Before you choose an affordable health insurance plan in Phoenix, the most important thing to do is research the insurance companies and plans. This is the case even if you have already narrowed down your choices to those you can afford. There are three groups of people you should "interview" as part of your research, and each is important in its own way. These groups are your friends and family, the insurance company, and the people who helped you.
Family and Friends
You want to hear from people who have used certain health care plans, and these people have those stories. Ask around among your friends and family to see if anyone has used the Phoenix health insurance companies and plans you're thinking about. You should ask them how they choose their primary care doctors, how easy it is to get appointments with doctors (and how long it takes to get a referral), and if they feel like their health care needs have been met. You'll also want to know if they have any unresolved claims issues with their health insurance company.
Insurer
During the process of choosing a health insurance company, you will almost certainly talk to an agent or representative from the company you are considering. Be sure to ask them how they pay their providers, in addition to the usual questions about eligibility, coverage, premiums, etc. Most of the time, Phoenix health care providers who are part of networks are paid per service, on a salary, or based on a cap or quota. As bad as it is, health care providers sometimes don't do care or procedures that they might not get paid for.
Providers
Get a list of primary care doctors in Phoenix from your health insurance company and see if any of them interest you. Talk to those doctors about the referral process (the wait, the authorization, etc.) If you can't get the care you need quickly, cheap health insurance in Phoenix might not seem so cheap.
