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Listed below are  topics with frequently asked questions regarding The University Healthcare Group, or pertaining to health insurance in general. Clicking a topic below will expand the section to reveal questions with answers and/or additional information related to the question.


  • Questions To Ask About Small Business Health Insurance
    • Q: What is the plan's history regarding rate increases?
      A: Beware of low introductory rates that may appear attractive. Ask an insurance company to show you its track record regarding rates. Sure you can change insurance plans if rates rise significantly, but what would happen if you unexpectedly became ill or uninsurable in the meantime? University Healthcare Group has a record of low annual premium rate increases. We are a non-profit organization affiliated with the University of Arizona College of Medicine. Part of our mission is to keep this plan affordable. Our rates are set by the State of Arizona. The state does not medically underwrite groups based on prior health histories.
    • Q: Can my group's rates be raised if someone is stricken by a catastrophic illness?
      A: We've all heard nightmare stories about health insurance plans canceling coverage or rates soaring because small-business employees "used" the plan or someone became extremely ill. At University Healthcare Group we do not revise rates based on the experience of a single group.
    • Q: How long has the plan been offered?
      A: In 1987, The University Healthcare Group established the first plan in Arizona which offered affordable health insurance to small businesses. When we started, we were the only medical group to step forward and help the state of Arizona work with this unique business sector. Over the years, we've learned a lot from our clients. You might say we're the only ones in town who have a track record of understanding small business needs.
    • Q: Does the plan provide for continuance of coverage if one of my employees quits or I have to lay someone off?
      A: Coverage may be continued under Federal COBRA laws for companies with more than 20 employees.
    • Q: How much paperwork will I have to complete if my employees have claims?
      A: Some plans require employers to calculate co-pays and deductibles. With University Healthcare Group you have no paperwork for claims.
    • Q: Is there a local office with support staff to assist me or my employees with questions?
      A: Even when out-of-town companies have "800" numbers, who has the time to sit on hold? University Healthcare Group is locally operated. Each member has a personal representative, a friendly one-stop resource you can use to answer any questions and troubleshoot any problems that may arise. You're welcome to phone or visit us with any questions.
    • Q: Does the plan provide preventive coverage to help us stay well?
      A: With University Healthcare Group yearly physicals, well-baby care and immunizations, mammograms and prenatal care are all preventive medicine standards. Our experience has shown that health care is less costly when we find minor problems before they become major.
    • Q: What percentage of premiums does the employer have to pay?
      A: We give you and your employees the flexibility to reach your own agreement on premium payments. Some employers decide to pay 100 percent of the premiums. Others pay 0 percent, but provide employees access to affordable coverage.
    • Q: Which physicians can we see and which hospital can we use?
      A: University Healthcare Group is operated by the faculty physicians of the University of Arizona College of Medicine and is affiliated with University Medical Center and a large local network of community physicians and hospitals in Pima and Cochise counties. Our patients have access to a team of physicians and nurses who are at the forefront of medicine at one of the leading health care centers in the world. At University Healthcare Group, a physician who treats high blood pressure may also be discovering the latest link between diet and heart disease. The physician you will see most likely spends some time training future medical professionals: In fact, some of Arizona’s best doctors got their start with us and continue to learn from us. Our members can use these hospitals: University Medical Center, Northwest Medical Center, St. Joseph’s Hospital, St. Mary’s Hospital, Sierra Vista Regional Health Center, Copper Queen Community Hospital, Benson Hospital, Northern Cochise Community Hospital, Community Healthcare of Douglas.
    • Q: I am a sole proprietor or only have one eligible employee. Am I eligible to enroll in UHG?
      A: Effective September 27, 2008, HB2275 A.R.S.36-2912 (B) prohibits Healthcare Group from enrolling groups with only one eligible employee.
    • Q: What coverage is available for me if I travel out of the state or out of the country?
      A: Emergency services are covered anywhere in the United States but the member is responsible to pay the out-of-network co-insurance. If admitted to an out-of-network hospital, the member will be transported to an in-network participating health plan network hospital when determined to be medically stable by the Medical Director. The member or provider must notify the health plan network within 48 hours after Emergency Medical Services are initially provided if possible. There is no coverage outside of the United States.
    • Q: What does deductible mean?
      A: Deductible means the annual fixed-dollar amount of covered expenses that the member must pay before University Healthcare Group starts to pay for covered services, subject to the co-payment and co-insurance.
    • Q: What is a co-payment?
      A: Co-payment, also co-pay, means a fixed-dollar amount that a member is required to pay directly to a Provider at the time the services are rendered in order to receive the services.
    • Q: What is co-insurance?
      A: Co-insurance means a predetermined percentage of the cost of a covered service as specified in the GSA that a member must pay for the provision of that service.
    • Q: Can my group's rates be raised if someone is stricken by a catastrophic illness?2Mar 22 2012 12:00:06:923P
      A: We've all heard nightmare stories about health insurance plans canceling coverage or rates soaring because small-business employees "used" the plan or someone became extremely ill. At University Healthcare Group we do not revise rates based on the experience of a single group.
    • Q: Does the plan provide for continuance of coverage if one of my employees quits or I have to lay someone off?6Mar 22 2012 12:00:06:923P
      A: Coverage may be continued under Federal COBRA laws for companies with more than 20 employees.
    • Q: Does the plan provide preventive coverage to help us stay well?10Mar 22 2012 12:00:06:923P
      A: With University Healthcare Group yearly physicals, well-baby care and immunizations, mammograms and prenatal care are all preventive medicine standards. Our experience has shown that health care is less costly when we find minor problems before they become major.
    • Q: How long has the plan been offered?3Mar 22 2012 12:00:06:923P
      A: In 1987, The University Healthcare Group established the first plan in Arizona which offered affordable health insurance to small businesses. When we started, we were the only medical group to step forward and help the state of Arizona work with this unique business sector. Over the years, we've learned a lot from our clients. You might say we're the only ones in town who have a track record of understanding small business needs.
    • Q: How much paperwork will I have to complete if my employees have claims?7Mar 22 2012 12:00:06:923P
      A: Some plans require employers to calculate co-pays and deductibles. With University Healthcare Group you have no paperwork for claims.
    • Q: I am a sole proprietor or only have one eligible employee. Am I eligible to enroll in UHG?17Mar 22 2012 12:00:06:923P
      A: Effective September 27, 2008, HB2275 A.R.S.36-2912 (B) prohibits Healthcare Group from enrolling groups with only one eligible employee.
    • Q: Is there a local office with support staff to assist me or my employees with questions?8Mar 22 2012 12:00:06:923P
      A: Even when out-of-town companies have "800" numbers, who has the time to sit on hold? University Healthcare Group is locally operated. Each member has a personal representative, a friendly one-stop resource you can use to answer any questions and troubleshoot any problems that may arise. You're welcome to phone or visit us with any questions.
    • Q: What coverage is available for me if I travel out of the state or out of the country?18Mar 22 2012 12:00:06:923P
      A: Emergency services are covered anywhere in the United States but the member is responsible to pay the out-of-network co-insurance. If admitted to an out-of-network hospital, the member will be transported to an in-network participating health plan network hospital when determined to be medically stable by the Medical Director. The member or provider must notify the health plan network within 48 hours after Emergency Medical Services are initially provided if possible. There is no coverage outside of the United States.
    • Q: What does deductible mean?19Mar 22 2012 12:00:06:923P
      A: Deductible means the annual fixed-dollar amount of covered expenses that the member must pay before University Healthcare Group starts to pay for covered services, subject to the co-payment and co-insurance.
    • Q: What is a co-payment?20Mar 22 2012 12:00:06:923P
      A: Co-payment, also co-pay, means a fixed-dollar amount that a member is required to pay directly to a Provider at the time the services are rendered in order to receive the services.
    • Q: What is co-insurance?21Mar 22 2012 12:00:06:923P
      A: Co-insurance means a predetermined percentage of the cost of a covered service as specified in the GSA that a member must pay for the provision of that service.
    • Q: What is the plan's history regarding rate increases?1Mar 22 2012 12:00:06:923P
      A: Beware of low introductory rates that may appear attractive. Ask an insurance company to show you its track record regarding rates. Sure you can change insurance plans if rates rise significantly, but what would happen if you unexpectedly became ill or uninsurable in the meantime? University Healthcare Group has a record of low annual premium rate increases. We are a non-profit organization affiliated with the University of Arizona College of Medicine. Part of our mission is to keep this plan affordable. Our rates are set by the State of Arizona. The state does not medically underwrite groups based on prior health histories.
    • Q: What percentage of premiums does the employer have to pay?11Mar 22 2012 12:00:06:923P
      A: We give you and your employees the flexibility to reach your own agreement on premium payments. Some employers decide to pay 100 percent of the premiums. Others pay 0 percent, but provide employees access to affordable coverage.
    • Q: Which physicians can we see and which hospital can we use?12Mar 22 2012 12:00:06:923P
      A: University Healthcare Group is operated by the faculty physicians of the University of Arizona College of Medicine and is affiliated with University Medical Center and a large local network of community physicians and hospitals in Pima and Cochise counties. Our patients have access to a team of physicians and nurses who are at the forefront of medicine at one of the leading health care centers in the world. At University Healthcare Group, a physician who treats high blood pressure may also be discovering the latest link between diet and heart disease. The physician you will see most likely spends some time training future medical professionals: In fact, some of Arizona’s best doctors got their start with us and continue to learn from us. Our members can use these hospitals: University Medical Center, Northwest Medical Center, St. Joseph’s Hospital, St. Mary’s Hospital, Sierra Vista Regional Health Center, Copper Queen Community Hospital, Benson Hospital, Northern Cochise Community Hospital, Community Healthcare of Douglas.
  • Vaccine FAQs
    • Q: Why do children need vaccines?
      A: They provide protection from many deadly diseases. Vaccines cause much less problems, if any, than having the actual disease.
    • Q: Are vaccines safe?
      A: Vaccines are among the safest “things” we put into our bodies. They have to pass strict standards of safety before they are ready for use.
    • Q: We don’t have some of the “childhood” diseases in the Unites States, why does my child have to get those shots?
      A: A disease may not be seen in the United States commonly, but we want to remember with international travel we have visitors from all over the world. Through regular use of vaccines we can prevent breakouts of these diseases.
    • Q: Why does my child get so many shots?
      A: When babies are born, their bodies start fighting off germs right away. Their bodies are building a complex immune system. Giving them all their shots as infants gives their body the chance to build antibodies against these diseases before being exposed.
    • Q: Are vaccines safe? 14Mar 22 2012 12:00:06:920P
      A: Vaccines are among the safest “things” we put into our bodies. They have to pass strict standards of safety before they are ready for use.
    • Q: We don’t have some of the “childhood” diseases in the Unites States, why does my child have to get those shots? 15Mar 22 2012 12:00:06:923P
      A: A disease may not be seen in the United States commonly, but we want to remember with international travel we have visitors from all over the world. Through regular use of vaccines we can prevent breakouts of these diseases.
    • Q: Why do children need vaccines? 13Mar 22 2012 12:00:06:923P
      A: They provide protection from many deadly diseases. Vaccines cause much less problems, if any, than having the actual disease.
    • Q: Why does my child get so many shots? 16Mar 22 2012 12:00:06:923P
      A: When babies are born, their bodies start fighting off germs right away. Their bodies are building a complex immune system. Giving them all their shots as infants gives their body the chance to build antibodies against these diseases before being exposed.