How to Qualify for Emergency Medical Assistance in Arizona

Applying for emergency medical assistance in Arizona is done through the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS). This agency offers and oversees multiple levels of medical care, ranging from full health insurance to emergency coverage. The AHCCCS --- housed within Arizona's Department of Economic Security --- administers two programs that give individuals in Arizona access to emergency medical assistance: the Federal Emergency Services (FES) program and Supplemental Security Income Medical Assistance Only (SSI-MAO).

Things You'll Need

• Application form
• Financial documents (if necessary)

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Instructions

Qualifying for Federal Emergency Services

• 1

  Determine if you qualify to enroll in the Federal Emergency Services (FES) program. The Morris Institute For Justice reports this program is open only to "qualified aliens." This group includes immigrants who are permanent lawful residents, asylees, refugees and certain battered spouses and children. These individuals must also be 65 years old or older, blind, disabled, pregnant, a child or the guardians of a dependent child. These individuals --- because of their non-citizen status --- do not qualify for full medical benefits through AHCCCS.

• 2

  Apply for the FES program. This can be done at major hospitals and trauma centers in the state of Arizona during an emergency medical situation or in advance at an Arizona Department of Economic Security Family Assistance Administration (DES FAA) office. A list of office locations is available online (see "Resources").

• 3

  Keep in contact with the DES FAA after you submit your application to the FES program. You can either follow up at one of the administration's offices, by email (see "Resources") or by calling 1-800-352-8401.

Qualifying for Supplemental Security Income Medical Assistance Only

• 4

  Determine if you meet the eligibility requirements for Supplemental Security Income Medical Assistance Only (SSI-MAO). To qualify, you must be an Arizona resident and U.S. citizen age 65 or older, blind or disabled. The AHCCCS eligibility requirements --- published in October 2010 --- also outline an income limit: candidates must receive less than $903 a month, while couples must make less than $1,215 a month (as of January 2011).

• 5

  Print out an application from the AHCCCS website (see "Resources").

• 6

  Fill in the application form. Supply personal contact information, family information and financial information. The AHCCCS requires all financial information to be documented using your most recent tax return or other paperwork (such as a pay stub). Attach this additional paperwork to your application.

• 7

  Mail your application to the AHCCCS's SSI-MAO office:

  SSI MAO

  801 E Jefferson MD 3800

  Phoenix, Arizona 85034

• 8

  Follow up with the SSI-MAO office regarding the state of your application. You can visit an office in person (see "Resources") or call 1-800-528-0142.