Finding the Right Health Insurance in Alaska
Health care is a necessity in a place with a climate as extreme as Alaska's can be. Fortunately, residents of the 49th state have many choices and options for excellent health coverage.
The cheapest and simplest option is group coverage on the job. This kind of insurance spreads risk over a group and reduces costs and premiums. Alaska even has a special program for small companies with 50 or fewer employees allowing them rates almost as good as larger employers.
The next option is private insurance with many major companies offering coverage in Alaska. These include Aetna, Fortis/Assurant, who also offers short term policies for temporary residents, Celtic, Golden Rule, John Alden, MEGA, and Premara Blue Cross.
Alaska residents can also find coverage through the internet wide eHealthInsurance, a broker who offers coverage and easy comparison of various plans. Those who are high risk and turned down for health insurance may qualify for Alaska's ACHIA, a comprehensive insurance plan providing major medical coverage to those with certain pre-existing conditions.
There are also the need-based or income-eligible plans such as the Medicaid program and CAMA (Chronic and Acute Medical Assistance) for those over 21 with specific medical problems who do not qualify for Medicaid. Children are covered under the Federally supported children's health insurance, called Denali Kid Care in Alaska. This provides low cost or no cost coverage for all children 18 and younger.
The state has a great resource for finding coverage and determining eligibility for the various plans on the Actor's Fund of America Health Insurance Resource Center. This site has links to providers offering coverage and to the income based programs as well as the high risk and special conditions plans. It is the best starting place for finding the best Alaska health insurance plan for you and your needs.