AHCCCS member renewals to begin April 1

In December 2022, Congress passed legislation which will end the Medicaid continuous enrollment requirement related to the COVID-19 pandemic on April 1, 2023. At that time, AHCCCS will be required to reverify the eligibility status of all members enrolled in AHCCCS and KidsCare (Arizona’s CHIP program).

AHCCCS will complete a full eligibility renewal for all 2.4 million enrolled members over the course of 12 months, following a careful plan to limit gaps in health care coverage for Arizonans. Members will be notified of their eligibility renewal prior to their month of renewal.

Per federal requirements, the ending of the continuous enrollment requirement will represent the first time in three years that Medicaid and CHIP members will go through the renewal process. It is imperative that AHCCCS members update their contact information in Health-e-Arizona Plus (www.healthearizonaplus.gov) and respond to all AHCCCS communication in a timely manner.

To prepare for the renewal process, AHCCCS has been asking all members to verify that their address is correct by logging into www.healthearizonaplus.gov or by calling Health-e-Arizona Plus at 1-855-432-7587, Monday through Friday 7am – 6pm.

Am I eligible for renewal?

Approximately 75% of renewals can be determined automatically using available data sources, such as Internal Revenue Service (IRS) income data and Supplementation Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) information. For eligibility determinations that are completed automatically, members will not need to take any action. If their eligibility is continued, then they will remain enrolled and will receive a summary letter that says, “If the information on the summary is correct, you do not need to do anything. You do not need to call or contact AHCCCS.”

If AHCCCS cannot auto-renew a member’s coverage using available and approved data sources, the member will receive a renewal packet by mail or a notification by email, depending on their selected preference. AHCCCS health plans will also use texts, email, and social media when available to reach members.

How do I complete my renewal?

Members who receive renewal packets can complete their renewal online by logging into www.healthearizonaplus.gov, contacting a Community Assistor organization (listed at www.healthearizonaplus.gov), by mail, by phone, or in person at a Department of Economic Security office.

You can also utilize FREE help provided through the Cover Arizona Application Assistance Program which provides support with applying and enrolling in a health plan with savings or applying for AHCCCS (Arizona’s Medicaid) and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). To schedule an appointment to meet with an assistor, call 1-800-377-3536 or visit http://coveraz.org/connector to sign up.

What if I am not eligible for renewal?

If you are not eligible for renewal, you may be eligible for the Unwinding Special Enrollment Period. Please refer to Public Health Emergency Unwinding Special Enrollment Period for more information.

Virtual chat assistant available to answer Medicaid renewal questions

AHCCCS has launched a 24/7 virtual chat assistant, SAM, on the www.healthearizonaplus.gov website to help Medicaid members get fast answers to more than 30 common questions related to renewals. Visit the www.healthearizonaplus.gov website to speak with the virtual chat assistant in English or Spanish.

AHCCCS Connect helps members apply for and renew Medicaid coverage

AHCCCS Connect sends personalized program reminders and updates to Medicaid applicants and members to guide them through every step of their Medicaid lifecycle, from initial application through annual renewal. AHCCCS Connect sends SMS texts, automated voice calls, and/or emails to members who provide valid phone numbers and/or email addresses.

To receive these communications, AHCCCS members need to provide a phone number capable of receiving text messages, and/or an email address in their Health-e-Arizona Plus (HEAplus) account at www.healthearizonaplus.gov. New applicants will be automatically added to AHCCCS Connect when they provide an email address and/or cell phone number. Members can opt out of AHCCCS Connect at any time and may rejoin at any time. AHCCCS Connect sends official messages by SMS text, email, and automated phone call, and will never ask for personal or identifiable information. SMS texts and voice calls come from (888) 831-7578 and emails come from donotreply@healthearizonaplus.gov.