Phoenix Insurance Broker: In Arizona, average ACA marketplace plan 'is over $2,000 a month for a family of four'

A Phoenix-based insurance broker said rising health coverage costs and limited guidance are creating major challenges for self-employed individuals and small business owners seeking reliable plans.

Cameron Lane, founder and president of Cameron Health Insurance Group, said during an interview on the Phoenix Business Brief Podcast that many families are facing steep premiums with limited understanding of available options.

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“It’s basically at this point, I think where I’m at in Arizona, the average, like a ACA marketplace plan is over $2,000 a month for a family of four,” Lane said. “That’s more than probably your mortgage payment… it’s a second mortgage payment, essentially just for health insurance.”

Lane said the complexity of the system leaves many individuals unaware of alternatives beyond standard marketplace plans, particularly those who are self-employed or lack employer-sponsored coverage.

“It’s a very unique industry where nobody really knows what’s going on. It costs so much money… and it’s just getting worse and worse and more confusing,” he said.

He added that independent brokers can help tailor coverage based on individual needs, rather than offering one-size-fits-all plans.

“I just tell people like, ‘Hey, this is the pros and cons… here are your different options,’ and then let them decide what they want,” Lane said.

Lane said his primary clients include entrepreneurs, contractors, and other individuals without access to employer-backed insurance, noting that proper plan selection can significantly impact long-term financial outcomes.

“It can really change the trajectory of your finances if you have the right person in place,” he said.

Lane founded Cameron Health Insurance Group after transitioning from a career as a professional poker player. He said he identified a gap in the market for brokers who prioritize transparency and long-term client relationships, reporting a retention rate above industry averages.