Medicaid (AHCCCS) Changes: What HCD Residents Should Know

Medicaid (AHCCCS) Changes: What HCD Residents Should Know

Published on October 09, 2026

Medicaid (AHCCCS) Changes: What HCD Residents Should Know

Changes to Arizona's Medicaid program, AHCCCS, are being phased in over the next several years because of a new federal law, as of October 1, 2026, with additional changes taking effect in 2027 and beyond.

These changes may affect some residents who receive housing assistance or live in affordable or public housing. Not everyone will be affected, and most AHCCCS members are expected to remain eligible for coverage.

What is Changing?

• October 1, 2026 - Changes for Noncitizens
  Certain refugees, asylees, and other humanitarian immigrants who previously qualified for full AHCCCS coverage may no longer qualify for full coverage and may instead qualify for emergency services only. AHCCCS will notify affected members.
• January 2027 - New community-engagement requirements
  Certain adults who receive AHCCCS through the Medicaid expansion may be required to complete 80 hours each month of qualifying work, education, volunteering, or another approved activity, or meet another qualifying condition. There are exemptions for many groups, including certain caregivers, people with disabilities, pregnant individuals, and others.
• January 2027 - More frequent renewals for some members
  Certain Medicaid expansion adults will need to renew their AHCCCS eligibility every six months instead of annually. This requirement does not apply to everyone.
• January 2027 - Changes to retroactive coverage
  The amount of retroactive AHCCCS coverage available when someone applies for coverage will be reduced for certain groups.

Additional changes are scheduled for 2027 and beyond, including changes to Medicaid funding and cost-sharing requirements for certain adults beginning in 2028.

What Should You Do Now?

If you receive AHCCCS, the most important thing you can do now is make sure your contact information is up to date.

• Update your mailing address, phone number, and email address with AHCCCS.
• Check your mail regularly.
• Open and review notices from AHCCCS and the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES).
• Follow instructions in any official notice you receive.
• Watch for additional information about whether these changes apply to you.

AHCCCS says members who may be affected will receive information about what they need to do and whether they qualify for an exemption.

Learn More

AHCCCS is continuing to update its guidance as implementation details are finalized. For the most current information, visit the State of Arizona's official AHCCCS resources:

AHCCCS: H.R. 1 Overview

KeepMyAHCCCS.com

AHCCCS launched KeepMyAHCCCS.com in September 2026 as a central resource for information about the new federal requirements, including who may be affected and what members may need to do.

If you receive housing assistance through the City of Tucson Housing and Community Development Department and have questions about your housing assistance, continue to contact HCD using your usual program contact information. For questions about AHCCCS eligibility or coverage, use the official AHCCCS resources above.