How to renew Medicaid in Arizona: Step-by-step guide

Renewing Arizona Medicaid, also known as AHCCCS, is required each year to keep your health coverage active. Missing your renewal deadline can lead to loss of coverage and gaps in care for you or your family. This guide helps Arizona families understand the AHCCCS renewal process, complete it on time, and avoid interruptions in healthcare.

If your family has AHCCCS and covered by a participating plan like Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Health Choice, Nest Health provides in-home and virtual care, including access to Spanish speaking providers. Learn more about Medicaid covered care in Maricopa County and Mohave County through Nest Health.

Understanding Arizona Medicaid renewal

Arizona Medicaid renewal, also called redetermination, is the annual process used to confirm that you still qualify for AHCCCS coverage. Renewal is not a new application. Instead, it updates your existing information such as income, household size, and address.

All AHCCCS programs require renewal. Completing it on time is important because coverage can end even if you are still eligible.

Renewal assistance and materials are available in Spanish, and interpreter services are available for other languages.

You can learn more about eligibility and income limits in our Arizona Medicaid Guide: Eligibility and How to Apply.

When do I need to renew my Arizona Medicaid?

AHCCCS coverage must be renewed every 12 months.

Here is what to expect:

📬 Renewal notice

• AHCCCS sends a renewal letter about 60 days before your renewal is due

⏰ Deadline

• You usually have 30 days from the date on your notice to complete your renewal

• Always check your letter for the exact deadline

🔁 Reminders

• You may receive more than one notice if your renewal is not completed

📌 Important

• Keep your address, phone number, and email updated with AHCCCS so you do not miss renewal notices

How to renew Arizona Medicaid

Arizona offers several convenient ways to complete your AHCCCS renewal. Choose the option that works best for your household and submit it before your deadline.

Renewal methods

Online renewal, fastest option 💻

Renewing online is the quickest option for most families.

Steps:

• Visit the Health-e Arizona Plus portal

• Log into your account

• Click Renewals or My Renewals

• Review your pre filled information

• Update any changes

• Upload requested documents

• Submit electronically

• Save your confirmation

Benefits include faster processing, immediate confirmation, and the ability to track your renewal status online.

Phone renewal ☎️

You can renew by phone with help from an AHCCCS representative.

Steps:

• Call 1 855 HEA PLUS (1 855 432 7587)

• Have your case number ready if available

• Answer questions about household and income changes

• The representative completes the renewal for you

Hours are Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM Arizona time. Spanish speaking representatives and interpreter services are available.

Mail renewal 📬

Some families renew by mail using the form sent to them.

Steps:

• Review the renewal form you received

• Update any changes

• Sign and date the form

• Include copies of requested documents

• Mail it to the address listed on the form

• Keep a copy for your records

Mail renewals take longer to process, so send them as early as possible.

In person renewal 🏢

You can also renew in person at an AHCCCS office or community partner location.

Steps:

• Find your local AHCCCS office or partner site

• Bring your renewal notice and documents

• Get help completing your renewal

• Submit in person and receive confirmation
  
  
  
  

What information do I need to renew?

AHCCCS often pre fills your information, but you must review it carefully and update anything that has changed.

Information to verify and update

You may need to review or update:

• Personal information, including address, phone number, household members, and marital status

• Income information, including employment changes and all income sources

• Health insurance, such as employer sponsored coverage or Medicare

• Life changes, including a new baby, adoption, marriage, divorce, death of a household member, disability changes, or a move

Providing accurate information helps avoid delays or loss of coverage.

Documents you may need for renewal

Not everyone needs to submit documents. AHCCCS will let you know if proof is required based on your situation.

Commonly requested documents

If your income changed:

• Recent pay stubs from the last two to four weeks

• Most recent tax return

• Benefit award letters for SSI, unemployment, TANF, or child support

• Self-employment records if applicable
  
  
  

If your household changed:

• Birth certificate for a new baby

• Marriage certificate or divorce decree

• Proof of identity for new household members

• Tribal enrollment documentation if applicable
  
  
  

If you moved:

• Utility bill with your current address

• Lease or mortgage statement

• Official mail showing your name and new address
  
  
  

If you have new insurance:

• Insurance card

• Employer insurance offer letter
  
  
  

If citizenship or immigration verification is requested:

• Birth certificate

• Passport

• Naturalization certificate

• Immigration documents

📌 Tip: Always submit copies, not originals.

What happens after I submit my renewal?

Processing time ⏳

Most AHCCCS renewals are processed within 30 to 45 days, and often faster than new applications.

You can:

• Check your mail and email for updates

• Log into your Health e Arizona Plus account to track status
  
  
  

If additional information is needed

AHCCCS may send a letter requesting more documents.

• Response deadlines are usually 10 to 30 days

• Submit documents online, by mail, fax, or in person

• Respond quickly to avoid automatic denial
  
  
  

If your renewal is approved ✅

You will receive:

• A confirmation letter by mail

• An updated AHCCCS card if information changed

• New coverage period dates

• Updated benefits information

Your coverage continues without interruption. Benefits stay the same, though some members may need to re-select a managed care plan.

If your renewal is denied ❌

Renewals may be denied if:

• Income now exceeds eligibility limits

• Required documents were not submitted on time

• Requests for information were missed

• AHCCCS could not reach you due to outdated contact information

• You are no longer an Arizona resident
  
  
  

Your options include:

Appeal the decision

• Request a hearing within 90 days

• Submit additional documentation

• Explain your circumstances

• Free legal help may be available
  
  
  

Reapply

• If your situation changes

• If you can now provide required documents
  
  
  

If you believe the decision was an error, call 1 855 432 7587 for assistance. You may also contact Community Legal Services for free appeal support.

Special situations and continuous coverage

Continuous coverage for certain groups 👶🤰

Some Arizona Medicaid members qualify for continuous coverage:

• Children under age 1 receive 12 months of continuous coverage

• Pregnant women are covered through pregnancy and 60 days postpartum

• Some young children may have extended eligibility

Even if income temporarily increases, coverage may continue. Always check your approval notice for details.

Reporting changes between renewals

Some changes must be reported within 10 days, including:

• Moving out of Arizona

• Gaining other health insurance

• Significant income increases

• Changes in household composition
  
  
  

You can report changes:

• Online through the Health-e Arizona Plus portal

• By calling 1 855 432 7587

• By mailing written notice to AHCCCS

Reporting changes promptly helps protect you from owing money back later.

Frequently asked questions about Arizona Medicaid renewal

What if I do not receive a renewal notice?

Log into your Health e Arizona Plus account or contact AHCCCS to confirm your renewal date.

Can I renew early?

Most families must wait until their renewal window opens.

What if my income changed but I am still eligible?

Report the change and complete your renewal. Many families still qualify.

Do my children need separate renewals?

Family members are often renewed together, but always confirm.

What happens to my coverage while renewal is processing?

Coverage often continues if you submit renewal on time.

Can someone help me with my renewal?

Yes. AHCCCS representatives, community organizations, and legal aid groups can help.

What if I am temporarily out of state during renewal?

You should still renew on time and respond to any requests for information.

Is renewal support available in Spanish?

Yes. Spanish language assistance is available online and by phone.

What if I live on tribal lands?

AHCCCS works with Tribal Health Programs and Indian Health Service providers to support renewal and ongoing care.

Get the healthcare you need with Nest Health 🏡

Medicaid helps families access essential healthcare, but finding care that fits real life can still be challenging. Nest Health brings quality healthcare directly to families with participating plans like Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Health Choice, offering:

• In-home primary and pediatric care

• Telehealth visits for medical and mental health needs

• Comprehensive family focused care

If you have been contacted by Nest Health or your health plan and think you and your family may be eligible, call 866 222 NEST (6378) to learn more.