Arizona Medicaid Income Limits 2026: AHCCCS Eligibility Chart

Written & Reviewed by Akash Biswas, MSW | Former Medicaid Caseworker Trainer | Verified against AHCCCS official eligibility guidelines | Last Updated: April 2026

Quick Summary

• Arizona’s Medicaid program is called AHCCCS (Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System)
• Most adults qualify with income up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
• Pregnant women can qualify with income up to 156% FPL
• Children may qualify up to 225% FPL through KidsCare (CHIP)
• Seniors and people with disabilities have separate income and asset rules

What Is Medicaid?

Medicaid is a free or low-cost health insurance program run by the federal government and each state.

It helps low-income individuals, families, children, pregnant women, seniors, and people with disabilities get the medical care they need.

In Arizona, the Medicaid program is called AHCCCS — short for the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System.

It is pronounced “access,” and that name says it all: it’s your access to health care when you need it most.

Who Qualifies for Medicaid in Arizona 2026?

Arizona has expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which means more people qualify now than ever before.

Your eligibility depends on your age, household size, income, and whether you are a U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant living in Arizona.

To understand how Arizona compares to other states, see our guide to Medicaid income limits by state in 2026.

Adults Ages 19–64

Non-disabled adults who are not on Medicare may qualify if their income is at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). There is no asset or resource test for this group.

Parents and Caretaker Relatives

Parents or relatives caring for dependent children in the home qualify at a lower threshold of 106% FPL. If your income is higher, you may still qualify under the adult expansion category.

Pregnant Women

Pregnant women qualify at 156% FPL — a higher limit than most other adults. Coverage continues for 12 full months after giving birth, no matter what your income becomes after delivery.

Children

Children qualify at different income levels depending on their age. Infants under age 1 have the highest limit at 147% FPL. Children ages 1–5 qualify up to 141% FPL. Children ages 6–18 qualify up to 133% FPL.

Seniors, People With Disabilities, and Long-Term Care

Arizona residents who are age 65 or older, blind, or have a disability may qualify through separate programs including ALTCS, SSI-MAO, and Medicare Savings Programs. These programs have both income and resource (asset) limits.

AHCCCS Eligibility Categories — At a Glance

Group	Income Limit (% FPL or FBR)
Adults 19–64 (ACA Expansion)	138% FPL
Parents/Caretaker Relatives	106% FPL
Pregnant Women	156% FPL
Children Under Age 1	147% FPL
Children Ages 1–5	141% FPL
Children Ages 6–18	133% FPL
KidsCare (CHIP)	225% FPL
ALTCS (Long-Term Care)	300% FBR
Freedom to Work	250% FPL

Medicaid Income Limits in Arizona 2026

All income figures below come from the AHCCCS Eligibility Requirements chart, effective February 1, 2026.

Income is based on your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) for most programs. Seniors and disability-based programs use different income counting rules.

If you want to see how these figures stack up nationally, compare them in our full Medicaid fee schedule 2026 resource.

Adults Ages 19–64 (138% FPL)

Household Size	Monthly Income Limit	Annual Income Limit
1	$1,769	~$21,228
2	$2,399	~$28,788
3	$3,028	~$36,336
4	$3,658	~$43,896
Each additional person	+$630	—

Note: AHCCCS applies a standard 5% income disregard. This means someone earning up to 138% FPL can still qualify, even though the stated threshold is 133% FPL. Both numbers appear in official sources.

Parents and Caretaker Relatives (106% FPL)

Household Size	Monthly Income Limit
1	$1,410
2	$1,912
3	$2,414
4	$2,915
Each additional person	+$502

Pregnant Women (156% FPL)

Household Size	Monthly Income Limit
1	$2,075
2	$2,814
3	$3,552
4	$4,290
Each additional person	+$739

Children Under Age 1 (147% FPL)

Household Size	Monthly Income Limit
1	$1,956
2	$2,651
3	$3,347
4	$4,043
Each additional person	+$696

Children Ages 1–5 (141% FPL)

Household Size	Monthly Income Limit
1	$1,876
2	$2,543
3	$3,211
4	$3,878
Each additional person	+$668

Children Ages 6–18 (133% FPL)

Household Size	Monthly Income Limit
1	$1,769
2	$2,399
3	$3,028
4	$3,658
Each additional person	+$630

KidsCare — Arizona CHIP (225% FPL)

KidsCare is Arizona’s Children’s Health Insurance Program. It covers children whose family earns too much for free Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance.

Household Size	Monthly Income Limit	Annual Income Limit
1	$2,993	$35,916
2	$4,058	$48,696
3	$5,123	$61,476
4	$6,188	$74,256
5	$7,253	$87,036
6	$8,318	$99,816
Each additional	+$1,065/mo	—

A monthly premium of $10–$70 covers all eligible children in the family. State employees and their dependents are not eligible.

ALTCS — Long-Term Care Program

ALTCS serves adults who need nursing home-level care. It has both income and asset limits.

Rule	2026 Amount
Individual Monthly Income Limit	$2,982 (300% FBR)
Married Couple Income Limit	$5,964/month
Individual Resource Limit	$2,000
Personal Needs Allowance	$149.10/month

Community Spouse Protections (2026): When one spouse enters long-term care, the spouse at home keeps:

Protection	2026 Amount
Minimum Resource Deduction	$32,532
Maximum Resource Deduction	$162,660
Max Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance	$4,066.50
Monthly Spousal Need	$2,644

Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs)

MSPs help people on Medicare pay for premiums and cost-sharing. AHCCCS runs three tiers:

Program	2026 Monthly Income (Individual)	What It Covers
QMB (100% FPL)	Up to $1,330	Part A & B premiums, coinsurance, deductibles
SLMB (100–120% FPL)	$1,330–$1,596	Part B premium
QI-1 (120–135% FPL)	$1,596–$1,796	Part B premium

The Medicare Part B premium in 2026 is $202.90/month.

SSI-MAO and Freedom to Work

SSI-MAO is for adults 65+, blind, or with a disability who do not receive SSI cash payments. The income limit is $1,330/month for an individual and $1,804/month for a couple. The resource limit is $2,000 (individual) or $3,000 (couple).

Freedom to Work covers working adults ages 16–64 with a disability. Only earned income is counted. The income limit is $3,325/month (250% FPL). Monthly premiums range from $0 to $35.

What Does Medicaid Cover in Arizona?

AHCCCS provides a broad range of health services to enrolled members. Coverage depends on which program you qualify for, but most members get access to:

• Doctor visits — primary care and specialist visits
• Hospital care — inpatient and outpatient
• Prescription drugs — generic and name-brand medications on the AHCCCS formulary
• Mental health services — therapy, counseling, crisis care
• Substance use treatment — inpatient and outpatient options
• Prenatal and postpartum care — for pregnant women through 12 months after birth
• Preventive care — vaccines, screenings, annual checkups
• Vision care — eye exams and glasses (for children; adults have limited coverage)
• Dental care — children receive dental; adult dental is limited
• Long-term care — through ALTCS for those with nursing home-level needs
• Transportation — non-emergency medical transportation to appointments

The Breast & Cervical Cancer Treatment Program (BCCTP) has no income limit. Eligibility is based on diagnosis through the Well Woman Healthcheck Program, not income.

How to Apply for Medicaid in Arizona 2026

Applying for AHCCCS is free. You can apply online, by phone, or in person. There is no enrollment period — you can apply any time of year.

Here’s what to do, step by step:

1. Gather your documents. You’ll need proof of identity, Arizona residency, income (pay stubs, tax returns), and immigration status if applicable.
2. Choose your application method:
   • Online: healthearizonaplus.gov
   • Phone: 1-855-HEA-PLUS (1-855-432-7587)
   • In person: Visit your local DES/Family Assistance Administration office
3. Submit your application. Fill out all sections completely. Missing information slows down the process.
4. Wait for a decision. AHCCCS will contact you about your eligibility status.
5. Receive your AHCCCS card. If approved, your Medicaid card will arrive by mail. Coverage can be backdated to the first day of the month you applied.

Tip: If you are pregnant or in the hospital, request expedited processing. AHCCCS must decide in 20 days for pregnant women and 7 days for hospitalized applicants.

What Happens After You Apply?

After you submit your application, AHCCCS reviews your information and determines your eligibility. Most people hear back within 45 calendar days. Disability-based programs can take up to 90 days.

Approval

If approved, your coverage starts on the first day of the month you applied. You will receive an AHCCCS ID card and be enrolled in a managed care plan. Your plan will contact you to help you find a doctor.

Denial

If denied, you will receive a written notice explaining the reason. You have the right to appeal the decision. The notice will include instructions on how to request a fair hearing.

Renewal

AHCCCS checks your eligibility every 12 months. You will receive a renewal notice before your coverage ends. Respond promptly so your coverage is not interrupted. Update AHCCCS if your income, household size, or address changes at any time.

Important 2026 Policy Updates to Know

Arizona’s Medicaid program is facing potential changes in 2026 and beyond. These are not yet in effect but may affect future eligibility.

Pending Work Requirement (HB 2926)

Arizona HB 2926 proposes that able-bodied adults work, volunteer, attend school, or participate in job training for at least 20 hours per week to keep AHCCCS coverage. As of April 2026, this bill has not been enacted. It is still a legislative proposal. Monitor official AHCCCS communications for any updates.

Federal Funding Changes

The federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act, passed in July 2025, may reduce how much the federal government pays for Arizona’s Medicaid program starting in 2027–2028. Most changes do not affect 2026 coverage. Arizona’s current federal matching rate (FMAP) for expansion adults is 90%.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Sources & Disclaimer

Sources:

• AHCCCS Eligibility Requirements Chart, effective February 1, 2026: azahcccs.gov/Members/Downloads/EligibilityRequirements.pdf
• HealtheArizona Plus — Arizona’s Medicaid application portal: healthearizonaplus.gov
• Medicaid.gov — Federal Medicaid overview and policy guidance: medicaid.gov

Disclaimer: CheckMedicaid.com is not affiliated with any government agency. This content is for educational purposes only. For official eligibility, contact AHCCCS at 1-855-432-7587 or visit azahcccs.gov.

Last Updated: April 2026