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.

Together, we can make a difference.