Affordable Access to Quality Healthcare
Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS, pronounced “Access”) is the state’s Medicaid program available to Arizonans with limited resources and income. AHCCCS coverage includes doctor visits, vaccines, prescriptions, emergency care and hospitalizations for more than 20% of Arizonans, including three of eight Arizona children and more than 45% of births. AHCCCS is available to Arizona residents with citizenship or qualified immigration status who are low income. There are no fees for applying for AHCCCS.
Speak with an Eligibility Specialist.
Schedule an appointment with a Valleywise Health Eligibility Specialist to begin the process of applying for assistance. Expect that appointments are typically scheduled out a few weeks; or submit an application through Health-e-Arizona Plus (HEAplus).
Once your application has been accepted, you’ll receive and be able to use your AHCCCS coverage through a managed health care plan (i.e. Mercy Care). Most members will be able to choose their health plan.
Valleywise Health accepts all AHCCCS health plans.
Once you’ve selected a plan, you will choose or designate a primary care provider. You can choose a Valleywise Health primary care provider or any provider who works with your plan.
There is one primary difference between Medicaid and Medicare. Medicaid primarily provides affordable care for individuals and families with low-income and resources. Medicare primarily provides care to adults over 65 years old and individuals with disabilities.
Medicaid is a joint federal and state program. Each state manages its own Medicaid program (in Arizona, the state Medicaid program is AHCCCS).
Medicare is a federal program.
You can apply for Medicaid at any time.
Medicare has specific enrollment periods.
Medicaid offers benefits that Medicare doesn’t typically cover, including nursing home care and personal care services.
Medicare coverage, costs and rates do not differ from state to state.
Get full-service application and ongoing support from the Valleywise Health Eligibility Specialists.
Valleywise Health providers may help AHCCCS patients find or connect you to additional health-related resources, including utility payment assistance, connection to food banks, educational resources, etc.
From health information to classes and community referrals, the Valleywise Health Family Resource Centers (FRC) support your entire family with resources that make life more manageable.
Through Family Resource Centers and primary care providers, Valleywise Health patients, including AHCCCS patients, can receive guidance, tools and resources to address food insecurities.
AHCCCS patients, statewide, are required to select a managed health care or insurance plan. You may know you’re an AHCCCS patient if you are currently covered under one of the following plans.
If you haven’t already, please select a Valleywise Health primary care provider (PCP) or contact AHCCCS to update your primary care provider in the system. AHCCCS patients can receive a variety of services and treatments at Valleywise Health.
Eligibility is based on a variety of factors including income, household size, age, and medical need. Children, pregnant women, individuals with disabilities, seniors, and adults with low income are all potentially eligible for AHCCCS.
All patients, regardless of health care coverage, can receive care at Valleywise Health. Please contact a Valleywise Health Eligibility Specialist at (602) 344-2550 to help determine if you qualify for AHCCCS.
You can contact a Valleywise Health Eligibility Specialist or check https://www.healthearizonaplus.gov/.
Yes, you can still apply for AHCCCS even if they have other insurance. If eligible, AHCCCS may cover additional costs that your other insurance does not.
After submitting your application, AHCCCS will review it and notify you by mail or through the Health-e-Arizona PLUS portal within 45 days to confirm your approval.
Most services under AHCCCS are covered without additional costs, but some patients may have to pay small co-payments for specific services, such as prescriptions. The amount of co-payment depends on income and specific program guidelines.
AHCCCS benefits must be renewed every year. You will receive a notice before your renewal date, and you can complete the renewal process through a Valleywise Health Eligibility Specialist, through the Health-e-Arizona PLUS website, by mail, or in person at a local DES office.
You must report any changes in income, address, household size, or employment to AHCCCS within 10 days. Changes can affect eligibility or benefits, and failure to report can lead to issues with your coverage.
Find information including how to prepare for your first visit, visiting hours, health records and more.
We are proud to have dozens of interpreters on staff who are trained for any healthcare setting.
Verify what insurance plans we accept and find helpful information about your bill and insurance.
