COVID-19 Federal Emergency Authorities Request

On March 17 and March 24, 2020, the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) submitted requests to the Administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to waive certain Medicaid and KidsCare requirements to enable the State to combat the continued spread of 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19). AHCCCS is seeking a broad range of emergency authorities to:

  • Strengthen the provider workforce and remove barriers to care for AHCCCS members,
  • Enhance Medicaid services and supports for vulnerable members for the duration of the emergency period, and
  • Remove cost sharing and other administrative requirements to support continued access to services.

Arizona’s request to CMS is posted below:

Status of AHCCCS Emergency Authority Requests (updated April 6, 2023)

The federally declared public health emergency (PHE) ended on May 11, 2023. However, AHCCCS implemented a variety of flexibilities under section 1902(e)(14)(A) of the Social Security Act during the period of unwinding from the continuous enrollment condition. Those flexibilities are intended to protect beneficiaries and reduce state administrative burden associated with conducting redeterminations and renewals of Medicaid and CHIP eligibility.

CMS approved components of Arizona’s request under the 1135 Waiver, Appendix K and State Plan:

The allowances from CMS grant broad authority to Arizona to tailor changes to best serve its citizens. AHCCCS will make decisions about how and when these changes will be implemented.

AHCCCS will pursue the extension of some of the flexibilities granted (updated 7/21/2020) during the public health emergency.

AHCCCS has hosted the following community meetings to provide the public with information about Arizona's request for COVID-19 Federal Emergency Authorities: