Arizona Health Insurance Assistance

In the state of Arizona, eligible residents are provided health insurance assistance through the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS). The application process is simple, and qualifying applicants can expect to have full medical coverage in 30 days or less.

How to Apply

• The online assistance application at the Health-e-Arizona website is the quickest way to apply for health insurance and other types of assistance. Arizona residents can also pick up applications at any local Department of Economic Security (DES). Applicants will be asked to provide financial and personal documentation and interview with a caseworker before services or health benefits are established.

Eligibility Requirements

• AHCCCS eligibility requirements are based on income limits that vary according to an applicant's situation. Income categories for eligibility include families with children, pregnant women, adults without children, adults aged 65 and older, blind or disabled persons and small-business owners. AHCCCS provides health insurance for both working and non-working residents as well as for those who have health coverage but need temporary assistance with unexpected out-of-pocket medical expenses.

Available Health Plans

• Once approved for AHCCCS, coverage is instant, and residents must decide upon a health plan and primary provider. All AHCCCS health plans offer the same services, but each plan works with different hospitals, pharmacies and doctors. In addition, only some health plans cover certain areas in Arizona. Some of the more popular Arizona health insurance plans include Mercy Care, Health Choice Arizona, Arizona Physicians IPA and University Family Care. If applicants fail to choose a plan within a reasonable time, DES will automatically assign one. Applicants can also choose to change plans and providers at any time.

Covered Services

• AHCCCS health insurance covers doctor visits, regular checkups, hospital stays, emergency care, labs and X-rays, behavioral health care, family planning services, prescriptions, specialist care, preventative screening, dialysis, well-women exams, surgery, pregnancy care and medical transportation. Children under the age of 21 also receive vision care and eyeglasses, dental screening and treatment and hearing exams and aids. All services, including non-emergency and specialist care, must start with or be authorized through the patient's primary care provider to be covered by AHCCCS.