Alaska Health Insurance Plans

In Alaska, as in every other state in America, having an affordable medical insurance plan is incredibly important. A single serious illness or injury could be financially devastating to a family which is without medical insurance coverage. Luckily, there are a wide variety of Health Insurance Providers in Alaska serving Alaskan residents, which means you have a lot to choose from. The Alaska Division of Insurance oversees all the companies doing business in the state.

Individual Alaska Health Insurance Plans

If you are looking for an individual Alaskan Health Insurance Plan for yourself or an Alaskan family health insurance plan, you will need to fill out an application prior to coverage being established. The application will request information concerning your health, prior insurance history, your age and other select information.

Surprisingly, you can even get an Alaska Health Insurance Plan if your health is not perfect. Often, exclusions can be added to a medical insurance plan in the form of a rider in order to exclude coverage for certain medical conditions, for a limited period of time or indefinitely. There may also be a waiting period in general or one simply regarding issues related to past medical problems. Exclusionary periods are also common for pre-existing conditions.

The Alaskan government requires all health insurance providers in Alaska to cover certain types of screening, prenatal care and children's hearing aids.

Small Group Health Insurance Plans in Alaska

Even though employers with 2 to 50 employees are not obligated to offer group health insurance in Alaska, many of them do. One of the benefits such plans offer individuals with less than perfect health is that group health insurance policies must not discriminate against them. They must be included in the medical insurance policy, but there may occasionally be exclusions and waiting periods applicable. Such employees must meet other criteria such as full-time work status and living within the area served by the insurer in order to be eligible for the plan. The state government also regulates small company's group health insurance rates in Alaska based on the index rate.

COBRA Coverage in Alaska

COBRA is the plan that mandates that Alaska health insurance is available to individuals who left a job for most reasons. COBRA must be available for at least 18 months, but can go to 36 months in extenuating circumstances. In smaller companies and states, mini-COBRA is often popular. However, COBRA is typically an expensive option as you are paying the employee and employer portions. Health Insurance Providers in Alaska may also increase the rates by 2%. In addition, if you have used up your COBRA coverage , don't fret. To avoid being without insurance, ACHIA or Alaska Comprehensive Health Insurance Association will offer you a plan if you are without other options.

With a population of over 650,000 Alaska has a strong number of residents with medical insurance. 82.3% of people carry Alaskan Health Insurance coverage of some type. If you are looking for new health insurance in Alaska, take the time to shop around and compare the types of medical insurance available in Alaska. Check into the stability of any company you are considering insuring with. Alaska offers choice and good coverage when it comes to Alaska health insurance so make sure you take advantage of it.