Maternity Coverage in Arizona

[orteggleston]

I have been researching individual/family insurance plans for the last 6 months. I have talked to dozens of agents and my head is spinning.

We recently signed my husband and our 2 boys (5 and 3) with "United American Insurance Company". I am now questioning that decision, but out of frustration (and some desperation) that seemed the best option at the time.

I am still searching for something for myself that includes maternity. Most of what I am finding requires a 12-21 month waiting period, some even waive cesarean coverage for 2-5 years, and the premiums are sky high.

I have considered carrying coverage that excludes a maternity benefit and just paying cash, but the unexpected scares me. If there were to be a problem (delivery, me, baby...) the cost could become unaffordable.

I seriously considered United Health Care, which has no waiting period. After some more research (none of this was disclosed by agent) I found that their maternity benefit barely covers anything for the first 3 years. In fact, after adding the $109 maternity benefit to my $200 premium there was still a $4,000 deductible with only $2500 maternity coverage the first year...WHAT?!

Cigna is currently at the top of my list. No cesarean waiver or low-ball maximums (like UHC), with a decent/affordable deductible. Down side is a 21 month wait prior to delivery.

I would also seriously consider a medical plan with a HSA option.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. Please feel free to pm.

Thanks!
Alison
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ETA:
Assurant also looks to be a good option (although some of the threads I have read here indicate to back away quickly??).

This is actually the best quote I have received yet!

I asked lots of questions regarding the maternity coverage. According to the agent, once the $5,000 maternity deductible is met they pay 100% (even for planned/scheduled cesarean).

Core Med - Family Plan
$2,000 deductible (must be met by 2 people)
Coinsurance 80/20
MAX OOP $11,000
MAX coverage 6 mil
Prescription $15 co-pay
up to 50% discount on dental/vision
$5,000 deductible for maternity….waiting period ONLY 90 days!!

 

[moonlightandmargaritas]

I have talked to dozens of agents and my head is spinning.

We recently signed my husband and our 2 boys (5 and 3) with "United American Insurance Company". I am now questioning that decision, but out of frustration (and some desperation) that seemed the best option at the time.

Wait a minute...

You talked to "dozens of agents" and the best you could come up with is United American?

There's got to be more to it.

"Best option at the time"? Why?

 

[IAC.Ryan]

If there were to be a problem (delivery, me, baby...) the cost could become unaffordable.

Most all Major Medical Carriers will cover complications same as any other illness - just not a regular delivery. So as long as you have a Major Medical plan - you shouldn't worry about that piece.

Core Med - Family Plan
$2,000 deductible (must be met by 2 people)
Coinsurance 80/20
MAX OOP $11,000
MAX coverage 6 mil
Prescription $15 co-pay
up to 50% discount on dental/vision
$5,000 deductible for maternity….waiting period ONLY 90 days!!

Generally, I'd stay away from the Core Med plan - But more to the point, when you combine the extra premium you will be paying for the "maternity coverage" with the maternity deductible - you'd probably be better off self insuring the delivery. Or coupling a regular major medical plan with an indemnity plan that covers the maternity SAAOI.

Feel free to email me if you'd like to discuss this further. I don't personally produce in AZ any longer but can get you in touch with someone if needbe.

 

[orteggleston]

Wait a minute...

You talked to "dozens of agents" and the best you could come up with is United American?

There's got to be more to it.

"Best option at the time"? Why?

Honestly I think he was just the best salesman. I found lots of good reviews and talked to a couple locals who have carried the plan for years. I also contacted the Arizona Department of Insurance who had no red flags listed for the company.

I have learned a lot more about insurance coverage since signing with UA and realize that my boys need better coverage.

I had no idea that finding individual/family insurance was so difficult (We have been spoiled with awesome insurance through my husbands employers for the last 11 years). I am reading everything I can get my hands on and talking to lots of people...I am learning!

 

[dgoldenz]

I would look at the OneDeductible HSA policy with Assurant before the CoreMed....you can limit your max out of pocket expense to $5700 (or $4200, or $7500, or $10k, your choice) for the whole family (versus $22,000 with the CoreMed quoted) each year for what I would guess is close to the same rate. They may also have the decreasing deductible program in your state on the HSA policy. Contribute the max amount per year to the HSA, get the tax deduction, and use the money in the account to pay the maternity expenses. You'll save quite a bit.

 

[somarco]

You really need to get with a GOOD agent.

Not the one who has the slickest pitch, but someone who actually KNOWS what they are doing.

If you can't tell the difference, and it appears you can't, you are going to end up going from pillar to post and still be dissatisfied.

 

[orteggleston]

You really need to get with a GOOD agent.

Not the one who has the slickest pitch, but someone who actually KNOWS what they are doing.

If you can't tell the difference, and it appears you can't, you are going to end up going from pillar to post and still be dissatisfied.

Yeah, thanks for the advice...

I have already gone through 2 local agents, both stopped returning my calls once I added maternity to my "needs" list. Too much work for them...I don't know?

 

[Crabcake Johnny]

If your only concern is the maternity and not the cheapest rate it's the Assuarant HSA with the maternity option.

 

[TXINSURANCE]

United American is a scheduled limited benefit plan last I checked. I bet somewhere a document signed said LIMITED MEDICAL PLAN - first indication to not walk away, run away.

I didn't think they sold true "major medical"?

The DOI is useless when comparing carriers they are not going to tell you which companies or plans are substandard (as they approved them all for sale!!!)

 

[InsureGuy5]

My AZ clients usually choose Assurant. Their three month waiting period is hard to beat. You might consider putting your family on another plan as you will double the insurance (not maternity specific deductible) if you don't. That deductible would come into play if there are any complication resulting from the pregnancy like a c-section. Feel free to use the link in my signature to contact me and I can walk you through your options.