Private Health Insurance in Arizona: Medically Underwritten Plans
If you're self-employed, between jobs, or paying full price for Marketplace or COBRA coverage, a medically underwritten plan may be worth comparing. I'm Braedan Sanders, a licensed health insurance agent in Phoenix, and I help Arizona individuals and families see whether these plans fit their situation, and when they don't.
What is a medically underwritten health plan?
A medically underwritten plan is private health insurance where the carrier reviews your health history before approving you. Based on your answers, the carrier can approve you, adjust your rate, exclude certain conditions, or decline the application.
These plans are not ACA (Affordable Care Act) plans. They're sold outside the Marketplace, and they aren't eligible for premium tax credits. Because applicants are reviewed individually, premiums for healthy applicants can be lower than unsubsidized Marketplace premiums. Results vary by age, health, location, and plan.
Underwritten plans vs. ACA Marketplace plans
Health questions: underwritten plans ask them and approval depends on your answers; ACA plans can't decline you for health reasons.
Pre-existing conditions: may be excluded or affect approval on underwritten plans; covered on ACA plans.
Premium tax credits: not available for underwritten plans; available on ACA plans if you qualify by income.
When you can enroll: underwritten plans are generally available year-round; ACA plans require Open Enrollment or a qualifying life event.
Benefits: vary by underwritten plan and may not include all ACA essential health benefits; ACA plans include all 10.
Who these plans may fit
Self-employed people and small business owners in reasonably good health
People whose income is too high for meaningful Marketplace subsidies
Early retirees who aren't yet eligible for Medicare
People leaving employer coverage who want an alternative to COBRA
Anyone who missed Open Enrollment and wants to compare options
Who should probably look elsewhere
If you have a serious ongoing health condition, are pregnant or planning to be, or qualify for large Marketplace subsidies, an ACA plan is often the better choice. I'll tell you that directly if it's true for you, and I can help you compare Marketplace options too.
How the process works
Free consultation. We talk through your budget, doctors, prescriptions, and what you need coverage for.
Compare options. I show you underwritten and ACA options side by side, including what each one does and doesn't cover.
Apply. If an underwritten plan fits, you complete the carrier's health questions. Answer them fully and accurately; inaccurate answers can lead to denied claims or a canceled policy.
Decision. The carrier approves, adjusts, or declines. If you're declined, we look at other options.
Ongoing support. I stay your point of contact for questions, claims help, and renewals.
Serving Phoenix and all of Arizona
I'm based in Phoenix and work with clients across Arizona by phone or video. I'm also licensed in 32 other states.
Talk to a licensed Arizona agent
Book a free, no-obligation consultation and find out whether an underwritten plan makes sense for you.
Book a free consultation or call (612) 250-0842.
Medically underwritten plans are not ACA-compliant health insurance. Eligibility, rates, and benefits are determined by the carrier and may exclude pre-existing conditions. This page is general information, not a guarantee of coverage or price. Sanders Health Insurance is not affiliated with the federal or state Health Insurance Marketplace. Braedan Sanders, licensed insurance agent.