How to Access Medical Insurance in Arizona

The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) provides state-funded medical insurance to working and non-working families and individuals who meet certain requirements set forth by Arizona’s Department of Economic Security (DES). For those who qualify, AHCCCS medical insurance will cover doctor visits, hospital stays, emergency care, x-rays and labs, prescriptions, surgeries and family planning. Now, thanks to an efficient and user-friendly DES online application process, eligible and organized Arizona applicants can expect to gain access to full coverage medical insurance within one short month from submitting an application.

Things You'll Need

• Proof of employment
• Proof of residency
• Certified birth records
• Arizona picture ID
• Social security cards

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Instructions

• 1

  Prepare for submitting your AHCCCS application by visiting the AHCCCS website and reviewing the eligibility income limit of the applicant category that best describes your situation. Applicant categories for AHCCCS include families with children, children only, adults without children, pregnant women and persons blind or disabled. Each category has its own set of requirements, income limits and allowable deductions that ultimately determine eligibility. Understanding the rules for AHCCCS eligibility will help you to gather the information needed to properly complete the application.

• 2

  Choose an AHCCCS health plan from those listed on the AZ Health Plan Contacts website. Website links enable you to browse the individual plan websites and find those that include your current doctor or specific services you need. You are given an option during the AHCCCS application process to declare a health plan in the event that you qualify. If you qualify but did not choose a plan, DES randomly chooses for you; this does not always work to your benefit.

• 3

  Gather and organize the employment, income, and household member information that DES will need to determine your AHCCCS eligibility. Whether you apply online or in-person, you will be required to provide this information to DES before the eligibility interview. This information typically includes a month of paystubs for each working household member, documented proof of other income or disability benefits, proof of residence, birth certificates and social security numbers. Keep in mind that not having the proper paperwork can delay the AHCCCS application process indefinitely.

• 4

  Submit your application for AHCCCS online at the Health-e-Arizona website. Applying at Health-e-Arizona eliminates DES wait times and provides immediate pre-eligibility results. Use the information from your documents to complete the application. Provide your health plan of choice when asked. You will also have the opportunity to pick preferred days and times for the interview. At the end, the application will provide the exact list of the documents still needed to determine your eligibility. Fax or hand-deliver this information to your local DES office as soon as possible and in time for the interview. Within a week of submitting your application online, DES will mail a notification with the date and time of your interview.

• 5

  Attend your scheduled DES interview appointment. Arrive 30 minutes early for onsite interviews. Late arrivals and “no-shows” will have to reapply. For phone interviews, be ready at least 15 minutes ahead of the scheduled call time. A missed call or a busy signal means having to reapply. Within a few days following your interview, DES will send you a letter stating your determination. If you've qualified to receive AHCCCS medical insurance, an insurance card and health plan information packet will follow. Coverage is immediate.