How to Apply for Medicaid in Arizona

Medicare and Medicaid often get confused, and it's easy to understand why. They're both federal programs, their names are similar, both are options for people who are 65 and older, and both offer health insurance. No wonder it's hard to keep them straight!

Today, we're going to do a quick review of how Medicare and Medicaid are different and then give you some guidelines to follow if you would like to apply for Medicaid in Arizona.

What's the Difference Between Medicare and Medicaid?

Medicare is the federal program that offers health insurance to people who are 65 years old or older and to people who have certain health conditions or have been on disability for two years. Original Medicare, Parts A and B, have the same coverage and costs throughout the United States. 

Medicaid is also a federal program that offers health insurance, but it is only open to individuals and families who have limited incomes. Even though it is a federal program, each state sets its own eligibility requirements and benefits. Some states have expanded their Medicaid program in recent years, which allows more people to be eligible for coverage.

Medicaid in Arizona: Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for Medicaid in Arizona, you must first be an Arizona resident, a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident, or a legal alien. In addition, you must belong to one of the following groups of people:

• Pregnant individuals
• An adult responsible for at least one child age 17 or younger
• Disabled individuals
• Family members who have a household member with a disability
• Individuals aged 65 and older

Next, you must have a household income (pre-tax) that is below the amounts in the table below.

Households with more than eight people will add $6,277 per additional member. 

Applying for Medicaid in Arizona

If you think you meet these eligibility requirements, you can apply for Medicaid in Arizona. You should start by gathering the documents that will be requested from you. Those documents could include the following:

• Proof of citizenship
• Alien Registration Cards
• Social Security numbers or proof that you've applied for Social Security
• Birth certificates
• A statement verifying your address and household member names. The statement must be from a non-relative who does not live with you. It must be signed and dated and include the person's address and phone number.
• Proof of any money your household received the current month and the month prior
• Proof that your employment ended
• Verification of any medical insurance 

Once you have all documents, you can apply for Medicaid in Arizona in one of three ways.

• Online at healtharizonaplus.gov
• In person at a local DES office
• Mail or fax your printed application

If you have more questions about Medicaid, call the Local Medicare Specialists. We can help you determine if you qualify and get you pointed in the right direction. We'll also be able to determine if you qualify for any other cost-saving programs like the Medicare Savings Program or Extra Help.