Arizona Rights for Patients Regarding Medical Bill Payments

Healthcare reimbursement can be a very controversial topic. One of the reasons is that it involves multiple governmental agencies. Medicare is managed by the federal government while Medicaid is managed at the state level, and each state has its own rules regarding the provision of and payment for specific healthcare coverage. Rights regarding medical bill payments for citizens of Arizona have their own unique guidelines.

Considerations

• Commercial insurance companies that operate within a state must abide by the guidelines given by its department of insurance. Appeals to any rulings by an insurance company in Arizona must first go through that company's appeals process. After that, the beneficiary may take additional steps with the Arizona Department of Insurance. If a beneficiary receives benefits from an employer that funds its own insurance plans in Arizona, appeals must be directed to the U.S. Department of Labor Los Angeles Pension Welfare Benefit Administration.

Features

• In the state of Arizona, patients who are unemployed or don't have insurance may apply for benefits via the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS). This is the state's Medicaid plan and it covers all parts of the hospital benefit for the patient. State legislation from one year to the next may include plans to expand or decrease the coverage.

Prevention

• The University Medical Center in Tucson, Arizona offers a guide to paying medical bills on its website. The guide includes understanding insurance coverage, payments arrangements and the importance of getting an itemized bill. In the state of Arizona, hospitals post the price for all the services they provide with the Arizona Department of Health Services. The state offers several measures for consumers to understand the often confusing medical billing process.

Significance

• Arizona constituents have an active legislature looking out for their rights as healthcare consumers. Studies have been conducted to ascertain issues related to access to care. The state has expanded its Medicaid program to prevent default on medical bills. Arizona supports the idea that states play a significant role in patient care.

Warning

• More than 4,000 Arizona households were surveyed in a recent study published by the American Journal of Public Health. Study participants were questioned to determine the likelihood of acquiring medical debt. The study didn't include Medicare beneficiaries since they already have access to care. The study found that even Arizona citizens who have insurance are still likely to become victims of medical debt and subsequently limited access to healthcare...demonstrating that insurance isn't a guarantee to preventing medical debt.