About MagellanofAZ

FY12 budget impacts on eligibility for AHCCCS Care

Overview

Under the FY12 budget approved by Governor Brewer and in accordance with her Medicaid reform implementation plan, one way that spending will be cut is by putting a freeze on eligibility for the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) for certain groups. This freeze was scheduled to go into effect for childless adults on July 1, 2011, meaning that no new applications will be accepted for this program after the date the freeze becomes effective. However, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) are unable to complete their review of the AHCCCS Care Phase Out plan by July 1.  Therefore the freeze to the AHCCCS Care for childless adults is postponed. The next earliest freeze date for AHCCCS Care will be July 8, 2011, pending approval from CMS.

It is important to follow the rules and meet redetermination requirements to remain eligible. If CMS approves the plan, those who become ineligible will be unable to come back into the system at a later time.  As long as members continue to meet the eligibility requirements for this program and complete the redetermination application on time, they will continue to be eligible for AHCCCS services in the Childless Adult program. 

Please note that all childless adults who are identified as experiencing serious mental illness (SMI) by the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) have been transferred to the Supplemental Security Income-Medical Assistance Only (SSI-MAO) program as of July 1, 2011. The SSI-MAO program will not be frozen, and SSI-MAO staff will contact these individuals for a redetermination of their eligibility under SSI-MAO rules. If individuals with SMI lose coverage for the AHCCCS Care (Childless Adults program) for any other eligibility reason (e.g., excess income, loss of residency, etc.), they will not be moved to SSI-MAO.

Other childless individuals who are 65 and older or are under 65 and have Medicare have also been transferred to the SSI-MAO program. In addition, childless adults who lose coverage because they did not comply with the redetermination process and have been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS and/or take antiretroviral drugs, will be transferred to the SSI-MAO program.

Events  

Wednesday, July 13, 2011 - National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare will present a free webinar, "A new insurance opportunity for your uninsured clients," Wednesday, July 13, 2011, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. To learn more about the free webinar or to register, please click here.

July 6, 2011 - Childless Adult Transition Plan and Community Resources meeting

Information and Resources 

Childless Adult Transition Plan: You can find the latest draft of the state's Childless Adult Transition Plan on the AHCCCS website. This plan is awaiting approval by CMS.

Don't Get Dropped AZ: This grassroots campaign encourages AHCCCS members to pay close attention to any letters they receive and to watch for renewal notices. A significant number of Medicaid members (AHCCCS in Arizona) fall off the enrollment list because they forget to or don't get around to renewing on time.  Providers are encouraged to print out and post flyers in English and Spanish. For more information, access: www.dontgetdroppedaz.org.

Community behavioral health resource guide in English | Spanish (Updated 02-11-11): This helpful resource guide contains contact information for various behavioral/mental health agencies, community health centers, peer and family run agencies, support groups, counseling services and inter-faith organizations located within Maricopa County.

Frequently Asked Questions for member in English  | Spanish (Updated 07-01-11): This document was developed for service recipients explaining how the upcoming changes to AHCCCS may affect them.

Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan: The Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan makes health insurance available to people who have had a problem getting insurance due to a pre-existing condition. The Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan: covers a broad range of health benefits, including primary and specialty care, hospital care, and prescription drugs; does not charge you a higher premium just because of your medical condition; and does not base eligibility on income.

Information and resources for providers:

• Provider FAQ document (Updated 07-07-11): This document was developed for providers and provider staff, explaining the changes and transition plan.
• Flyer for members in English | Spanish: This flyer was developed for providers to distribute to service recipients explaining how the upcoming changes to AHCCCS may affect them.
• Health-e-Arizona Applications for SMI Applicants Guide: This guide is for providers on how to assist members in the SSI-MAO application and verification process