Is My Healthcare at Risk?

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The federal government has proposed huge cuts to Medicaid over the next 10 years beginning with the budget for 2026. Many Arizonans rely on Medicaid for their healthcare coverage but don’t know it because Medicaid is referred to as AHCCCS (pronounced “access”) in Arizona.

What Is Medicaid?

Medicaid is a program with oversight at the federal and state levels that provides healthcare insurance to low-income individuals and families. It covers a broad range of services, including doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, and preventive care. Eligibility is primarily based on income and household size. Medicaid is often confused with Medicare which provides healthcare coverage to people over the age of 65 or younger individuals with certain health conditions.

Medicaid in Arizona: AHCCCS

In Arizona, Medicaid is administered by the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, also known as AHCCCS (written as AHCCCS and sounds like access). It offers health insurance to low-income families and individuals. While AHCCCS operates under the same federal guidelines as Medicaid, it is tailored to meet the specific needs of Arizona residents. AHCCCS offers various healthcare programs to serve eligible individuals and families in the state.

AHCCCS Health Plans in Arizona

AHCCCS contracts with several health plans to provide medical services to its members. These plans function similarly to Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), coordinating care through networks of doctors, hospitals, and other providers – including NOAH. Members typically select a health plan available in their geographic area.

Some of the AHCCCS health plans available in our area include:

  • Arizona Complete Health – Complete Care Plan
  • Banner-University Family Care
  • Molina Healthcare
  • Mercy Care
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Health Choice
  • UnitedHealthcare Community Plan

Each plan serves specific counties and may offer additional benefits. Members can find more information and select a plan that best fits their needs through the AHCCCS website.

Why Awareness Matters

Many individuals enrolled in AHCCCS may not realize they are on Medicaid, especially if they associate their coverage with a specific health plan name. This lack of awareness can lead to misunderstandings about how policy changes or funding cuts to Medicaid (like the ones we are currently facing) could directly affect their health coverage and access to services.

Understanding that AHCCCS is Arizona’s Medicaid program also results in better communication between patients and healthcare providers ensuring that individuals can make informed decisions about their healthcare options.

Even if you’re not a Medicaid recipient, it’s important to know that everyone stands to lose something if proposed budget cuts are approved by congress. Medicaid recipients will be directly impacted while others will likely see a rise in healthcare costs, increased premiums, crowded emergency rooms, and a trickle down effect on grocery prices and other basic needs.

Take Action

As lawmakers voted into office, our representatives look to their constituents (people who live in their districts) to determine how to vote on specific issues. It’s important that we communicate to them why Medicaid matters in our community and how cuts will be detrimental to Arizona residents.

Here’s How:

  • Find out if you’re enrolled in an AHCCCS health plan. It’s best to identify whether or not you are a Medicaid recipient when speaking up against proposed budget cuts. Either way, your voice is important.
  • Stay informed about any proposed changes to Medicaid policies.
  • Utilize resources in our Medicaid Matters toolkit to help communicate your views.
  • Personal stories make a big impact. If you aren’t comfortable or don’t know how to share your story, reach out to us at noahcares@noahhelps.org for assistance.
Share Your Story

Together, we can make a difference.

What is Play Therapy?

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Play therapy provides a unique opportunity for patients of all ages to connect with counselors by sharing their thoughts and feelings through activities.

NOAH is excited to announce the opening of play therapy rooms at Cholla Health Center in Scottsdale and Copperwood II Health Center in Glendale. Both spaces along with specialized training for NOAH counselors were funded through a generous grant from the Ibis Foundation of Arizona. Features of the play therapy rooms include:

Play

  • Play is the primary form of learning in small children.
  • Difficult and stressful things can be acted out through play.
  • Having a conversation through a toy telephone or showing home life through a doll house and characters can help a child talk about a hard thing.
  • Toys like a pounding bench, bean bags, and punching bags help teach and practice self-regulation skills.

Art

  • There are many things words can’t describe. Painting, drawing, and other forms of art give patients ways to express their emotions nonverbally.
  • Patients may be asked to create art following a single prompt, a series of instructions, or no direction at all.

Emotion

  • It can be difficult to talk about emotions when you don’t know the names or definitions for most of them.
  • In play therapy counselors use tools to help patients understand emotions and describe their feelings.
  • In an emotion exercise, a patient may catch a ball labeled with common emotions and where their thumb lands, tell the counselor about the last time they felt that way.

Building

  • Building activities encourage play that copies real-life situations.
  • Whether with Legos, Tinker Toys, or blocks, the act of building can improve self-confidence or develop skills like problem-solving.
  • Building in therapy can be a non-stressful activity where the counselor follows the child’s lead while they build anything or it can be therapist led to recreate a specific stressful event. 

Games

  • Games are a multifunctional activity, and most of the time, they are just fun. However, the therapist can select a game that will help practice a learned skill, define a concept, mimic a situation, or encourage mindful or even mindless conversation.
  • Games like Mancala or Jenga are designed to be stressful and raise anxiety responses, allowing patients to practice anxiety management skills.
  • Other games like Left, Right, Center, or Sorry challenge the idea that needs-based interactions are selfish and help children see the difference between being mean and fulfilling individual needs.
  • Uno, Trash, and Don’t Break the Ice allow the brain to rest and be distracted while talking and In a Pickle or Suspend help with family communication.

Reading

  • Reading is a social-emotional activity that allows for increased connection and communication.
  • Therapists use books of all kinds for all ages. The book “Through the Gate” shows a child’s move to a new home. The story sparks conversation about change and even growing up.
  • Reading also allows the therapist to help parents learn how to listen.
  • It can be as simple as teaching parents how to read to, and with, their children or as complex as how to read books to children that address hard-to-manage issues, like “The Invisible Leash” which addresses the death of a pet.

Play therapy is a clinical form of behavioral health treatment that may be recommended by your NOAH provider. If you or someone you know may benefit from play therapy or other methods of behavioral health treatment, request an appointment online or call 480-882-4545 to schedule an evaluation.    

Speak Up: Help Protect Medicaid

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Medicaid is health insurance for people who need help. It helps kids, seniors, people with disabilities, and families who work hard but still can’t afford health care. In Arizona, it’s called AHCCCS (say it like “access”).

Right now, people in Washington, D.C. are talking about making big cuts to Medicaid.

What does that mean?

It means some people could lose their health insurance.
It means fewer doctor visits, less mental health care, and trouble getting medicine.
It means more stress for families who are already struggling.

This would hurt thousands of people in our communities — maybe even you or someone you love.

Your voice matters.

Lawmakers need to hear from regular people — not just lobbyists or politicians. They need to hear that Medicaid is important. That we need to keep it strong.

If they don’t hear from us, they might think we don’t care. And then they might make cuts that could hurt people.

How can you help?

It’s easy. We made a Medicaid Toolkit to help you speak up. It includes:

  • A short message you can send to your elected leaders
  • A postcard you can fill out and mail
  • Talking points for a phone call
  • Spanish and English versions

You don’t need to be an expert. You just need to care. The toolkit makes it simple.

Let’s do this together.

When we speak up, we protect health care. We protect our families. We protect each other.

CLICK HERE TO GET TO THE MEDICAID TOOLKIT

Or ask a team member at NOAH — we can help you get started.

Let’s make sure they hear us loud and clear:
Medicaid is not just a program. It’s a promise.

U.S. Senators Visit NOAH

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NOAH welcomed U.S. Senators Ruben Gallego and Mark Kelly to Cholla Health Center for an important Town Hall event on March 17. The event, hosted by the senators, focused on prioritizing Medicaid funding and brought more than 100 participants including NOAH executives and board members, business and community leaders, Medicaid recipients, and members of the media.

Why NOAH?

As a Federally Qualified Health Center, nearly half of NOAH’s patients are covered by Medicaid, otherwise known as the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System or AHCCCS. As with most government spending, Medicaid funding is currently under review by the federal administration and faces significant cuts. Changes to the program could impact as many as 2.5 million Arizonans who are on AHCCCS and thousands of others who work in jobs associated with this vital program.

Impact to Arizona

While decisions regarding specific cuts won’t be clear until passed by legislation, we know Medicaid could be the target of at least $880 billion in nationwide cuts over the next 10 years. According to a study conducted by the Commonwealth Fund, Arizona stands to lose $1.8 billion in Medicaid funding and 24,000 jobs in 2026 alone.

Whether or not you or someone you know relies on Medicaid, everyone is expected to be impacted by federal budget cuts as changes in spending will have trickle down effect on our entire economy.

How You Can Help

Senators Gallego and Kelly urged Town Hall attendees to stay informed about proposed budget cuts and share their opinions not only with legislators but with family, friends, and neighbors. Everyone has the right to have their voice heard and our elected officials rely on input from their constituents to make informed decisions.

To impact decisions at a national level, you can call or write the congressional representative for your district indicated below. You can also visit each representative’s individual website by clicking on their name. This is a great tool to learn more about your representative and email them directly.

U.S. Congressional Districts for the State of Arizona

Click Here to Find Your District

U.S. Representatives

Districtrepresentativelocal officeWashington dc Office
1David Schweikert14500 N. Northsight Blvd.
Suite 221
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
Phone: (480) 946-2411		166 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-2190
2Elijah Crane122 N. Cortez St.
Suite 211
Prescott, AZ 86301
Phone: (928) 286-5338		307 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-3361
3Yassamin Ansari1432 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC  20515
Phone: (202) 225-4065
4Greg Stanton1220 S Alma School Rd. 
Suite 209
Mesa, AZ 85210
Phone: (602) 956-2463		207 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-9888
5Andy Biggs2509 S. Power Rd.
Suite 204 – Superstition Plaza
Mesa, AZ  85209
Phone: (480) 699-8239		464 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC  20515
Phone: (202) 225-2635
6Juan Ciscomani 1636 N Swan Rd.
Suite 200
Tucson, AZ  85712
Phone: (520) 881-3588

By Appt. Only
2600 E. Wilcox Dr.
Room H-106
Sierra Vista, AZ  85635
Phone: (520) 459-3115		461 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC  20515
Phone: (202) 225-2542
7VacantVirtual Office
Tolleson, AZ 85353
Phone: (623) 536-3388

El Pueblo Community Center
101 W. Irvington Rd. Bldg 4,
Tucson, AZ 85714
P: 520-622-6788

PO Box 4105
Somerton, AZ 85350
P: 928-343-7933		1203 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-2435
8Abraham Hamadeh12515 W. Bell Rd.
Suite 104
Surprise, AZ  85378
Phone: (623) 776-7911		1722 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC  20515
Phone: (202) 225-4576
9Paul A. Gosar1300 S. Litchfield Rd.
Suite 115-H
Goodyear, AZ 85338
Phone: (623) 707-0530		2057 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-2315

U.S. Senators

SenatorLocal OfficeWashington DC Office
Ruben Gallego3333 E. Camelback Rd.
Suite 200
Phoenix, AZ 85018
Phone: (480) 697-3600

20 East Ochoa Street
Tucson, AZ 85701
Phone: (520) 777-0400
SH-302 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Phone: (202) 224-4521
Mark Kelly 2201 E. Camelback Rd.
Suite 115
Phoenix, AZ 85016
Phone: (602) 671-7901

100 North Stone Avenue
Suite 600
Tucson, AZ 85701
Phone: (520) 475-5177		Hart Senate Office Building, Suite 516
Washington, DC 20510
(202) 224-2235

Welcome New Board Member Francisco Avalos

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Get to know Francisco Avalos, what he brings to the NOAH board of directors, and all he hopes to accomplish while serving in this capacity.

Q: Can you tell us about your professional background and current role(s)?

A: I am a senior public policy manager at Lyft, where I develop and maintain relationships with policymakers, community leaders, and business groups to drive key policy priorities, including non-emergency medical transportation, insurance and tort reform, and equitable access to transportation for all.

With more than a decade of experience in public engagement and community development, I have held leadership roles at organizations such as Valley of the Sun United Way and US Airways. My work consistently focuses on fostering partnerships, advancing legislative priorities, and addressing community needs.

Q: What inspired you to join NOAH’s Board of Directors? 

A: I am passionate about improving community health and well-being, and NOAH’s mission closely aligns with my professional values. My background in public engagement and policy equips me to contribute meaningfully to advancing healthcare accessibility in Arizona. I’m excited to support NOAH’s vital work in the community.

Q: What are you most looking forward to as a board member? 

A: I look forward to collaborating with fellow board members and the NOAH team to strengthen healthcare services and address social determinants of health. I’m also eager to leverage my network and policy expertise to help expand NOAH’s reach and impact.

Q: What’s one fun or interesting fact about yourself that you’d like the NOAH community to know? 

A: I have a deep passion for travel, particularly throughout Mexico and Central America, where I immerse myself in the rich cultures, history, and traditions. From exploring ancient ruins and vibrant city streets to experiencing local cuisine and connecting with people, I find that travel broadens my perspective and deepens my appreciation for global communities.

Beyond that, my absolute favorite activity is riding jet skis—it’s the one thing that truly allows me to disconnect, clear my mind, and enjoy the moment on the water.

Q: Is there anything specific you would like to achieve or focus on during your tenure with NOAH? 

A: I feel incredibly fortunate to join NOAH in its mission to provide high-quality, compassionate care to those who need it most.

Health isn’t just about medical treatment—it’s about the whole person. True well-being is shaped by factors such as transportation, food security, stable housing, and economic opportunity. NOAH understands this better than most, and I’m excited to work alongside such a dedicated team to advance policies and partnerships that integrate these social determinants into healthcare delivery.

By expanding NOAH’s community reach, strengthening outreach efforts, and driving change, I hope to help make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of the communities we serve.

The NOAH Board of Directors is a group of volunteers who contribute to the mission of transforming the health of our community. Patients from the communities we serve make up 51% of our board. Learn more about NOAH’s board of directors and how they drive the organization.

Join the NOAH Patient Advisory Council – Your Voice Matters

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At NOAH, we’re always looking for ways to make your experience better. From how comfy the chairs are in the lobby to making sure everyone feels heard, we want your input! That’s why we’re launching our new Patient Advisory Council, and we’d love for you to be part of it.

Here’s what you’ll do as a council member:

  • Share your thoughts and recommendations through quick online surveys about what’s working and what could be better.
  • Chat with NOAH leaders in small focus groups to help shape changes that really matter.
  • Make an impact in your community through fun volunteer opportunities.

We’re looking for patients or their guardians who are 18 or older and want to help make a difference. Active participation is a requirement of membership and is defined by participation in at least one council activity within a rolling 12-month period. 

Help be a voice for your community! To apply, click the link below:

Patient Advisory Council Member Application

Does The Big Game Come With A Big Risk?

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Football Season is in full swing, with two teams facing-off for a chance to be this year’s NFL Champions. Emotions are at an all-time high, and anything is possible. Regardless of which team we support, the uncertainty keeps us on the edge of our seat, our hearts pounding with adrenaline until the final seconds.

So, what exactly happens to our body during the most stressful moments that have and will come to define sports history?

The Heart’s Reaction to Game Day Stress

According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, research found that viewing a stressful soccer match more than doubles the risk of having a minor cardiovascular event. Some fans have a very emotional response to an intense game that triggers their fight-or-flight. This can increase heart rate, blood pressure, cause narrowing of blood vessels and sometimes arrhythmias, or abnormal heart rhythm.

According to NOAH provider Nicole James, FNP-C, this is a “completely normal” response as adrenal glands release hormones that increase blood pressure and heart rate. Increased heart rate and blood pressure requires extra workload on the heart and those individuals with preexisting heart conditions, such as heart disease or coronary artery disease, may experience more significant symptoms when they’re excited or nervous at a sporting event.

A Heart-Pumping Experience

If you’ve ever felt like watching a game is a workout, you’re not far off. A study from the Canadian Journal of Cardiology found that tuning into a hockey game increased TV viewers’ heart rates by an average of 75%. For attendees at the game, heart rates spiked by 110%—similar to what’s seen during moderate-to-vigorous exercise!

Play It Safe

However, most individuals watching sports are just fine. Dr. Robert Kloner, director of cardiovascular research at Huntington Medical Research suggests being aware of symptoms such as:

  • chest pain or pressure
  • shortness of breath
  • palpitations
  • feelings of lightheadedness or dizziness
  • fainting

If you experience any of these symptoms, don’t ignore them!

More Than a Game

Despite the minimal risks, watching sports allows us to escape real life stressors and connect with a like-minded community. Doing so allows us to experience a collective glory when our team does well and gives us hope for better even when they don’t.

If you want to ensure you’re game-day ready, schedule an appointment with your NOAH provider today. Our team is here to help you stay healthy so you can cheer on your team for years to come.

Staying Healthy During the RSV and COVID Surge

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This winter, healthcare providers are seeing a significant rise in cases of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and COVID-19. These respiratory illnesses can be especially challenging for children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. But don’t worry—there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of getting sick and keep your family healthy.

What You Need to Know

RSV and COVID-19 are both highly contagious and spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Common symptoms include coughing, fever, congestion, fatigue, and in severe cases, difficulty breathing. The viruses are particularly active during the colder months when people spend more time indoors in close proximity to others.

Tips to Stay Healthy

  1. Get Vaccinated: Updated COVID-19 vaccines and RSV immunizations (available for certain age groups) are your best defense. Speak with your NOAH provider about the right options for you and your family.
  2. Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer when soap isn’t available.
  3. Wear a Mask: If you’re in crowded indoor spaces or around individuals at higher risk, wearing a mask can help prevent the spread of germs.
  4. Disinfect Surfaces: Regularly clean high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, phones, and countertops.
  5. Stay Home if You’re Sick: If you or your family members feel unwell, avoid going out and spreading germs to others.
  6. Boost Your Immune System: Maintain a healthy diet, stay hydrated, exercise regularly, and prioritize sleep.

Know When to Seek Help

If you or a loved one experience severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, chest pain, or confusion, seek medical attention immediately. Early intervention can prevent complications and improve recovery.

By taking these precautions, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from the seasonal surge of RSV and COVID-19. To stay ahead of your health this winter, schedule an appointment with your NOAH provider today. Together, we can keep you and our community safe and healthy!

Online Scheduling Now Available!

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NOAH patients can now schedule medical appointments online using MyChart!

MyChart is your all-in-one tool for managing your healthcare. With MyChart, you can view test results, request prescription refills, securely message your healthcare team, and now, book appointments online.

Established NOAH patients with a MyChart account can log in to schedule their next visit quickly and easily. New patients may also qualify for online scheduling, depending on their insurance provider and the type of appointment they need.

How to Register

To get started, visit the MyChart patient portal or the ‘MyChart – Patient Portal‘ page on our website. You’ll find step-by-step videos, FAQs, and other helpful resources to guide you through the registration and scheduling process.

We’re thrilled to provide this new feature, giving patients a more convenient way to access quality care whenever they need it.

To book a non-medical appointment, request an appointment here.

Already on MyChart?

Click here to login in and schedule an appointment.

Welcome New Board Member Mary Jung

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Get to know Mary Jung, what she brings to the NOAH board of directors, and all she hopes to accomplish while serving in this capacity!

Q: Can you tell us about your professional background and current role(s)?

A: I am a business and finance executive with over 30 years of experience in public, private, and non-profit sectors, specializing in community well-being and economic empowerment through higher education, economic development, and entrepreneurship. Currently, I serve as the Community Impact Director at HonorHealth, where I align community health strategies with health system initiatives to improve patient outcomes.

Q: What inspired you to join NOAH’s Board of Directors? 

A; I’m passionate about community health and supporting opportunities for individuals and families to thrive. NOAH’s commitment to providing comprehensive, accessible, and affordable healthcare inspires me, and it’s an honor to help transform the health of our community.

Q: What are you most looking forward to as a board member? 

A: I’m excited to serve the community and work with my fellow board members to help NOAH achieve its goals.

Q: What’s one fun or interesting fact about yourself that you’d like the NOAH community to know? 

A: I’ve lived in several places across the U.S., including New York and Hawaii. I’m excited to learn more about my new home, Arizona.

Q: Is there anything specific you would like to achieve or focus on during your tenure with NOAH? 

A: I hope to focus on addressing food insecurity in our community, as it is closely tied to negative health outcomes.

The NOAH Board of Directors is a mixed group of volunteers who contribute to the mission of transforming the health of our community. Patients from the communities we serve make up 51% of our board. Learn more about NOAH’s board of directors and how they drive the organization.