Keep Your AHCCCS
Important AHCCCS Coverage Updates
Starting January 1, 2027, new federal requirements will take effect for some adult AHCCCS members (ages 19–64). These changes include renewing coverage every 6 months and completing work or qualifying activity requirements for certain individuals.
What you need to do right now:
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No immediate action is needed, but changes are coming soon and all members should be prepared. AHCCCS will contact you directly if these changes affect your coverage.
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Keep your contact information up to date on Health-e-Arizona Plus (or call 1-855-HEA-PLUS) so you don’t miss important letters or updates
Frequently Asked Questions
Navigating changes to your healthcare coverage can feel overwhelming, but staying informed is the best way to ensure there is no interruption in your care. Here are some answers to common questions regarding upcoming AHCCCS requirements, renewal timelines, and the simple steps you can take today to protect your health insurance and stay connected to your services.
Please note that this is not legal or eligibility advice. Rules, dates, approved activities, exemptions, and financial thresholds may change. Always follow your own AHCCCS or DES notice and verify current requirements with AHCCCS, DES, your health plan, or a qualified assister.
Understanding the Requirements
The potentially affected group of AHCCCS members is adults ages 19 through 64 without dependents. Exemptions and other eligibility rules may apply, so you should confirm your individual status with AHCCCS.
What qualifies as an exception or exemption?
A new AHCCCS Website (www.KeepMyAHCCCS.com) has information that outlines who the new work requirements apply to. And, you can take a short screener that will help you learn more about if you’re in the population it applies to. AHCCCS should also be sending you a letter to let you know. Everyone’s situation is different and unique. Also, the exception criteria are still changing, so it’s important to keep up to date on what’s on www.KeepMyAHCCCS.com and in correspondence sent to you.
What activity requirement was described?
AHCCCS describes a requirement of at least 80 hours per month of approved meaningful activities; employment, volunteering, school, training, or another qualifying community-engagement activity. Activities may be combined. Because thresholds can change, verify the current amount with AHCCCS before relying on it.
Who may be affected by the new AHCCCS requirements?
The potentially affected group of AHCCCS members is adults ages 19 through 64 without dependents. Exemptions and other eligibility rules may apply, so you should confirm your individual status with AHCCCS.
What activity requirement was described?
AHCCCS describes a requirement of at least 80 hours per month of approved employment, volunteering, school, training, or another qualifying community-engagement activity. Activities may be combined. Because thresholds can change, verify the current amount with AHCCCS before relying on it.
Is there an earnings option instead of 80 hours?
Yes, earning at least $580 per month could satisfy the requirement instead of completing 80 hours. Because thresholds can change, verify the current amount with AHCCCS before relying on it.
Do I need both 80 hours and $580 in earnings?
No. These are listed by AHCCCS as alternative ways to meet the requirement: either 80 hours of qualifying activity or the applicable earnings amount.
When will renewals change?
AHCCCS renewals are expected to move from every 12 months to every six months beginning in January 2027. Follow the dates in your own AHCCCS notice.
If I renew in late 2026, will I remain on a 12-month cycle?
Members who are set to renew (on their typical renewal cycle) in October, November, or December 2026 may remain on a 12-month renewal cycle until late 2027. Caution: members should not renew too early; follow your personal renewal time period based on individualized communications from AHCCCS. Clarifying that the new renewal and work requirement are not tied, members may not need to renew for 12 month but may receive notice of the work requirements so they may need to report meaningful activities or report an exception.
If I receive Social Security, does the work requirement apply to me?
People receiving Social Security generally may not be directly affected because their eligibility may be tied to disability. Members should still read all notices, respond with documents as requested, and verify their individual status. Not to assume they are automatically exempt.
Does a mental-health condition or SMI designation automatically create an exemption?
No. Mental health diagnoses or SMI designation alone does not automatically create an exemption. AHCCCS may consider functional impairment and individual circumstances.
Could a chronic illness qualify for an exemption?
Possibly. Medical-condition exemptions would be based on individual circumstances and that additional guidance is expected from AHCCCS.
How can I find out whether I qualify for an exemption?
Review letters from AHCCCS, use the screening information on www.KeepMyAHCCCS.com and contact AHCCCS, DES, your health plan, or your CODAC treatment team for individualized assistance.
Does volunteering count toward the word requirement?
Yes. Approved community service or volunteering may count toward the monthly activity requirement. Confirm that the specific organization, activity, and documentation are acceptable. Confirm that the specific organization, activity, and documentation are acceptable. AHCCCS has not set up a way to verify which organizations will or will not qualify. possible rephrasing to encourage them to track those volunteer activities?
Does DoorDash or other gig work count?
DoorDash counts as employment, subject to meeting the applicable hours or earnings requirement and providing acceptable documentation. The $580 approved income amount or 80 hours of work, volunteering, school, or approved meaningful activities.
Does donating blood count as volunteering?
CODAC cannot confirm that blood donation qualifues. Members should verify approved activities with AHCCCS.
How are seasonal jobs treated?
www.KeepMyAHCCCS.com, addresses seasonal jobs as follows: “If you have this kind of job, AHCCCS will look at your average income for the past 12 months. If your average income is at least $580 a month, you meet the work requirements. If your average income is less than $580 a month, AHCCCS will also look at your average income for the past 6 months. If your average income for the past 6 months is at least $580 a month, you meet the work requirements.”
What about unpaid caregiving for a family member?
Caregiving and dependent status may affect whether requirements apply, so individualized guidance is necessary. Please contact AHCCCS directly.
Could SNAP benefits also be affected?
Possibly, yes. Members may receive DES letters requesting information related to work eligibility, disability, or medical frailty. Open and respond to all DES correspondence and ask for help if needed. Yes, earning at least $580 per month could satisfy the requirement instead of completing 80 hours. Because thresholds can change, verify the current amount with AHCCCS before relying on it.
Documents and Benefits Assistance
Locate and safely store your birth certificate, Social Security card, and photo identification. You may not need every document for every renewal, but having them available can prevent delays.
Do I need new identity documents if I already have them?
Not necessarily. Keep acceptable copies in a safe place. Request replacements if documents are missing, damaged, or otherwise unusable.
Where can I get help replacing a Social Security card or birth certificate?
Social ministries services Monday Wednesday and Friday at Grace St. Paul’s Episcopal Church from 8am to 12pm for ID vouchers and assistance filling out birth certificate documentation. Suggest calling the local SSA number less of a hold times- 1-866-3331-7693. The Social Security Administration, local vital records, and DES can assist. Service procedures and processing times should be confirmed with the issuing agency. Be sure to plan ahead; it can take time to receive new Social Security Cards and Birth Certificates.
Is there financial help for replacing Social Security Cards and Birth Certificates documents?
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 2331 E. Adams Street in Tucson is a local resource that may offer vouchers and in-person assistance for identification and birth-certificate requests.
Can CODAC help me apply for or renew AHCCCS?
Yes. CODAC has staff trained to help with Health-e-Arizona Plus applications, document submission, and benefits follow-up.
What if I lose AHCCCS coverage?
Contact CODAC or your health plan for a benefits appointment. Staff may help review AHCCCS, Marketplace, and other coverage options, as well as sliding-fee services.
Taking Action and Getting CODAC Support
Use the four-step approach: Stop, Read, Ask, and Act. Do not discard the letter. Identify the deadline and requested documents, ask for help, submit what is required, and keep proof.
What proof should I keep after submitting documents?
Keep the original notice, copies of everything submitted, the submission date, and any confirmation, receipt, or fax confirmation.
Where can CODAC members get same-day help?
Call CODAC at 520-327-4505. Desk Duty is available at Cobblestone and Speedway. Counselor of the Day is available at the 380 clinic. Members may call to sign up or walk in during the posted service hours.
Will CODAC provide additional updates?
CODAC would continue sharing updates, educating clinic staff, and making the webinar recording, slides, and FAQ available.
CODAC Same-Day Support
- Main number: 520-327-4505
- Cobblestone Desk Duty: 1075 E. Fort Lowell Road, 9:00–11:30 a.m. and 2:00–4:30 p.m.
- Speedway Desk Duty: 4585 E. Speedway Boulevard, 9:00–11:30 a.m. and 2:00–4:30 p.m.
- 380 Counselor of the Day: 380 E. Fort Lowell Road, 5:00–11:00 a.m. and 1:00–5:00 p.m.
