Who Qualifies for Medicaid in Arizona?
Many Arizona residents with limited income may qualify for Medicaid through AHCCCS. This can include children, parents, pregnant people, adults under age 65, seniors, and people with disabilities. The rules depend on age, income, household size, pregnancy, disability, and other factors.
Who may qualify for AHCCCS?
AHCCCS has several coverage programs. People who may qualify include:
Babies, children, and teens
Parents and relatives caring for a child
Pregnant people
Adults ages 19 through 64
Adults age 65 and older
People who are blind or have a disability
People who need nursing-home-level or long-term care
Some people who have Medicare
Children who qualify for KidsCare
Each program has its own rules.
Having a job does not always mean that someone earns too much to qualify. Families can apply even when they are not sure whether they meet the requirements.
See Nest Health’s Arizona Medicaid guide for more information about eligibility and applying.
What are the AHCCCS income limits?
Income limits depend on the person’s age, household size, pregnancy status, and the AHCCCS program they are applying for.
As of February 2026, the AHCCCS limits include different percentages of the federal poverty level for different groups. For example:
The limit for many adults ages 19 through 64 is 133% of the federal poverty level
The limit for parents and caretaker relatives is 106%
The limit for pregnant people is 156%
Limits for children vary by age
KidsCare has a higher income limit for children who do not qualify for Medicaid
These limits can change. AHCCCS may also use deductions or other rules when reviewing an application.
Check the current AHCCCS eligibility requirements rather than relying on an older income chart.
What if I am not sure whether I qualify?
You can still apply. AHCCCS will review your information and tell you whether you qualify.
The easiest way to apply or check your benefits is through Health-e-Arizona Plus.
You can also call 1-855-HEA-PLUS (432-7587) for help finding an application office.
You may need information such as:
The names and birth dates of people in your household
Your home address
Income information
Social Security numbers, when required
Citizenship or immigration documents, when required
Information about other health insurance
Do not avoid applying just because you are unsure. The application process is how AHCCCS makes the final decision.
Does immigration status affect AHCCCS eligibility?
Immigration status can affect which AHCCCS programs a person may qualify for.
You generally must be a U.S. citizen or meet certain immigration rules to receive full AHCCCS coverage. People who do not meet those rules may still qualify for Federal Emergency Services, sometimes called emergency AHCCCS, if they meet the other program requirements.
Federal eligibility rules for some immigrants are also changing beginning in October 2026. Because the rules can change, families should check directly with AHCCCS or a trusted enrollment helper for guidance about their situation.
Applying for health coverage can involve sensitive information. AHCCCS offers free language help, including help in Spanish and other languages.
Can children qualify when their parents do not?
Yes. A child may qualify for AHCCCS or KidsCare even when a parent does not qualify.
Children have different income limits than adults. Parents should include all eligible household members on the application so AHCCCS can review each person separately.
How can Nest Health help?
Families with a participating Medicaid health plan may be able to receive care from Nest Health.
Nest provides care for children and adults, including medical care, behavioral health support, and help connecting with community resources.
Services may be available at no additional cost through your Medicaid health plan. Call 866-222-NEST (6378) to see whether Nest is available to your family.
