Arizona Medicaid, run by the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), covers roughly 2.3 million Arizonans. Income limits were updated on February 1, 2026 to reflect new Federal Poverty Level (FPL) guidelines. Whether you are applying for yourself, a child, or a family member who needs long-term care, the income thresholds changed this year and are worth checking. This guide lays out the current 2026 limits for every major AHCCCS program category.
What Is AHCCCS?
AHCCCS (pronounced "access") is Arizona's Medicaid agency. It provides free or low-cost health coverage to low and moderate-income residents, including doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, behavioral health, dental for children, and long-term care. Arizona expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, so most adults ages 19 to 64 can qualify based on income alone, with no asset test.
2026 AHCCCS Income Limits: Adults (Ages 19 to 64)
Most non-elderly adults qualify for AHCCCS if their income is at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level. The income test uses Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI), and there is no asset test for this category.
| Household Size | Monthly Limit | Annual Limit |
|---|
| 1 | $1,769 | $21,228 |
| 2 | $2,397 | $28,764 |
| 3 | $3,025 | $36,300 |
| 4 | $3,653 | $43,836 |
| 5 | $4,281 | $51,372 |
| 6 | $4,909 | $58,908 |
Note: The 138% FPL figure includes a 5% income disregard built into MAGI rules. The listed monthly amounts reflect the effective cutoff.
2026 AHCCCS Income Limits: Children
Children have higher income thresholds than adults because Arizona prioritizes broad coverage for minors. The exact limit depends on the child's age.
Children Under Age 1 (147% FPL)
| Household Size | Monthly Limit |
|---|
| 1 | $1,956 |
| 2 | $2,651 |
| 3 | $3,347 |
| 4 | $4,043 |
| Each additional person | +$696 |
Children Ages 1 to 5 (141% FPL)
| Household Size | Monthly Limit |
|---|
| 1 | $1,876 |
| 2 | $2,543 |
| 3 | $3,211 |
| 4 | $3,878 |
| Each additional person | +$668 |
Children Ages 6 to 18 (133% FPL)
Children in this age group follow income limits similar to adults at 133% FPL. The monthly limit for a single-person household is approximately $1,769, scaling up by household size.
2026 AHCCCS Income Limits: Pregnant Women (156% FPL)
Pregnant women qualify at a higher income threshold, and AHCCCS coverage continues for 12 months postpartum.
| Household Size | Monthly Limit |
|---|
| 1 | $2,075 |
| 2 | $2,814 |
| 3 | $3,552 |
| 4 | $4,290 |
| Each additional person | +$739 |
This postpartum extension means coverage does not end at delivery. Mothers keep full AHCCCS benefits for a full year after giving birth, regardless of income changes during that period.
KidsCare (CHIP) Income Limits 2026
KidsCare is Arizona's Children's Health Insurance Program. It covers children under age 19 whose family income is too high for standard AHCCCS but still within 225% FPL. KidsCare charges monthly premiums ranging from $10 to $70 per family, covering all eligible children in the household.
| Household Size | Monthly Limit |
|---|
| 1 | $2,993 |
| 2 | $4,058 |
| 3 | $5,123 |
| 4 | $6,188 |
| Each additional person | +$1,065 |
Children enrolled in KidsCare get the same benefits as those in AHCCCS, including doctor visits, dental, vision, and behavioral health.
2026 AHCCCS Income Limits: Long-Term Care (ALTCS)
The Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS) covers nursing home care, assisted living, and home and community-based services for elderly and disabled adults who need a medical level of care. ALTCS has both an income test and an asset test.
- Income limit: $2,982 per month (300% of SSI, effective January 1, 2026)
- Asset limit: $2,000 in countable assets for an individual; $3,000 for a couple
- Miller Trust option: If income exceeds $2,982/month, a Qualified Income Trust (Miller Trust) can be set up to qualify
A medical needs assessment is also required. Simply meeting the income and asset limits does not guarantee ALTCS approval. Applicants must need a nursing facility level of care as determined by an AHCCCS assessment.
Medicare Savings Programs
Low-income Medicare beneficiaries can get help paying Medicare premiums and cost-sharing through AHCCCS Medicare Savings Programs. Income limits vary by program:
| Program | Income Limit (Individual) | What It Covers |
|---|
| Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) | Approximately $1,330/month | Part A and B premiums, deductibles, and copays |
| Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) | Slightly higher | Part B premium only |
| Qualifying Individual (QI) | Up to approximately 135% FPL | Part B premium only |
These programs also automatically qualify you for Extra Help with Medicare Part D prescription drug costs.
Who Does Not Need to Meet Income Limits
Some groups qualify for AHCCCS regardless of income:
- Children in foster care up to age 26
- Individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Certain individuals with disabilities enrolled through the federal Buy-In program
How to Apply for AHCCCS in 2026
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Use the Benefits Navigator screener to get a quick estimate based on your household size, income, and state. It checks AHCCCS alongside other programs you might qualify for.
Step 2: Gather Your Documents
Before applying, collect:
- Proof of Arizona residency (utility bill, lease agreement, or government mail)
- Proof of identity (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
- Social Security numbers for all household members applying
- Proof of income (pay stubs, employer letter, or tax return)
- Immigration documents if applicable (green card, visa)
Step 3: Submit Your Application
You can apply through any of these methods:
- Online: Health-e-Arizona Plus at healthearizonaplus.gov. This is the fastest option and lets you track your application.
- In person: Visit your local DES office. Find locations at des.az.gov.
- By phone: Call AHCCCS at 1-855-432-7587 (Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM)
- By mail: Download the application from azahcccs.gov and mail it to your local DES office
Step 4: Respond to Any Requests
After submitting, AHCCCS may contact you for additional documentation or to schedule an interview. Respond promptly to avoid delays. Most straightforward applications are processed within 45 days.
Step 5: Receive Your Decision
If approved, you will receive a letter with your enrollment date and information about your assigned health plan. AHCCCS members are enrolled in managed care plans that coordinate their care.
What AHCCCS Covers
Standard AHCCCS benefits include:
- Doctor visits and specialist care
- Emergency room visits and hospitalizations
- Prescription drugs
- Mental health and substance use treatment
- Preventive care and immunizations
- Dental for children (and some adult dental services)
- Vision care for children
- Maternity care
- Lab tests and X-rays
- Medical equipment and supplies
Adults in standard AHCCCS also receive limited dental services. More comprehensive dental is available through select managed care plans.
Renewing Your AHCCCS Coverage
AHCCCS reviews eligibility every 12 months. You will receive a renewal notice before your coverage ends. Respond by the deadline to avoid a gap in coverage. If your income or household size changed during the year, report it to AHCCCS as it may affect your eligibility or premium.
Arizona also participates in ex parte renewals, meaning AHCCCS automatically renews coverage for members whose eligibility can be verified through data matches with other agencies. If you receive a renewal packet, fill it out even if you think your information has not changed.
Arizona Medicaid Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income limit for a single person on Arizona Medicaid in 2026?
For a single adult ages 19 to 64, the income limit is $1,769 per month (approximately $21,228 per year) at 138% FPL. This was updated on February 1, 2026.
Does Arizona Medicaid have an asset test?
Most AHCCCS programs do not have an asset test. Standard adult and children's coverage is based on income only. The exception is ALTCS (long-term care), which has a $2,000 asset limit for individuals.
Can I get AHCCCS if I am undocumented?
Undocumented adults generally do not qualify for full AHCCCS benefits. However, emergency Medicaid covers emergency medical care. U.S.-born children of undocumented parents can qualify for full AHCCCS if they meet income requirements.
What if my income is above the limit?
If your income is above 138% FPL, you may qualify for subsidized health insurance through Healthcare.gov. Subsidies are available for incomes up to 400% FPL, and in some cases higher. Run a free check at benefitsusa.org/screener to see your options.
How long does the AHCCCS application take?
Most applications are processed within 45 days. If you apply online through Health-e-Arizona Plus and have all documents ready, the process can move faster. Pregnant women and children may receive expedited processing.
Does AHCCCS cover dental for adults?
AHCCCS covers limited dental services for adults, including emergency extractions and basic restorative care. Some managed care plans offer more comprehensive dental. Children receive full dental benefits under AHCCCS.
Can I keep AHCCCS if I get a job?
Getting a job does not automatically end AHCCCS. Your coverage continues until your income exceeds the eligibility threshold. At that point, you may qualify for employer-sponsored insurance or ACA marketplace subsidies. AHCCCS also has a Working Disabled program that allows some individuals with disabilities to keep Medicaid while working.
What happens if I move to Arizona from another state?
You can apply for AHCCCS once you establish Arizona residency. Previous Medicaid coverage in another state does not transfer, but your history may speed up the application. Apply as soon as you have proof of Arizona residency.
