Arizona KidsCare covers children under 19 whose family income is too high for regular AHCCCS Medicaid but still modest, up to 225% of the federal poverty level as of the February 2026 eligibility update. For a family of four, that works out to a monthly household income limit of $6,188, or about $74,256 a year. KidsCare charges a monthly premium between $10 and $70 depending on income and household size, and it covers doctor visits, dental, vision, prescriptions, and behavioral health for every eligible child in the household under one payment.
KidsCare is Arizona's version of the federal Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). It exists specifically for kids who don't qualify for AHCCCS (Arizona's Medicaid program) because their family earns slightly too much, but who still can't afford private insurance. If your child is currently uninsured and your income is above the regular AHCCCS threshold, KidsCare is very likely the program to check first.
Arizona AHCCCS and KidsCare Income Limits (Effective February 1, 2026)
AHCCCS splits children's eligibility into age bands, and each band has a different FPL threshold. Younger children qualify at higher income levels than older children, which is standard across most state Medicaid programs.
| Household Size | Children Under 1 (147% FPL) | Children Ages 1-5 (141% FPL) | Children Ages 6-18 (133% FPL) | KidsCare Under 19 (225% FPL) |
|---|
| 1 | $1,956/mo ($23,472/yr) | $1,876/mo ($22,512/yr) | $1,769/mo ($21,228/yr) | $2,993/mo ($35,916/yr) |
| 2 | $2,651/mo ($31,812/yr) | $2,543/mo ($30,516/yr) | $2,399/mo ($28,788/yr) | $4,058/mo ($48,696/yr) |
| 3 | $3,347/mo ($40,164/yr) | $3,211/mo ($38,532/yr) | $3,028/mo ($36,336/yr) | $5,123/mo ($61,476/yr) |
| 4 | $4,043/mo ($48,516/yr) | $3,878/mo ($46,536/yr) | $3,658/mo ($43,896/yr) | $6,188/mo ($74,256/yr) |
| Each additional person | +$696/mo | +$668/mo | +$630/mo | +$1,065/mo |
If your household income falls under the AHCCCS threshold for your child's age group, the child qualifies for regular AHCCCS Medicaid with no monthly premium. If income is above that threshold but under the KidsCare limit, the child qualifies for KidsCare instead, with a modest monthly premium.
One important change for 2026: KidsCare premiums, which had been suspended for several years, are back in effect. Families now pay between $10 and $70 per month total, regardless of how many children in the household are enrolled. The exact premium amount depends on where your income falls within the KidsCare income band. This is a meaningful shift from 2025, when KidsCare had no premium at all, so families who checked eligibility last year should re-verify their numbers before assuming coverage is free.
Who Qualifies for KidsCare
A child may qualify for KidsCare if they:
- Are an Arizona resident
- Are under age 19
- Are a U.S. citizen or a qualified immigrant
- Have a Social Security number or have applied for one
- Have household income under the KidsCare limit for their household size
- Are not currently covered by other health insurance
- Do not qualify for coverage through a parent's state government employment
- Are not otherwise eligible for regular AHCCCS (Medicaid) coverage
- Are part of a household willing to pay the monthly premium
KidsCare is specifically a fallback for kids who are locked out of free Medicaid because of income, not a program parents can choose over AHCCCS if their child already qualifies for the no-premium option.
What KidsCare Covers
KidsCare benefits mirror standard AHCCCS Medicaid coverage. This includes:
- Doctor office visits and preventive checkups
- Immunizations
- Hospitalization and emergency room care
- Laboratory work and x-rays
- Prescription drugs
- Dental services
- Behavioral health and mental health services
- Vision care, including glasses
There is no separate, thinner benefit package for KidsCare kids. Coverage is comprehensive and administered through the same AHCCCS-contracted health plans that manage Medicaid.
How to Apply for KidsCare in Arizona
- Gather documents first. You'll need proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax return, or benefit award letters), Social Security numbers for household members, proof of Arizona residency, and citizenship or immigration status documents for the child applying.
- Apply online through Health-e-Arizona Plus. Go to healthearizonaplus.gov, the state's combined portal for AHCCCS, KidsCare, SNAP, and cash assistance. You can apply for yourself, your children, or someone else in your household.
- Or apply by phone or in person. Call 1-855-HEA-PLUS (1-855-432-7587) to apply by phone or find your nearest DES Family Assistance Office.
- Get free help if you need it. Cover Arizona provides no-cost application assistance through local navigators. Call 1-800-377-3536 or visit coveraz.org/connector to schedule an appointment.
- Wait for a determination. AHCCCS typically processes applications within 45 days. If your child is approved for regular AHCCCS instead of KidsCare (because income falls below the Medicaid threshold for their age), coverage starts with no premium required.
- Pay the KidsCare premium once approved, if applicable. Premiums are billed monthly per household, not per child, so multiple KidsCare-enrolled siblings share one premium payment.
- Renew annually. AHCCCS will send a renewal notice. Report income or household changes promptly through Health-e-Arizona Plus to avoid a coverage gap.
KidsCare vs. Regular AHCCCS: Which One Applies to Your Child
The distinction matters because it affects whether you pay a premium at all.
| Regular AHCCCS (Medicaid) | KidsCare |
|---|
| Income limit | 133% to 147% FPL depending on age | 225% FPL |
| Monthly premium | None | $10 to $70 per household |
| Age range | Birth to 18 | Birth to 18 (used when Medicaid income limit is exceeded) |
| Benefits | Full medical, dental, vision, behavioral health | Same as AHCCCS |
| Application | Health-e-Arizona Plus | Health-e-Arizona Plus |
You don't need to figure out which program to apply for separately. The Health-e-Arizona Plus application automatically screens your child against both the AHCCCS and KidsCare income limits and places them in whichever program they qualify for.
Arizona Medicaid Expansion Context
Arizona expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, which means parents and other adults in the household may also qualify for AHCCCS coverage even if they don't have children who qualify separately. Adults up to 133% FPL and parents/caretaker relatives up to 106% FPL can qualify for their own AHCCCS coverage. If you're checking eligibility for your kids, it's worth checking your own eligibility for AHCCCS or Marketplace subsidies at the same time, since many families qualify for a mix of programs across household members. You can review Arizona-specific benefit information at /states/az.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income limit for KidsCare in Arizona in 2026?
The KidsCare income limit is 225% of the federal poverty level. For a household of one, that's $2,993 a month ($35,916 a year). For a household of four, it's $6,188 a month ($74,256 a year). Add $1,065 per month for each additional household member.
Does KidsCare have a monthly premium in 2026?
Yes. As of the February 2026 update, KidsCare premiums are back in effect, ranging from $10 to $70 per month per household depending on income. This is a change from the prior period when premiums were suspended, so families should confirm current costs when applying.
What is the difference between KidsCare and regular AHCCCS for children?
Regular AHCCCS covers children with no monthly premium at income limits between 133% and 147% FPL depending on the child's age. KidsCare is the next tier up, covering children whose family income exceeds the Medicaid threshold but falls under 225% FPL, with a monthly premium attached.
How do I apply for KidsCare in Arizona?
Apply online at healthearizonaplus.gov, by phone at 1-855-HEA-PLUS, or in person at a DES Family Assistance Office. Free application help is also available through Cover Arizona at 1-800-377-3536.
Can my child get KidsCare if they already have other insurance?
No. KidsCare is only available to children who are currently uninsured. A child covered by a parent's employer plan, another state's Medicaid program, or private insurance does not qualify.
How long does it take to get approved for KidsCare?
AHCCCS generally issues an eligibility decision within 45 days of a completed application. Applying online through Health-e-Arizona Plus with all required documents ready tends to move faster than a paper application.
Do I need to reapply for KidsCare every year?
Yes. AHCCCS requires annual renewal to confirm your household still meets the income and residency requirements. You'll receive a renewal notice, and you should report any income changes as soon as they happen rather than waiting for the renewal date.
Is KidsCare only for U.S. citizens?
No. Children who are qualified immigrants can also apply for KidsCare, provided they meet the other eligibility requirements including Arizona residency and having or applying for a Social Security number.
