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Medicaid Requirements in Tucson, Arizona

Arizona's Medicaid program offers health-care coverage to low-income adults and children. The program is open to U.S. citizens and qualifying aliens residing in Arizona. While benefits may differ by county, eligibility for Medicaid in Tucson is the same as throughout the state. The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) governs Medicaid within the state. Apply for Medicaid benefits online at the AHCCCS website or in person at a local social-services office.

  1. General Eligibility

    • Applicants must have identification and a Social Security number, or apply for one. Applicants currently in a penal institution are ineligible to apply. Income requirements for most Medicaid programs begin at or below 100 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Individuals with income exceeding the maximum may still be eligible if they "spend down" by making payments on current medical bills. Additionally, a portion of work and childcare expenses are deducted from your income before eligibility is calculated.

    Children

    • Children under the age of one may be eligible if the household income does not exceed 140 percent of the FPL. The income limit for children aged one through five is 133 percent of the FPL. For ages six to 18, the income limit is 100 percent of the FPL.

    Pregnant Women

    • Pregnant women are eligible for benefits if their income does not exceed 150 percent of the FPL. Income limits for pregnant women count the unborn baby as a family member, thereby raising the family income threshold. If the mother is expecting multiple births, the threshold raises accordingly. As of 2010, a single mother living alone may qualify for Medicaid if her gross monthly income does not exceed $1,822. A portion of spousal income is used in the calculation for married women age 18 and older, as is parental income for underage pregnant girls living at home.

    Adults

    • Adults may qualify for Arizona Medicaid if their income does not exceed 100 percent of the FPL. However, as of October 1, 2010, adults age 21 and older will receive reduced benefits throughout the state. Benefits for dental and podiatric care, wellness exams, and other health services will be reduced or eliminated for adults. Additionally, adults without children and those qualifying due to "spend down" will lose non-emergency medical transportation benefits in Maricopa and Pima counties, including Tucson.

    Disabled Adults

    • The Medicaid income limit for unemployed disabled or blind adults is 100 percent of the FPL. As of 2010, employed disabled individuals aged 16 to 65 may receive Medicaid benefits if their monthly income does not exceed $2,257 after deductions.

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