The Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion, also known as the ACA Medicaid expansion and Obamacare Medicaid expansion, gave many states the option to extend their Medicaid programs. This Medicaid expansion helped millions of Americans to have access to Medicaid assistance. The expansion was offered to every state in the nation, but it did not require each state to participate. After the Obamacare Medicaid expansion details were released, many asked, “What is the Obamacare Medicaid expansion?” and “How will the Medicaid expansion affect my state?” If a state chooses to be part of the expansion of Medicaid, the Medicaid eligibility requirements in that state will be changed. Before the Affordable Care Act Medicaid eligibility guidelines were adopted, the Medicaid program in all states used many different factors to determine qualifications for the program. After the expansion is enacted, the Medicaid requirements are broadened, allowing all those who meet the income qualifications to become eligible for the program. If you are interested in Medicaid benefits and want to submit an Arizona Affordable Care Act Medicaid application, you can first review the sections below to make sure you have all the necessary information.

Learn About the ACA Medicaid Expansion in Arizona

To answer questions like, “What is the expansion of Medicaid in Arizona?” you first must know if Arizona accepted the expansion plan. Arizona enacted the Obamacare expansion of Medicaid for its residents. The ACA Medicaid expansion cost to states is an important factor that is looked at by state officials when making a decision about the expansion. While the Affordable Care Act expansion of Medicaid does come with federal assistance, it also requires the state to eventually use some of its funds to maintain the program. However, state leaders in Arizona decided that the costs of the ACA expansion did not outweigh the benefits that the program can provide. The AZ Affordable Care Act expansion was made available throughout the state in January of 2014. In 2016, the program was renewed for a five-year plan, meaning the new Medicaid eligibility qualifications will be in effect until at least 2021.

What does choosing the Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion mean for Arizona?

ACA Medicaid eligibility in Arizona has now been opened to a new group of people. However, there are some small differences between the AZ expansion of Medicaid and other states that have expanded Medicaid with the ACA. In general, states with ACA expanded Medicaid allow applicants who are between 19 and 64 years of age and do not have dependents to be enrolled in Medicaid, as long as they make no more than 138 percent of the federal poverty level. The major difference is that under Arizona’s Medicaid expansion, adults who do not have dependents can meet Medicaid eligibility guidelines if they earn up to 100 percent the federal poverty line. Those who are between 19 and 64 years of age and have a household income between 100 percent and 138 percent of the federal poverty level are called the new adult group.

After the Obamacare Medicaid expansion program went into effect, this group became able to participate in the AZ Medicaid expansion program with a few exceptions. This new adult group is also given the opportunity to be enrolled in some state-governed employment programs. Those enrolled in Medicaid through the Affordable Care Act Medicaid Expansion in AZ will have to pay for a small portion of their premiums and services. This amount is largely determined by income. Arizona Medicaid does not offer a premium assistance program. To learn about the ACA Medicaid expansion, download our free guide.

Will the Arizona ACA Medicaid expansion allow me to enroll in Medicaid?

Everyone living in Arizona is allowed to turn in an Arizona Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion application, but not all of those who apply will be accepted. The ACA Medicaid expansion eligibility requirements have been extended to some new applicants. Income is now the only factor looked at when determining an adult’s eligibility for Medicaid, unless the adult is applying for a special Medicaid category. This means more people have the chance of being able to be enrolled in the program. Please be aware that those with a disability and those older than 65 years of age may have special requirements for entering a Medicaid program.

Please note: If an applicant is denied Medicaid benefits from Arizona’s Medicaid program, there are other possibilities for receiving medical benefits that he or she needs. Programs that are not technically a part of the Medicaid program, such as the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), can be an option for those who do not meet Medicaid qualifications. To learn more about medical programs, download our comprehensive guide today.