The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) is Arizona’s Medicaid program that provides health insurance to qualified low-income people and their families. Understanding how AHCCCS works is quite helpful if you’re looking for affordable healthcare alternatives available in Arizona.
What is AHCCCS?
AHCCCS stands for Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System.
In other words, it is Arizona’s Medicaid program that aims to provide health care coverage to low-income individuals and families1. It covers a wide range of medical services- which includes addiction and mental health treatment. Medicaid is funded by both state and federal governments, ensuring that qualified residents can get the treatment they need.
While AHCCCS is Medicaid, every state runs its program differently, and AHCCCS is Arizona’s uniquely operating Medicaid program that remains a valuable resource for accessible healthcare throughout Arizona.
Here’s a video that quickly explains the programs that AHCCCS offers, and also who is eligible for those programs.
Who is Eligible for AHCCCS?
AHCCCS’s purpose is to provide accessible healthcare to Arizona residents that can’t afford to pay for healthcare on their own.
Eligibility for programs is based on income, family size, and specific qualifying groups such as children, seniors, pregnant women, or those with disabilities. Individuals are eligible if they meet one or more of the following criteria below:
- Low-income individuals and families
- Pregnant women
Children under 19 - Blind or disabled individuals
- Seniors aged 65+
- U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens that are residents of Arizona
Do I qualify for Medicaid?
Not sure if you qualify for AHCCCS? Head to the official eligibility page and apply online. A little free help with eligibility and coverage questions can make all the difference when searching for affordable healthcare.
How to Apply for AHCCCS
To apply, you can either visit the Health-e-Arizona Plus portal, visit a DES office in person, or complete the process over the phone. Below is a clear step-by-step guide to applying for AHCCCS:
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for AHCCCS
Determine Your Eligibility: Before you apply, you need first to find out whether you are eligible. AHCCCS bases eligibility on your level of income, family size, and residency status. Their online eligibility tool can help you confirm if you qualify.
Have the Required Documents at Hand: For an easier application process, you’ll need to have the following documents ready to attach to your application:
- Proof of income -which might be in the form of pay stubs and W-2 forms or your most recent tax return.
- Proof of Arizona residency, such as a utility bill or lease agreement
- Proof of identity, such as driver’s license or Social Security card
- Proof of Immigration status (if applicable)
Choose an Application Method: Below are the ways by which you can apply for AHCCCS:
- Online Application: You can go to the official website for AHCCCS to view the application form available through their portal.
- In Person: Apply at a local DES (Department of Economic Security) office or community health center. Use the AHCCCS office locator to find a location near you.
- By Phone: Call the AHCCCS customer support line at 1-855-432-7587 and apply by phone.
Submit Your Application: Complete the forms and attach all required documents, then submit your application. For online application submission, a confirmation and subsequent instructions will be mailed or e-mailed to you.
Wait for Approval: AHCCCS will take your submitted application and all attached documents in for processing. This may take several weeks. You will be informed about any approval or denials and any additional information about subsequent actions you need to take.
Taking the time to gather the right documents and understand how to apply will make all the difference in getting you covered as soon as possible. For more information or to apply, visit the official AHCCCS website.
Do States Have Different Medicaid Programs?
Yes! While AHCCCS is Arizona’s Medicaid program, there are Medicaid programs with different names in every state.
These programs might often differ in things like eligibility requirements, services covered, and processes for applications.
Even though they have some minor differences, each state’s Medicaid program has the same mission: to provide health care coverage to struggling low-income residents.
For example, Medi-Cal in California and New York’s Medicaid programs provide health care coverage to people in need, just like AHCCCS.
However, the programs might have differences in eligibility requirements, services covered, and how you apply. To learn about the Medicaid programs in other states, you can look into the Medicaid State Profiles.
Get Help for Mental Health & Substance Abuse
We offer evidence-based treatment options covered by AHCCCS!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AHCCCS the same thing as Medicaid?
What does AHCCCS cover?
It covers a range of health care services, from doctor visits, hospital care, mental health, substance abuse, and preventive care.
Does AHCCCS cover drug rehab?
Where can I use my AHCCCS plan?
AHCCCS plans are accepted at many health centers throughout Arizona. You can choose a plan depending on your local geographic area of service (GSA):
- Central GSA will include the counties of Pinal, Gila, and Maricopa
- South GSA will include the counties of Pima, Santa Cruz, Graham, Yuma, Cochise, Greenlee, and LaPaz
- North GSA will include the counties of Mohave, Yavapai, Coconino, Apache, and Navajo.
(Note: ZIP codes 85542, 85192, 85550 are part of the South GSA to keep the San Carlos tribal land in one GSA3.)
CHC and AHCCCS
So, is AHCCCS Medicaid? Yes, it is! AHCCCS is the Medicaid program in Arizona that offers affordable or even free health care, including addiction treatments and mental health services, to its residents who meet specific qualification criteria. It is fully funded by the state and federal government to ensure that low-income adults and families receive needed primary care. If you think that you might be qualified, make sure to apply and review your coverage options.
Key Takeaways
- AHCCCS is a Medicaid program that covers essential health services for Arizona residents.
- Eligibility generally is based on income, residency, and specific conditions such as pregnancy or disability.
- It can be very easy to apply for AHCCCS either in person or online.
- AHCCCS covers mental health and substance abuse treatments for those who need it.
