Which type of insurance must be offered by insurers in Arizona for small group health coverage?

In Arizona, for small group health coverage, insurers are required to provide essential health benefits. This requirement aligns with federal health care mandates, specifically the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which specifies a minimum set of health benefits that must be included in many health plans. Essential health benefits encompass a range of critical services, including emergency services, hospitalization, maternity and newborn care, mental health services, prescription drugs, and preventive services, among others.

The incorporation of essential health benefits ensures that small group plans offered to employers meet the basic health needs of their employees without imposing excessive costs or limiting necessary medical services. This framework is designed to improve access to healthcare while enhancing the quality of coverage provided to small groups.

By requiring essential health benefits, Arizona aligns its regulations with overarching federal standards, thereby ensuring that all individuals and families have access to comprehensive health care services that can adequately address a variety of health issues.