Medicaid Renewal Guide: How to Renew Medicaid in Arizona

Medicaid renewal can seem overwhelming, but if you are prepared it can be seamless. Staying enrolled in AHCCCS is very important if you are getting care through the Agency with Choice Program in Arizona. Medicaid requires participants to renew their coverage every year. ALTCS program allows individuals to receive care from family members, friends, or anyone they trust and pay them as caregivers.

Since it is a Medicaid program, you need to make sure your coverage is not interrupted because it can lead to gap and affect your benefits. So, don't miss deadlines and read below to know everything you need to know about deadlines, recent changes, how to renew, and what to do if you miss a deadline.

When Is Arizona Medicaid Renewal Deadline?

Deadlines are different for everyone. It is usually 12 months after you were enrolled in Medicaid, but don't wait for the deadline to start the process. The most reliable place to find your upcoming deadline is on Health-e-Arizona Plus portal. You should create an account if you don't have one already.

Other than that, you will receive a notice from AHCCS approximately 60-30 days before your renewal deadline. The notice will include your deadline, documents you need, and the ways you can complete the renewal process. Please open and read carefully through any mail or letter that you receive from AHCCCS as soon as possible. It is important to keep your mailing address and contact information up to date on Health-e-Arizona Plus account.

During the COVID-19 public health emergency, the state automatically extended coverage without checking eligibility. However, that ended in April 2023 when federal law required states to return to yearly renewals.

Sometimes, the state auto-renews your Medicaid based on the information they already have, and you will receive a notice in your mail if that happens telling you if there is anything else you need to do. If you haven’t received a renewal notice and think one is overdue or want to know your renewal date, you can call AHCCCS on 855-HEA-PLUS.

Documents You Might Need to Submit

You do not have to send every document you used during the application. The notice letter, notification, or email you receive will tell you exactly what they need to verify. Your Health-e-Arizona Plus portal will also receive notification on the documents you can upload there. If you know things have changed and a renewal is coming soon, you can be prepared with these documents:

1 - Proof of Income

A very common document that could be asked. If they have specific documents, they need for the proof it will be mentioned in the packet, but some acceptable forms are:

• most recent pay stubs

• a signed letter from your employer

• Social Security statements

• an unemployment insurance award letter

2 - Proof of Identity

If things have changed for you or your family since you applied or last renewed, these could be some documents you should have handy:

• driver's license

• birth certificates

• marriage records

• or other documents showing who lives in your household

3 - Proof of Residency

You have to confirm that you still live in Arizona. If address or county has changed these could be some documents to be prepared with:

• utility bill

• bank statement

• government letter

• lease agreement with your name and home address

• documentation showing dependent children, marital status, or guardianship.

How to Renew Medicaid in Arizona?

There are different ways to renew your Medicaid insurance, and you can choose a method you prefer. For an easy renewal, make sure you have up to date information on your account. If there are any changes in your income, household like marriage or newborn, or address, you should update them as soon as they happen.

If you are in the ALTCS program, the renewal process can look a little different. During the renewal, the state will evaluate your eligibility based on the available data and they could need more information to confirm that you are still eligible.

AHCCCS can ask for an interview with an ALTCS financial worker after which you will be sent a pre-populated renewal form with a 'Request for Information' letter which would explain the information or documentation you need to submit. You will need to complete, sign, and submit this form by the deadline in your letter so you do not risk losing your healthcare coverage.

1 - Online

The fastest and convenient way is through the official online portal.

• Log in to Health-e-Arizona portal

• When the renewal is due, you will get access to an application.

• Follow the instructions and ensure your information is up to date and correct.

• Complete and submit your form online.

2 - By Mail

You can fill the form you received in mail, include copies of the documentation asked for, and send the envelope back to the address mentioned in the form. If you are not sure about the address, call 855-HEA-PLUS to find the right address to mail your renewal packet to.

3 - By Phone

Call 855-432-7587 and ask to speak to a representative who can guide you through the steps of the renewal process.

4 - In Person

You can visit your local Department of Economic Security office to submit your application and documents or to get help with completing your form. Find your local DES Office.

Steps After You Submit

When the state receives your application and documents, the status is updated on the Health-e-Arizona account. The processing time can vary between 30-45 days, but it could vary based on your profile. If AHCCCS requests additional information or documents, respond promptly to maintain uninterrupted coverage.

• If it is approved, you will receive a notice with the details, and your existing Medicaid card and care plan should carry over.

• If it is denied, you will receive notice with the details and reasons for the rejections. If you think it is wrong, you have a few days to request a fair hearing.

What If I Miss the Deadline?

There could be different reasons you might have missed the deadline but do not worry. Make sure you have your documents and forms ready anyways. If your Medicaid is terminated, according to the federal rules, you have 90 days after the date of termination to submit the missing information to Division of Welfare and Supportive Services (DWSS) for a re-evaluation. The state should treat the submission to reconsider your eligibility, and you do not have to start a new application.

If more than 90 days have passed since your termination date, you’ll likely need to submit a completely new application.

BURD Is Here to Support

We can help you by providing relevant resources, contacts, or support for the renewal process. Our Relationship Managers can answer questions regarding the renewal process and if it affects anything about your home care program. We’re here to ensure you keep getting paid through Agency with Choice program.

If you receive any Medicaid letter about your home care services being interrupted, notify us by calling 520-614-6660. If there are changes to your Medicaid benefits, we can guide you on its effects on your care plan and your next steps.