What’s Next for Medicaid?

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Cuts to Medicaid (also known as AHCCCS in Arizona) and other important programs were recently approved by the House of Representatives, but the fight for Medicaid is far from over.

Approved by the House

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the budget reconciliation bill known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” on May 22 with a 215-214 vote.

Arizona Representatives’ Votes

RepresentativeVote
Yassamin AnsariNo
Andy BiggsYes
Juan CiscomaniYes
Elijah CraneYes
Paul A. GosarYes
Abraham HamadehYes
David SchweikertNot Voting*
Greg StantonNo
*David Schweikert missed the vote but has indicated he would have voted “yes”.

Medicaid Impacts

Work Requirements and Redeterminations

  • Mandatory work requirements for certain Medicaid enrollees, potentially impacting eligibility.
  • Requires eligibility redetermination for some adults more frequently, such as every six months. 

State Funding Limitations

  • Limits the use of state-directed payments and other state funding mechanisms, including provider taxes.
  • Reduces the federal matching rate (FMAP) for Medicaid expansion in states that voluntarily choose to expand.

Cost Sharing Penalties

  • Requires states to impose cost-sharing on people with incomes above the poverty level who are enrolled in Medicaid expansion. 
  • There are also provisions that could potentially penalize states that cover certain immigrant groups, particularly those who are not “qualified aliens” or “children or pregnant women who are lawfully residing in the United States”. 

Impact on Medicaid Expansion

  • The bill’s changes could significantly impact Medicaid expansion states, particularly those that have taken steps to expand coverage for immigrant groups.
  • Some analyses suggest that the bill could lead to a reduction in Medicaid enrollment and potentially increase the number of uninsured individuals.

What’s Next?

Now that the House of Representatives has passed the bill, it goes to the Senate, where Senators will debate and, if necessary, amend the bill. If the Senate requires any changes be made to pass the bill, the House and Senate will meet to come to an agreement on any differences. Then the House will have to vote again on final passage before the bill goes to the President to be signed into law.

Many Senators, including Arizona’s Ruben Gallego and Mark Kelly have expressed concerns about cuts to Medicaid and have indicated they intend to change or oppose these cuts. This process gives us the opportunity to continue our advocacy efforts with U.S. Representatives from Arizona as there’s a good chance the bill may end up back in the House for another vote.

How You Can Help

Continue to contact Arizona delegates in the House of Representatives and let them know why Medicaid matters to you.

  • Submit a comment here. NOAH will print it on a postcard, address it to the representative for your district, and mail it for you.
  • Use our Medicaid Matters Toolkit for sample letters and statements as well as contact information to reach out to your representative by mail, email, or phone.
  • Share this information with your family and friends and encourage them to speak up for Medicaid.

More Information

Medicaid and the federal budget process are both complicated topics. Check out this article to understand more about Medicaid and this article to learn how cuts could impact you.

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.

Tips for Smart Snacking

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When we think about snacking, we often picture unhealthy foods like cookies, chips, and candy, but healthy snack options can be an important part of our daily diet. According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine snacking can keep blood sugar and energy levels steady between meals, prevent overeating at mealtimes, and provide more opportunities to get the right nutrients each day. Below are some tips for healthier snacking that are easy, delicious, and dietitian approved.

  • Think of snacks as small meals. Use the MyPlate model to plan your snacks. At a minimum, try to include a source of protein and a source of carbohydrate, for example an apple with peanut butter or grapes with cheese. When possible, add vegetables to the snack to add fiber, water, vitamins, and minerals to your diet.
  • Make small changes to your current snacks. For example, if you like snack packs from the supermarket that include a mix of meat, cheese, nuts, crackers, or fruit, try to recreate your own healthier (and less expensive) version at home. Look for low sodium cold cuts, low fat cheese, unsalted nuts, berries, and high fiber or whole grain crackers.
  • Enjoy a variety of healthy snacks. Check out NOAH recipes or speak with a dietitian at NOAH for personalized snack ideas.

Check out these healthy snack ideas to get you started:

  • 2 Tbsp hummus with 1 cup cucumbers, carrots, grape tomatoes and/or celery sticks
  • 4 dates with 1/4 cup almonds
  • 2 Tbsp natural peanut butter with 2 celery stalks and raisins (ants on a log)
  • 1/4 cup salsa and 1/3 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1/2 cup low sodium cottage cheese with fresh tomato and basil
  • 6 oz Greek yogurt with
    • 1/2 Tbsp honey
    • 1/2 sliced apple or mango
  • 20 grapes dipped in Greek yogurt and frozen
  • Brown rice cake and 2 Tbsp almond, peanut, or sunflower butter
  • Turkey jerky and 1/4 cup mixed nuts
  • 1 hardboiled egg with whole wheat bread or high fiber crackers

Get Fresh at Your Local Farmers Market

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There are many ways we can properly fuel our body, and a good way to start is by being surrounded by nutritious foods such as the ones you can find at the farmers market. Around the valley, you can find a variety of farmers markets with local vendors and farmers year-round. You can find fresh produce, delicious food, and even homemade products. It’s a great way to try new things you wouldn’t typically find in stores.

Reasons to attend a local farmer’s market:

  • Enjoy seasonal produce – the produce is as fresh as it gets and usually at its peak in flavor.
  • Support your local farmers – this helps the local economy by supporting small businesses and creating more jobs.
  • Cheaper prices – you can typically find great deals on conventional and organic produce.
  • Less carbon footprint – farm to table is much closer when you’re shopping at your local farmer’s market a few miles away from home.
  • Physical activity – you’ll do plenty of walking while traveling between vendors and getting some fresh air is always a great decision.
  • Variety – you’ll find a variety of vendors selling pasta, bread, and fruits and vegetables among many other edible and non-edible items.

Tips for the farmer’s market:

  • Get there early – you want to increase your chances of finding the most variety before the crowd arrives.
  • Bring your own bags – most booths don’t offer any and you can help save some plastic.
  • Bring the family, pets are welcomed too – this is a great way to involve children by allowing them to choose their fruits and vegetables.
  • Talk to the farmers – they love sharing about their farming practices and will share some tips and tricks on food preparation.
  • Shop the color of the rainbow – For a well-balanced diet, pick fruits and vegetables of all different colors for a variety of vitamins and minerals.
  • Sample before you buy – this allows you to try different products without having to buy them first.
  • Shop the deals – walk around once writing down prices or produce and come around a second time shopping for the best prices. If you find a great deal, buy extra to freeze, or make into large batches for leftovers.  

On WIC, SNAP, or 60 years and older? Keep reading.

If you are on WIC or are a qualifying senior, you may be eligible for $80 (per family member) to $100 toward your purchase of locally grown produce at a participating farmer’s market. Collect coupons from February 15 to September 30 at these participating locations: Locations – Arizona Farmers Market Nutrition Program (azfmnp.org).

SNAP Recipients:

Do you have a SNAP/EBT card with an active balance? For every $1 you spend, you receive an additional $1 to spend on fruits and veggies, dried beans, and edible plants and seeds – there is no daily limit on how much you can double.

Click here for participating locations: Locations — Double Up Food Bucks Arizona (doubleupaz.org)

If you have any questions regarding nutrition related concerns, request an appointment online or call 480-882-4545 to schedule with one of NOAH’s registered dietitians.

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.