Arizona Medicaid

Last verified: June 2026

What is AHCCCS, Arizona's Medicaid program?

AHCCCS — the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, pronounced "access" — is Arizona's Medicaid program. The AHCCCS Administration administers the program. Arizona launched AHCCCS in 1982 as one of the last states to join the national Medicaid program, but it did so with an innovative twist: AHCCCS was the first statewide managed care Medicaid program in the United States. More than four decades later, all AHCCCS medical care is still delivered through contracted managed care health plans — there is no fee-for-service Medicaid option for most members.

Arizona expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act in 2014. As of 2025, approximately 2.2 million Arizonans are enrolled in AHCCCS, covering roughly 30% of the state's population. Arizona has no asset test for MAGI-based AHCCCS coverage — the category covering most adults, children, and pregnant women. The separate Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS) program has its own asset limits.

AHCCCS covers a broad range of services: doctor visits, hospital care, prescription drugs, behavioral health, dental care, and long-term care services for qualifying members. Children receive comprehensive EPSDT benefits. Adults receive coverage through managed care plans selected at enrollment.

How AHCCCS works: managed care health plans

Every AHCCCS member is enrolled in a health plan. The plans — called Contractor Health Plans — operate under contract with the AHCCCS Administration and take financial responsibility for covered services in their region. Available plans vary by county. Per AHCCCS, plans operating in Arizona include Banner University Family Care, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Advantage, Mercy Care, Molina Healthcare of Arizona, and United Healthcare Community Plan, among others. Members can view available plans and enroll at azahcccs.gov.

AHCCCS Connect, the member portal at azahcccs.gov, allows members to view coverage details, check eligibility, report changes, and go paperless for AHCCCS letters. Members can also apply through Health-e-Arizona Plus at healthearizonaplus.gov.

Who qualifies for AHCCCS?

AHCCCS income limits vary by coverage category. The February 2026 official AHCCCS Eligibility Requirements chart confirms the following thresholds:

• Adults ages 19–64 (ACA expansion group): at or below 138% FPL — approximately $21,597/year for a single person
• Children under age 1: up to 147% FPL (monthly limit: $1,956 for a household of 1)
• Children ages 1–5: up to 141% FPL (monthly limit: $1,876 for a household of 1)
• Children ages 6–18: up to 133% FPL (monthly limit: $1,769 for a household of 1)
• KidsCare (CHIP) for children under 19: up to 225% FPL — for families not eligible for AHCCCS Medicaid
• Pregnant women: up to 156% FPL — approximately $2,075/month for an individual
• Individuals needing long-term care (ALTCS): 300% of the Federal Benefit Rate ($2,982/month in 2026)

Source: AHCCCS Eligibility Requirements chart, revised February 1, 2026. Income figures are monthly household amounts after applicable deductions. KidsCare (Arizona's CHIP program) requires children to not be eligible for AHCCCS Medicaid.

ALTCS: a separate program for long-term care

The Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS) is AHCCCS's separate program for elderly individuals and people with physical or developmental disabilities who require nursing facility-level care. ALTCS is not part of standard AHCCCS enrollment — it has its own application process, financial eligibility rules, and contracted health plans.

ALTCS covers nursing facility care, home and community-based services, and hospice. The income limit is 300% of the Social Security Federal Benefit Rate ($2,982/month for an individual in 2026). The resource limit is $2,000 for a single applicant. Arizona has an estate recovery program for ALTCS costs; AHCCCS pursues reimbursement from the estates of members who received ALTCS services after age 55.

Arizona Medicaid topics

What does Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) cover?

Medicaid covers a broad range of health services. Federal law mandates certain benefits — inpatient and outpatient hospital care, physician services, lab work, X-rays, and nursing facility services, among others. States add optional services on top of those. Dental, vision, and long-term home care coverage vary by state.

The national benefits overview lists required and commonly optional services. Check the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) website for the current state-specific benefit package.

How to apply

Most people can apply online through Arizona's Medicaid portal, by phone, or in person at a local eligibility office. The how to apply page walks through each method, what documents you'll need, and what to expect during the review period.

Under 42 CFR 435.912, states must process most standard Medicaid applications within 45 days (90 days for disability-based applications). Arizona must follow that federal timeline.