What is Medicaid called in Arizona?
In Arizona, Medicaid is called AHCCCS, which stands for the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System. AHCCCS is pronounced like the word “access.” It provides health coverage to eligible Arizona residents, including children, parents, pregnant people, adults, seniors, and people with disabilities.
What does AHCCCS stand for?
AHCCCS stands for Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System.
AHCCCS is Arizona’s Medicaid agency. Medicaid is a government health insurance program funded by both the state and federal government. It helps people who meet certain income and other eligibility rules get needed healthcare.
AHCCCS began in 1982. Today, most members get their care through an AHCCCS health plan.
Learn more on the official AHCCCS website or read Nest Health’s Arizona Medicaid guide.
Who runs AHCCCS in Arizona?
AHCCCS is run by an Arizona state agency.
Most AHCCCS members choose or are assigned to a health plan that serves the county where they live. The health plan works with doctors, hospitals, pharmacies, therapists, and other healthcare providers.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Health Choice is one of the health plans available to AHCCCS members in several Arizona counties. Other plan options depend on where a person lives.
Members can check the current AHCCCS health plan list to see which plans serve their county.
What is the difference between AHCCCS and Medicare?
AHCCCS and Medicare are two different health insurance programs. AHCCCS is Arizona’s Medicaid program and is mainly based on income. Medicare is mainly based on age or certain disabilities.
| AHCCCS | Medicare |
|---|---|
| Arizona’s Medicaid program | A federal health insurance program |
| Covers eligible people of many ages | Mainly covers adults age 65 and older |
| Eligibility is often based on income and household information | Eligibility is usually based on age, disability, or certain health conditions |
| May cover children, parents, pregnant people, adults, seniors, and people with disabilities | May cover younger people with certain disabilities or health conditions |
What does “dual eligible” mean in Arizona?
A person is dual eligible when they qualify for both Medicare and AHCCCS.
This often includes seniors and people with disabilities who also meet AHCCCS income rules. Medicare usually pays first. AHCCCS may then help cover certain costs or services that Medicare does not fully pay for.
The exact benefits depend on the person’s AHCCCS and Medicare coverage. Members should contact their health plan to understand what is covered.
How can Nest Health help?
Nest Health provides whole-family medical, behavioral health, and social support services to eligible families through participating Medicaid health plans.
Services may be available to your family at no additional cost through your health plan. Call 866-222-NEST (6378) to find out whether your family may qualify.
