“AHCCCS Explains” the End of the Public Health Emergency
Watch the latest episode of “AHCCCS Explains” featuring Deputy Director of Business Operations Kristen Challacombe. In this short video, Kristen explains what AHCCCS members can do to prepare for the end of the Public Health Emergency (PHE).
Read the Highlights of 40 Years of AHCCCS 
This brief history AHCCCS document highlights four decades of Arizona’s Medicaid program. Through eight agency directors, a national recession, a pandemic, and unpredicted enrollment growth, AHCCCS has constantly evolved, innovated, and adapted to meet the changing needs of its members. 

Find this pdf on the AHCCCS About Us web page.
AHCCCS Posts Summary of Operational Plan for Returning to Normal Eligibility Processes
When the federal Public Health Emergency (PHE) ends, AHCCCS must reinstate many regular enrollment and operational procedures that have been suspended since March 2020. To inform stakeholders of the operational plan, AHCCCS has posted a Summary Public Health Emergency Operational Unwinding Plan.

Find the plan on the Preparing for the End of COVID-19: Return to Normal Renewals web page along with fliers, messaging toolkits, and other resources to help communities prepare for the end of the PHE.
Public Comment on the Arizona Olmstead Plan Accepted Through Sept. 22 
AHCCCS is accepting public comment on the Arizona 2022 Olmstead Plan through Sept. 22, 2022.

Olmstead is a 1999 United States Supreme Court decision that provided a legal framework to integrate individuals with disabilities into the communities in which they live. The Olmstead Plan benefits individuals who may be at risk of institutionalization, including individuals with behavioral health needs and members of the Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS) program.

The Olmstead Plan includes targeted strategies designed to mitigate institutionalization and support a member’s successful transition from an institutional setting into community-based living. Learn more on the Arizona Olmstead web page.   

Submit comments by email to Olmstead@azahcccs.gov, or by mail to AHCCCS
Program Initiatives Team, 801 E. Jefferson Street, Mail Drop 6500, Phoenix, AZ 85034
Revised ARP Spending Plan and Summary Published
AHCCCS has published its revised American Rescue Act (ARP) spending plan to support efforts to strengthen, enhance, and/or expand home and community-based services (HCBS) for the AHCCCS members. A spending plan summary document outlines proposed changes to the spending plan. The revised plan document includes highlights indicating proposed changes.

Find these documents on the AHCCCS American Rescue Plan Allocations web page.
AHCCCS Housing Guidebook Published to Standardize Housing Practices
AHCCCS recently published the AHCCCS Housing Program (AHP) Guidebook, a document intended to standardize housing practices across the state and improve housing accessibility, transparency, and consistency. The Guidebook supplements AHCCCS Policy (ACOM 448 Housing). AHCCCS will periodically seek community feedback to improve housing practices and update the guidebook to ensure compliance with current legal standards. 

Find the AHCCCS Housing Guidebook in a drop down menu on the AHCCCS' Housing Programs web page.
Jacob’s Law Training for Foster, Kinship and Adoptive Parents Webinar
Tues., Aug. 2, 10:00 a.m. online
This training provides an overview of Arizona House Bill 2442, passed into law in 2016; a review of the DCS Placement Packet; legal rights and protections; and covered services.

AHCCCS Quarterly Tribal Consultation
Thurs., Aug. 11, 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., online
AHCCCS Consultation Meetings with tribes and I/T/Us are held in accordance with the AHCCCS Tribal Consultation Policy to consult on policy and programmatic changes that may significantly impact enrolled American Indian/Alaska Native members.
 
OIFA Hot Topics Meeting
Mon., Aug. 15, 11:00 a.m., online
The 2022 Legislative session resulted in programmatic changes to the Medicaid program, including extending coverage to postpartum women for 12 months. Learn about this and other programmatic changes from this year’s session. 

Health Care Navigation: Using OIFA Empowerment Tools to Navigate the Health Care System
Tues., Aug. 23, noon to 12:30 p.m., online
The Office of Individual and Family Affairs (OIFA) will demonstrate their empowerment tools and answer your questions about accessing healthcare. Topics may include appointment standards, services for members without a Serious Mental Illness designation, and OIFA at AHCCCS.
 
Foster, Kinship, and Adoptive Listening Session
Thurs., Aug. 25, 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., online
AHCCCS, the Department of Child Safety (DCS), and Mercy Care Comprehensive Health Plan (CHP) are collaborating on a community listening session. We invite community members to join and share your thoughts, concerns, and successes.