten private plans before you decide. Federal rules can change, so check current details before you enroll.
How to choose the right plan
Total yearly cost: add up the premium, deductible, and out-of-pocket maximum, not just the monthly price.
Doctors: confirm your doctors and hospitals are in the plan's network.
Prescriptions: check that your regular medications are covered and what they cost.
Your health: if you have an ongoing condition or expect a pregnancy, an ACA plan is usually the safer choice.
Your income: your estimated income decides whether you get a Marketplace tax credit.
How to find a good health insurance agent
Licensed in Arizona. You can check any agent's license on the Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions website.
Shows you more than one type of plan. A good agent compares Marketplace and private options, not just one product.
Explains what a plan doesn't cover. Exclusions and limits matter as much as benefits.
Doesn't add to your cost. Agents are usually paid by the insurance company, so working with one typically doesn't raise your premium.
Stays available after you enroll. You should have someone to call about claims, renewals, and changes.
Get help comparing your options
Book a free, no-obligation consultation and I'll walk you through your Marketplace, private, and AHCCCS options side by side.
Book a free consultation or call (612) 250-0842.
This page is general information, not a guarantee of coverage or price. Enrollment dates and tax credit rules are set by federal and state agencies and may change; confirm current details at HealthCare.gov. Sanders Health Insurance is not affiliated with HealthCare.gov, AHCCCS, or any government agency. Braedan Sanders, licensed insurance agent.