Changes to Arizona Medicaid: What you need to know

Recent proposed changes to Arizona Medicaid have many people wondering if they will still be able to get the affordable health coverage they need through a state funded program. While many of the changes are being challenged, and are therefore not yet finalized, it is important to know the impact that these changes could have on your situation.

The two biggest questions to consider here are whether or not you will still qualify for Arizona Medicaid, and what changes will be made to your Medicaid coverage. Knowing the answers to these questions will help you understand how these changes could impact your Arizona health care coverage.

Will I still qualify for Arizona Medicaid?

Laws enacted by Arizona voters in the past decade have made qualifying for Medicaid in Arizona fairly easy. In fact, before the most recent round of changes, Arizona had one of the most inclusive Medicaid programs in the country.

Current budget problems, however, have caused lawmakers to think twice about who should be able to use the Medicaid program. Restricting eligibility for the program could end up saving the state hundreds of millions of dollars.

So what are these new eligibility requirements? The most significant is that a family must have children in order to qualify. Not only that, but the family must demonstrate significant financial need. Individuals who require financial assistance with long term care through the Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS) are also eligible for coverage by Arizona Medicaid.

Those who do not fall into either of those two categories will most likely have a very difficult time being admitted into the Arizona Medicaid program. Individuals with extremely high medical bills, or children whose parents do not qualify for Medicaid, are currently not being accepted into the program.

A qualified Arizona medicaid attorney should be able to answer questions about whether your specific circumstances make you a candidate for Medicaid in Arizona.

What changes will be made to my Arizona Medicaid coverage?

The good news is that if you still qualify for Arizona Medicaid under the new requirements, most of the benefits you receive will remain the same.

Families with children who qualify can expect to receive coverage for:

• Doctor’s visits
• Immunizations
• Emergency care
• Pregnancy care
• Labs and x-rays
• Prescriptions (if not covered by medicare)
• Vision, dental, and hearing care and treatment for children under 21
• Several other health services

Individuals receiving coverage through the ALTCS programs can expect it to cover:

• Nursing home care
• Hospice care
• Home health services
• Case management
• Other services required by the individual’s specific circumstances

Again, the best way to know what services Arizona Medicaid will cover for you is by discussing your case with an experienced attorney. Your attorney can also keep you well informed if there are any further changes made to either eligibility requirements or coverage options. If you can prepare yourself for how these changes may affect you, you can make sure that you and your family are still able to afford vital health care coverage.