How to Apply for Arizona Medicaid
Updated August 2026
The AHCCCS Administration accepts applications through several channels. Per AHCCCS, you can apply online, by phone, in person at a DES/Family Assistance Office, or by mail. Online through Health-e-Arizona Plus is fastest and allows paperless correspondence.
How to apply for AHCCCS in Arizona
- Online — Health-e-Arizona Plus: Apply at healthearizonaplus.gov 24/7. Create an account, submit your application, check status, renew coverage, and go paperless for AHCCCS letters. Upload documents directly.
- By phone — 1-855-HEA-PLUS: Call 1-855-432-7587 (1-855-HEA-PLUS) to apply by phone or find your nearest DES/Family Assistance Office. AHCCCS Connect member services: 602-417-7000 (Maricopa County) or 1-800-962-6690 (outside Maricopa).
- In person — DES/Family Assistance Office: Walk into any Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) Family Assistance Office. Staff process applications, verify documents, and can assist with complex household situations. Find locations at 1-855-HEA-PLUS.
- By mail — AHCCCS paper application: Download a paper application from azahcccs.gov and mail to AHCCCS, P.O. Box 25520, Phoenix, AZ 85002-5520. Slowest method — adds processing time compared to online. Keep a copy of everything you mail.
What you need to apply for AHCCCS
AHCCCS verifies identity, residency, income, and Social Security number. Per the AHCCCS Member FAQ, a Social Security number is required for most eligibility categories. Gather the following before starting your application.
- Full legal name and date of birth for all household members applying
- Social Security numbers for all applicants who have them (required for most categories)
- Proof of Arizona residency — utility bill, lease, official mail with your current address
- Income verification — pay stubs from the past 30 days, employer letter, or tax return if self-employed
- Immigration documents for non-citizen applicants — green card, visa, I-94, or work authorization
- Current health insurance information if anyone in the household is already covered
- For ALTCS applications only: medical documentation and physician statement supporting need for nursing facility-level care
How long does an AHCCCS application take?
Under federal regulations (42 CFR 435.912), Arizona must process most AHCCCS applications within 45 days. Disability-based and ALTCS long-term care applications can take up to 90 days because functional eligibility requires a medical assessment in addition to financial review.
Coverage begins on the first day of the month you applied, assuming approval. Pregnant women may qualify for retroactive coverage going back three months.
If you applied online through Health-e-Arizona Plus, you can track your application status and receive paperless alerts about any needed documents. Sign up for text or email alerts in your Health-e-Arizona Plus account — this avoids delays from missed mail.
ALTCS long-term care uses its own application track. You can register an ALTCS application online through Health-e-Arizona Plus (by creating an HEAplus account), or apply by calling ALTCS directly at 1-888-621-6880 (fax 1-888-507-3313). Functional eligibility — determined by a medical assessment — must be established in addition to financial eligibility.
Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS)
Visit the official Arizona Medicaid websiteRelated guides
How to Apply
A step-by-step walkthrough of the application process and what you'll need.
Read more →Eligibility Requirements
The income, household, age, and state rules that determine who qualifies.
Read more →Approval Time
Federal processing deadlines and what affects your approval timeline.
Read more →