AHCCCS: Income Limits, Eligibility and How to Apply
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AHCCCS is Arizona's Medicaid program, and it is run by the AHCCCS. Arizona adopted the Affordable Care Act expansion in 2014, so an adult under 65 qualifies on income alone at or below 138% of the poverty guideline: $1,835 a month for one person in 2026. Children are covered through KidsCare, and the application is at www.healthearizonaplus.gov or 800-654-8713. Every figure below is dated 2026-09-23.
| Program | AHCCCS (Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System) |
|---|---|
| Children | KidsCare |
| Agency | AHCCCS |
| Apply | www.healthearizonaplus.gov · 800-654-8713 |
| Expansion | Yes, since 2014 |
| Adult income limit, 2026 | $22,025 a year for one person; $45,540 for four |
| Work requirement | January 1, 2027 |
| Plans | Almost everyone is enrolled in an AHCCCS managed care health plan. |
Who qualifies in Arizona
Adults 19 to 64 not on Medicare qualify at or below 138% of poverty (133% plus a 5% disregard), on household modified adjusted gross income, with no asset test. The 2026 figures:
| Household size | Annual income at 138% | Monthly | 100% of poverty (marketplace floor) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $22,025 | $1,835 | $15,960 |
| 2 | $29,863 | $2,489 | $21,640 |
| 3 | $37,702 | $3,142 | $27,320 |
| 4 | $45,540 | $3,795 | $33,000 |
| 5 | $53,378 | $4,448 | $38,680 |
Computed from the 2026 HHS poverty guidelines (January 15, 2026).
Children (KidsCare), pregnant women, parents, seniors and people with disabilities use other limits that Arizona sets above the federal minimums.
How Arizona compares
Arizona expanded on the first day it could, January 1, 2014, with the original group of states. On the work requirement it is not among the early starters (Arkansas, Iowa, Montana, Nebraska), so members have until January 1, 2027. The program's own name, AHCCCS, is what appears on cards and letters; "Medicaid" may not appear at all, which confuses people who move here.
How to apply for AHCCCS
- Apply online at www.healthearizonaplus.gov, or call 800-654-8713. HealthCare.gov also takes Medicaid applications and forwards them to Arizona. There is no enrollment period; any day works.
- Report this month's income. Choose a plan when asked, or one is assigned.
A AHCCCS case also qualifies you for a free phone (Arizona carriers, paperwork) and shares documents with Arizona SNAP.
What changes in Arizona
Arizona has set its own start for the federal work requirement: January 1, 2027. Six-month renewals for expansion adults begin with renewals scheduled on or after January 1, 2027. The nationwide changes are on the hub with CMS sources.
Arizona specifics
- AHCCCS says that starting January 1, 2027 some adults aged 19 to 64 will renew every six months and face the new work requirement; it runs a keepmyahcccs.com campaign to prepare members.
- Offices serve Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa and every county; hospitals and health centers also employ enrollment assisters.
Whether AHCCCS pays for dental or weight-loss drugs is Arizona's choice; see does Medicaid cover.
Common questions
What is the Medicaid income limit in Arizona for 2026?
$22,025 a year for one adult, $29,863 for two and $45,540 for four (138% of the 2026 poverty guideline); children go higher through KidsCare.
Does Arizona have a Medicaid work requirement?
Yes: Arizona has set January 1, 2027, for expansion adults 19 to 64 (80 hours a month, with exemptions listed on the hub).
Sources
- AHCCCS: state program page
- HHS: 2026 poverty guidelines
- HealthCare.gov: Medicaid expansion and you (138%)
- Federal Register: community engagement interim final rule (June 3, 2026)
- CMS: 2025 law section-by-section overview
Gov-Grants.org is an independent guide, not a carrier and not a government agency. We never charge fees, and every fact above links to its source with the date we checked it. Program details change; confirm on the official site before applying.