Families enrolled in KidsCare or Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) are at risk of getting dropped from coverage soon. Early childhood providers can help prevent this by encouraging families to update their contact information.
The change comes because during the COVID-19 pandemic, KidsCare and AHCCCS have been available without a monthly premium, but those payments may start back up again this summer, putting children at risk of losing coverage.
In Arizona, almost half of the 1.74 million children under age 19 have health care coverage through AHCCCS or KidsCare, according to the Children’s Action Alliance.
Research shows when kids have health coverage, they are more likely to be ready to learn and do better in school, go to college and succeed in life. Throughout the national public health emergency, Arizona children have remained enrolled in AHCCCS, which has helped babies, toddlers and preschoolers to go to the doctor and access screenings and treatments without interruption.
Here is some helpful information early childhood supporters can share with families and caregivers:
- Make sure you update your mailing address and other contact information by calling AHCCCS at 1-855-432-7587 (TTY 1-800-842-6520). They can also update online by logging in to Health-e Arizona Plus.
- Check their mailbox for a letter from AHCCCS about renewal of coverage.
- Respond to any requests from AHCCCS for more information so the agency can accurately determine eligibility.
- Visit cover.org/connector to make an appointment with a health care enrollment assistor.
- For assistance in Spanish, families can call 2-1-1 to be connected with someone who can help.
