Common Pitfalls

In the past, some people found it impossible to find health coverage that was affordable and met their needs. Now, there should be an option for almost everybody, regardless of whether you have a disability. The exact health coverage that will be right for you will depend on things like your family’s income, whether you have access to employer-sponsored coverage, your age, where you live, and whether you have a disability.

If you do not have the option of employer-sponsored coverage, you may be able to get government help to pay for an individual plan on HealthCare.gov. If you cannot afford private individual coverage, your best options will be public programs, like AHCCCS or Medicare, if you qualify.

Note: It is very important to have health coverage, but starting in 2019 there is no tax penalty if you don't have coverage.

AHCCCS Freedom to Work covers some services that private health care plans do not cover.

If you’re in that situation and your private premium is higher than what your AHCCCS Freedom to Work premium would be, you should enroll in AHCCCS Freedom to Work. You’ll get more comprehensive coverage at a lower price.

If you are eligible for both AHCCCS Freedom to Work and Medicare, you should enroll in both. If you have both, you’ll have better health coverage, because AHCCCS Freedom to Work covers many services that Medicare does not cover. AHCCCS Freedom to Work may even pay your deductibles, copayments, and your premiums for Medicare Parts A, B, and D.

In the past, people feared that if they got a job while they were on AHCCCS, they’d lose their AHCCCS, because they would no longer have low enough income to qualify.

Starting in 2014, if you lose one health coverage option, there will be another one you can get. If you lose your AHCCCS coverage, you will either become eligible for employer-sponsored coverage or private individual coverage. And, if you can’t afford the individual coverage, the government may help you pay for it.

The bottom line: There is a coverage option for everybody. Do not worry that getting a job will leave you without health coverage.