SCHOOLS

The Arizona Department of Education (ADE) provides information about schools located throughout the state on their Web Wizard. This is a searchable list that will assist individuals in locating any school in the state. The ADE also provides Adult Education information and lists of programs available throughout the State.

Other Helpful Information:

SPECIAL EDUCATION

The Arizona Department of Education (ADE) Parent Information Network at 1-800-352-4558 provides information on programs that provide parents with information and services on ways to participate actively in their child's special education.

You can also find information for any school in Arizona for any grade level by using the ADE Web Wizard.

Other Helpful Information:

The Partners are Liaisons to Schools-pdf (PALS) program involves partners and parents of special education students who are available to educate and assist teachers and parents in supporting special education students.

GED

A General Educational Development (GED) Degree allows individuals who have not graduated from high school to earn a diploma comparable to a high school diploma by passing the GED test. The Arizona Department of Education (ADE) at 602-258-2410 provides a variety of GED Services such as testing requirements, preparation classes and information about test dates/locations.

CHANGING JOBS OR CAREERS

The Department of Economic Security (DES), Employment Administration, Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Program at (602) 542-3957 provides information, employment, training and education services for all job seekers. These services are available through One-Stop Career Centers located throughout Arizona.

DES Employment Administration at 602-542-3667 provides information about employment, training and educational services for eligible Arizonans through the Job Service Program. Contact your local Employment Administration Office for additional information.

Other Helpful Information:

The Arizona Department of Education (ADE) Arizona HEAT provides information about Arizona training providers and programs. ADE Arizona Career Resource Network at 602-364-1525 provides listings of career and related services.

HOME PURCHASE

The Arizona Department of Housing at 602-771-1000 provides information on affordable home ownership and other housing information for Arizona.

Other Helpful Information:

SENIORS: INDEPENDENT LIVING

The Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES), Division of Aging and Adult Services provides resources for seniors such as information on independent living. DES provides these services through regional Area Agency on Aging Offices.

Other Helpful Information:

EMERGENCY SHELTER

For emergency and transitional housing/shelter needs, the following referral hotlines are available:

  • Central & Northern Arizona (10 counties) - 1-800-352-3792
  • Southern Arizona (5 counties) - 1-800-362-3474

Other Helpful Information:

ABUSE/NEGLECT (ADULT OR SENIOR CITIZEN)

If you (or someone you know) is in a life-threatening situation, immediately call 9-1-1.

Adult Protective Services (APS) provides services to vulnerable and/or incapacitated adults based on a report of abuse, neglect or exploitation. For information, contact the APS hotline (toll free) at 1-877-SOS-ADULT or 1-877-767-2385. These services also cover adults living in nursing homes or other care facilities. There is no cost for these services and citizenship is not a requirement.

Abuse of any kind is serious. If you wish to keep the search activity on your computer private, follow the privacy guidelines.

Other Helpful Information:

TRANSPORTATION

Arizona 5-1-1 provides current information about road conditions including traffic reports, accidents, and road closures information. You can dial 5-1-1 for this information.

The American Public Transportation Association provides a list of transportation providers of all kinds, including trains, buses, dial a ride, rail, and other transportation services for all regions of Arizona. If you need driving directions to a specific destination, visit Map Quest, Yahoo! Local Maps, or similar map and directions finder online. The Yellow Pages for your area also lists taxi, bus and other transportation providers.

Other Helpful Information:

For bus information in Maricopa County contact Valley Metro at 602-253-5000 and in Pima County contact Sun Tran at 520-792-9222.

JOB TRAINING

The Department of Economic Security (DES), Employment Administration at 602-542-3667 provides information about employment, training and educational services for eligible Arizonans through the Job Service Program. Contact your local Employment Administration Office for additional information.

DES Employment Administration, Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Program at (602) 542-3957 provides information, employment, training and education services for all job seekers. These services are available through One-Stop Career Centers located throughout Arizona.

LOW COST HOUSING

The Arizona Department of Housing at 602-771-1000 provides information on affordable apartments, project-based Section 8 housing, and other affordable housing information for Arizona.

Other Helpful Information:

NURSING HOME VIOLATION

If You (or Someone You Know) is in a Life-Threatening situation, Immediately, Call 911.

To report nursing home concerns or violations, contact the Department of Health Services (DHS) Office of Long Term Care Licensing at 602-364-2690.

Other Helpful Information:

If you suspect neglect, abuse or exploitation of an adult in a nursing care facility, contact the Adult Protective Services (APS) hotline (toll free) at 1-877-SOS-ADULT or 1-877-767-2385.

MEDICAL SUPPLIES PROGRAMS

For information about obtaining medical supplies, such as glasses, hearing aids, durable medical equipment, prosthetic devices or orthotic devices, please contact your health care plan provider, Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) health care provider and/or private medical insurer.

Other Helpful Information:

  • The Department of Economic Security, Division of Aging and Adult Services provides resources for seniors through regional Area Agencies on Aging. Some of the Area Agency on Aging Offices provide free or low cost adaptive devices such as hearing aides, dentures, etc. to assist elder adults or referrals to organizations that can help with these any other medical supply needs.

  • The Lions Foundation of Arizona at 1-800-486-0518 provides services to eligible Arizona residents afflicted with sight and hearing impairments through its Sight & Hearing Foundation. Fees vary based on type of services and equipment/aid provided.

  • Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE provides a Supplier Directory of organizations and suppliers of medical equipment throughout the United States.

CASH ASSISTANCE (TANF)

The Department of Economic Security (DES), Family Assistance Administration at 1-800-352-8401 has Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Programs to help eligible persons with financial assistance. The Cash Assistance Program provides assistance to eligible families with at least one dependent child. The grant diversion program provides one-time temporary financial assistance to eligible families to assist them to keep or get a job so they will not require on-going assistance.

There is no cost to apply for TANF and Applications are available online.

Other Helpful Information:

Arizona Self Help allows you to Pre-Screen for eligibility for TANF and other programs. The TANF program used to be called Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC).

PRESCRIPTION PROGRAMS

Resources to assist in paying or reducing the cost of your prescription drugs are available through private medical insurance, discount prescription programs, Medicare and/or the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS). Contact the program that is right for you.

Below is a list of the government or non-profit services currently available.

The Arizona Copper Card - Arizona CoppeRx® Card

The provides discounts on prescription drugs through many participating pharmacies and is available to all Arizona residents.

Start saving on your prescription drugs.

Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage

If you are eligible for Medicare and are currently receiving prescriptions through AHCCCS, find information about your transition to the new Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage.

Benefits CheckUpTo find out what you need to know before signing up for the new Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage or other prescription programs, visit Benefits CheckUpRx®.

PARENTING SKILLS

The Promoting Safe and Stable Families Program, a program of the Department of Economic Security (DES), Division of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF), at 602-542-3981 provides free parenting skills training to families with at least one child under 18 years of age living at home.

Other Helpful Information:

The DES Office of Prevention & Family Support publishes a List of Community Providers in Arizona that can help you locate services, including parent skills training, parent self help groups, child abuse prevention, etc.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE

If You (or Someone You Know) is in a Life-Threatening Situation, Immediately Call 911.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provides resources for treatment and recovery from drug or alcohol problems through the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The Center provides a Facility Locator to enable you to find treatment facilities near you.

The Arizona Governor's Division for Substance Abuse Policy provides valuable links to government and community resources for drug and alcohol abuse prevention and treatment.

Other Helpful Information:

  • Arizona Regional Behavioral Health Organizations can also assist you to find drug or alcohol treatment programs:
  • In Apache, Coconino, Mohave, Navajo & Yavapai Counties:
    Northern Arizona Regional Behavioral Health - (800) 640-2123

  • In Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, Pima & Santa Cruz Counties:
    Community Partnerships of Southern Arizona - (800) 586-9161; (800) 959-1063
    (Pima County only)

  • In Gila, Pinal, La Paz, and Yuma Counties: Cenpatico - (866) 495-6735

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

If you (or someone you know) is in a life-threatening situation, immediately call 9-1-1.


The National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 provides help to people in a domestic violence situation. Arizona Coalition Against Domestic Violence has a Legal Advocacy Hotline (business hours) at 1-800-782-6400.


Other Helpful Information:

SUICIDE

If you (or someone you know) is in a life-threatening situation, immediately call 9-1-1.

The following organizations provide services (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) for people who are thinking about committing suicide and are in need of emergency or support services:

  • National Hopeline Network 1-800-SUICIDE or 1-800-784-2433

  • Regional Behavioral Health Crisis Lines:

    Apache, Coconino, Mohave, Navajo & Yavapai Counties: Northern Arizona Regional Behavioral Health - 1-800-640-2123

    Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, Pima & Santa Cruz Counties: Community Partnerships of Southern Arizona - 1-800-586-9161 or 1-800-771-9889

    Gila, Pinal, La Paz, and Yuma Counties: Cenpatico - 1-866-495-6738

    Maricopa County: Magellan Health Services(formerly ValueOptions)- 602-222-9444 or (800) 564-5465
Other Helpful Information:

WORKERS' COMPENSATION

Workers' Compensation provides eligible individuals injured on the job with medical and other benefits no matter how the accident was caused. For more information, contact the Industrial Commission of Arizona (ICA), Workers' Compensation Ombudsman's Office at 602-542-4538 for a variety of applications and forms to report injuries and request hearings.

UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE

The Unemployment Insurance (UI) Program provides payments to individuals who are unemployed and were previously employed (provided they are looking for employment). Visit Arizona Re-Employment Rapid Access to make sure you meet all UI requirements and to prepare to apply for benefits.

You can apply for UI benefits online or by phone:

  • 602-364-2722 (Maricopa County)
  • 520-791-2722 (Pima County)
  • 1-877-600-2722 (toll free) (From all other Arizona Counties)

MENTAL/BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

If You (or Someone You Know) is in a Life-Threatening situation, Immediately Call 911.

The Department of Health Services publishes a List of Behavioral Health Facilities in Arizona.

The following Regional Behavioral Health organizations provide services (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) for people in need of mental/behavioral health counseling and support:

LANDLORD/TENANT ASSISTANCE

The AZLawHelp.org website provides a list of organizations that provide free or low cost legal services throughout Arizona. Services include legal information regarding eviction, landlord/tenant rights, foreclosure and other issues.

Other Helpful Information:

PAY FOR CHILD CARE

There are a number of child care programs managed by the Child Care Assistance Program (Department of Economic Security) that assist eligible families with free or low cost child care. Applications for child care assistance must be submitted at your local DES Child Care Office or call the following numbers for more information:

  • Apache, Coconino, Navajo & Yavapai Counties - 928-774-5091
  • Cochise, Graham, Greenlee & Santa Cruz Counties - 520-459-5008
  • Gila & Pinal Counties - 520-836-2351
  • La Paz, Mohave & Yuma Counties - 928-782-4343
  • Maricopa County - 602-255-3729
  • Pima County - 520-628-6810

Other Helpful Information:

  • The Head Start Program is a child development program for pre-school children designed to increase the school readiness of children in low-income families. The Program is free to families who qualify.

  • Arizona Self Help allows individuals to Pre-Screen for eligibility for child care assistance, head start and other programs.

HOMELESS

For emergency and transitional housing/shelter needs, the following referral hotlines are available:

  • Central & Northern Arizona (10 counties) - 1-800-352-3792
  • Southern Arizona (5 counties) - 1-800-362-3474

Other Helpful Information:

EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT

If you earned less than $41,646 in 2008, the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) could give you a credit of as much as $4,824. Additional credits could pay even more. (Individual credit and refund amounts will vary).

You don’t have to owe federal taxes to receive this credit, but you do have to file your taxes.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) at 1-800-829-1040 provides information on the refundable Federal income tax credit for low income families on their Earned Income Tax Credit website.

Save Your Tax Refund

Want to own a home, go to school, buy a car, or start a business? There is a program in our community that can help you save your money, reduce your debt, and learn to manage your money.

For information visit Arizona Saves or call 602-246-3500 or 877-989-3500.


Other Helpful Information:

  • The Arizona Department of Revenue at 1-800-352-4090 provides help with State income taxes.
  • The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)/TCE Tax Preparation Sites at 1-800-352-3792 provides free help for individuals with both federal and state income taxes.

COUNSELING

Please contact your health care plan provider or private insurer to get information about counseling services available in your area. Regional Behavioral Health Authorities can also provide you with information about counseling services in your area:
  • Apache, Coconino, Mohave, Navajo & Yavapai Counties:
    Northern Arizona Regional Behavioral Health - (800) 640-2123

  • Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, Pima & Santa Cruz Counties:
    Community Partnerships of Southern Arizona - (800) 586-9161; (800) 771-9889

  • Gila, Pinal, La Paz, and Yuma Counties: Cenpatico - (866) 495-6735

  • Maricopa County: Magellan Health Services(formerly ValueOptions)- 602-222-9444 or (800) 564-5465

Other Helpful Information:

You can obtain a list of psychiatrists through Arizona Board of Psychologist Examiners.

GOVERNMENT HEALTH INSURANCE

The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) (Arizona State Medicaid) 602-417-7000/1-800-962-6690 provides low or no cost medical coverage programs to eligible Arizonans. To participate in these Health Care Programs, individuals must be U.S. citizens or qualified immigrants.

Other Helpful Information:

RENT & MORTGAGE ASSISTANCE

The Department of Economic Security, Community Partnerships and Innovative Practices at 1-800-582-5706, offers Community Action Programs to low-income families to encourage self sufficiency while assisting with hunger, homelessness, shelter and utility payments. One of the Community Partnerships and Innovative Practices programs, Short Term Crisis Services (STCS), provides temporary assistance to eligible people living in Arizona with shelter, utilities, repairs and related needs. Please contact your local Community Action Provider for additional information.

Are you facing foreclosure? Don’t waste another minute!

Arizona homeowners facing eviction or foreclosure should to contact their lender or HOPE NOW to explore their options. HOPE NOW credit counselors can be reached at their national toll-free number, 1-888-995-4673 (888-995-HOPE) to provide over-the-phone credit counseling that can help keep them in their homes. Contacting your lender or HOPE NOW today will give you more flexibility in finding a solution to keep your home.

Read more...

Other Helpful Information:

HEALTH CARE

Select one category. To return, use your browser's Back button.

Medical Care - Immediate or Long-Term

Specialized Medical Care

Health Care Bills

ABUSE/NEGLECT (INFANT, CHILD OR TEENAGER)

If you (or someone you know) is in a life-threatening situation, immediately call 9-1-1.


Child Protective Services (CPS) provides information on the safety and protection of infants, children and teenagers who may be victims of abuse or neglect. To report abuse/neglect, call the CPS hotline at 1-888-SOS-CHILD or 1-888-767-2445. There is no cost for these services and citizenship is not a requirement.

Other Helpful Information:

  • Breaking the Cycle, created by the Governor's Office, is a domestic violence resource guide with local information for individuals and families throughout Arizona.


MARRIAGE OR FAMILY ISSUES

If You (or Someone You Know) is in a Life-Threatening situation, Immediately Call 911.

The Arizona Department of Economic Security, Marriage and Communication Skills Commission provides a List of Providers around the State to assist Arizonans in developing healthy marriages.

Other Helpful Information:

  • The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families sponsors the Healthy Marriage Initiative, which provides information on the importance of happy marriages, benefits of a happy marriage, and education for those interested in a maintaining a happy marriage.

  • For families in need of mental health or family counseling, please contact your health care plan provider, private insurer or Regional Behavioral Health Authority in your area:

    Northern Arizona Regional Behavioral Health - (800) 640-2123 (Apache, Coconino, Mohave, Navajo & Yavapai Counties)

  • Community Partnerships of Southern Arizona - (800) 586-9161; (800) 959-1063 (Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, Pima & Santa Cruz Counties)

  • Cenpatico - (866) 495-6735 (Gila, Pinal, La Paz, and Yuma Counties)


  • Breaking the Cycle, created by the Governor's Office, is a domestic violence resource guide with local information for individuals and families throughout Arizona

NURSING HOMES

Department of Health Services (DHS), Division of Licensing Services at 602-364-2690 has List of Providers including Nursing Home Providers throughout the state and a searchable List of Facilities organized by facility type.
Other Helpful Information:

JOB SEARCH

The Department of Economic Security, Division of Employment and Rehabilitation Services, Employment Administration at (602) 542-3667 manages the Employment Service Program which provides job referrals, job search and employment information through Employment Administration Offices throughout the State.

Under the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Program at (602) 542-3957 provides job services are available to all employers and all individuals (whether currently employed or not) through One-Stop Career Centers in locations throughout Arizona. These services include job information, employment training and education services.

FOOD ASSISTANCE (ADULT OR SENIOR)

The Food Stamp Program provides eligible people living in Arizona with food stamp benefits that can be used like cash to purchase food. For information, call the Department of Economic Security (DES), Family Assistance Administration at 1-800-352-8401. There is no cost to apply for food stamps. Applications are available on-line.

Other Helpful Information:

  • The same application may be used to apply for food stamps, medical assistance and cash assistance.

  • Arizona Self Help allows individuals to Pre-Screen for eligibility for food stamps and other programs.

  • Benefits Check-up® allows senior citizens to Pre-Screen for eligibility for food stamps and other programs.

MORTGAGE AND FORECLOSURE ASSISTANCE

Behind on your mortgage payment or facing foreclosure?

The Arizona Department of Housing offers information to help homeowners avoid foreclosure.

Helpful Tips: Money management tips for you and your family

Additional Resources:

TAX ASSISTANCE

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) at 1-800-829-1040 provides help to the public with Federal income taxes. The Arizona Department of Revenue at 1-800-352-4090 provides help with State income taxes.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)/TCE Tax Preparation Sites at 1-800-352-3792 provides free help for individuals with both federal and state income taxes.

Other Helpful Information:

  • The Internal Revenue Service provides information on the refundable Federal income tax credit for low income families on their Earned Income Tax Credit website. Arizona Self Help allows individuals to Pre-Screen for eligibility for Earned Income Tax Credit.

MEDICAL INSURANCE

Arizona Department of Insurance at 1-800-325-2548 provides information, publications and contact information regarding health insurance and other insurance companies who provide coverage to Arizonans. The Department's Consumer Publications include guides to health insurance and lists of health insurance companies.

NUTRITION EDUCATION

The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS), Office of Chronic Disease Prevention and Nutrition Services at 602-542-1886 provides information about nutrition programs in Arizona. ADHS's Arizona Nutrition Network has recipes, child nutrition fact sheets and links to many nutrition resources.

Other Helpful Information:

LIFE THREATENING EMERGENCY; IMMEDIATE MEDICAL HELP

If you (or someone you know) is in a life-threatening situation, immediately call 9-1-1.

The 9-1-1 Operator can send the police, fire department or an ambulance to assist you. 9-1-1 calls are answered by personnel trained to handle crisis situations and emergencies.

UTILITY ASSISTANCE

Utility Assistance Programs, such as The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Utility Repair, Replacement and Deposit Program (URRD), provide energy assistance to eligible individuals (based on income eligibility requirements).

Other Helpful Information:

DROPPING OUT

If you or someone you know is considering dropping out of school or re-entering school after dropping out, contact your teacher, school counsel or school principal. To locate a school in your area, search online at the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) Web Wizard.

Other Helpful Information:

The goal of Arizona Department of Education's (EDU) Academic Achievement Dropout Prevention at (602) 542-3112 is to prevent students from dropping out of school by assisting schools with dropout prevention and re-entry programs.

SUPPORTIVE OR SPECIAL NEEDS

Arizona Department of Health Services (DHS), Division of Licensing Services at 602-364-2536 provides a Lists of Providers throughout the state and a searchable List of Facilities, including, in each case, groups homes for the developmentally disabled, assisted living facilities and speech, language and hearing specialists.

Other Helpful Information:

The Arizona Bridge to Independent Living at 1-800-280-2245 provides information and referral for disabled persons to many useful services such as modifying residences for increased accessibility and independence, hiring personal assistants, etc.

LOW COST HOUSING

The Arizona Department of Housing at 602-771-1000 provides information on affordable apartments, project-based Section 8 housing, and other affordable housing information for Arizona.

Other Helpful Information:

MEDICAL ILLNESS OR DISEASE

The Department of Health Services (DHS), Office of Infectious Disease Services provides information on many infectious diseases. Access free health education, wellness information and self-care tools by visiting the My AZ Health and Wellness Portal. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides a list of Diseases and Conditions with detailed information on prevention and treatments.

Other Helpful Information:
  • To locate a Medical Facility near you, use the Arizona Department of Health Services Facility Locator.

  • Arizona Medical Board can assist you to find doctors, determine the status of their medical licenses and obtain information about any complaints filed against them.

  • The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) (Arizona State Medicaid) at 1-800-962-6690 provides low or no cost medical coverage programs to eligible Arizonans. Applications(pdf) are available on-line.

IMMUNIZATIONS

To get immunizations, vaccines or shots, contact your doctor, health plan, a Community Health Center in your area, or your county's Health Department Immunization Program Office. The statewide Arizona Department of Health Services (DHS), Immunization Program provides detailed factual information about immunizations.

Other Helpful Information:

PREGNANCY & BABY

The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS), Arizona Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) at 1-800-2525-WIC or 1-800-252-5942 provides Arizona residents with assistance and information about pregnancy, breast-feeding and infant nutrition. Call to set up an appointment at your local WIC office.

The Arizona Department of Health Services, Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Hotline at 1-800-833-4642 provides information and referral, education and support with pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Baby Arizona is a streamlined process for pregnant women to receive medical coverage through Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS).

Physicians/Providers interested in becoming a participating Baby Arizona provider will be need to take part in training administered by the Arizona Department of Economic Security.


Other Helpful Information:

MEDICAL CARE FOR DISABLED

The U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) at 1-800-772-1213 provides benefits to the elderly, blind and people with disabilities. You may apply by phone, mail or in person at any Social Security office. Social Security benefit applications are available on-line. There is no cost to apply.

Other Helpful Information:

Department of Economic Security

The Department of Economic Security works with families, community organizations, advocates and state and federal partners to realize the collective vision that every child, adult, and family in the state of Arizona will be safe and economically secure.

DES works to promote enhanced safety and well-being for Arizonans by focusing on three primary goals:
  • strengthening individuals and families;
  • increasing self-sufficiency; and,
  • developing the capacity of communities.
How Do I?
DES Program and Services Contact Numbers

Arizona Department of Health Services

Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS)

ADHS News Releases

Contact ADHS
General and Public Information: (602) 542-1000

Programs and Services:

Arizona Department of Housing

The Arizona Department of Housing (ADOH) and the Arizona Housing Finance Authority (AZHFA) were established so that state government in Arizona could assist in developing the tools to impact an area of growing concern for the state, an issue that impacts the lives of all Arizonans—homes for working families.

ADOH provides information on affordable apartments, project-based Section 8 housing, and other affordable housing information for Arizona.

Phone: 602-771-1000

Arizona Self Help

Developed by the Arizona Community Action Association, Arizona Self Help can tell you if you might qualify for these programs:

Child and Family Resources

Food and Nutrition

Housing and Utilities

Senior and Disabled Services

Financial Benefits

Health Care

Jobs and Employment Directions



Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System

Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) is Arizona’s Medicaid program, designed to deliver quality health care under cutting-edge concepts of managed care. Over the years, independent evaluations repeatedly have praised the program’s effectiveness. AHCCCS has received national acclaim as a model for other Medicaid programs and the approach has been recommended to other states by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the federal agency that oversees AHCCCS.

AHCCCS contracts with health plans and other program contractors, paying them a monthly capitation amount prospectively for each enrolled member. The plan or contractor is then “at risk” to deliver the necessary services within that amount. AHCCCS receives federal, state and county funds to operate, including some money from Arizona’s tobacco tax.

Eligibility is not performed under one roof, but by various agencies, depending on the category. For example, pregnant women, families and children generally enter AHCCCS by way of the state’s Department of Economic Security. The blind, aged or disabled who receive Supplemental Security Income enter through the Social Security Administration. Eligibility for programs like KidsCare, long term care and Medicare Cost Sharing is handled by AHCCCS itself. Each eligibility group has its own income and resource criteria.

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