Arizona’s Medicaid program could soon require some adults to report at least 80 hours per month of work or community engagement in order to be eligible for health coverage. The agency is seeking public feedback on the plan.
The Arizona Healthcare Cost Containment System, known as AHCCCS, provides coverage to more than 2 million Arizonans. Participants qualify for coverage based on income or disability status.
The Arizona Legislature in 2015 passed SB 1092, a law to require AHCCCS to seek federal approval to add work requirements and a five-year lifetime limit on coverage for some adults ages 19 to 55.
Implementation of the law was delayed in 2019 as courts considered lawsuits challenging the legality of similar work requirements in other states. The program then faced further delays because of the COVID-19 public health emergency.
Now, the law is moving ahead, but the next step before it can take effect is a public comment period. AHCCCS will accept comments through March 20. Comments can be submitted via email to [email protected].
The agency will also hold three public forums on the proposed changes: Feb. 27, March 4 and March 13. Public forum links and registration information are listed at azahcccs.gov.
