Last Updated: February 2026 | Source: AHCCCS Eligibility Requirements (Revised February 1, 2026)
Arizona Medicaid, known as AHCCCS (Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System), provides free or low-cost health insurance to low-income residents.
The 2026 income limits were updated on February 1, 2026, based on the new Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
Whether you are a parent, child, senior, or person with a disability, AHCCCS likely has a plan that fits your needs.
Answer Summary:
- 🏥 Arizona Medicaid (AHCCCS) income limits updated February 1, 2026, based on the new Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
- 👶 Children under age 1 qualify with income up to $1,956/month (single household) — the highest limit for children
- 👨👩👧 Most adults ages 19–64 qualify with income up to $1,769/month for a single person (133% FPL)
- 🤰 Pregnant women can earn up to $2,075/month and keep coverage for 12 months after delivery
- 👴 Seniors needing long-term care (ALTCS) qualify with income up to $2,982/month with a $2,000 asset limit
- 👦 KidsCare covers children up to 225% FPL ($2,993/month for 1 person) with a small monthly premium
- 💊 Medicare Savings Programs help low-income seniors pay Part A and B costs starting at $1,330/month
- 📋 Most AHCCCS programs have no asset test — only your monthly income is counted
What Is AHCCCS (Arizona Medicaid)?
AHCCCS is Arizona’s state Medicaid program, jointly funded by the state and federal government. It covers millions of low-income Arizonans with free or affordable health insurance.
Unlike most states, Arizona uses a managed care model, meaning private health plans handle most member care.
To qualify, you must be an Arizona resident and either a U.S. citizen or a qualified immigrant. Most programs have no asset test, which means what you own does not count — only your monthly income matters.
You can compare how Arizona stacks up by visiting our full guide to Medicaid income limits by state in 2026.
Who Does AHCCCS Cover?
AHCCCS covers a wide range of groups, including:
- Children (from birth through age 18)
- Adults ages 19–64 without Medicare
- Pregnant women
- Parents and caretaker relatives
- Seniors and people with disabilities
- People who need long-term care
2026 AHCCCS Income Limits for Children
Children have some of the highest income limits in the AHCCCS program. The younger the child, the more generous the limit. All figures below are gross monthly income after allowable deductions.
Children Under Age 1 — 147% FPL
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,956 |
| 2 | $2,651 |
| 3 | $3,347 |
| 4 | $4,043 |
| Each additional person | +$696 |
Children Ages 1–5 — 141% FPL
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,876 |
| 2 | $2,543 |
| 3 | $3,211 |
| 4 | $3,878 |
| Each additional person | +$668 |
Children Ages 6–18 — 133% FPL
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,769 |
| 2 | $2,399 |
| 3 | $3,028 |
| 4 | $3,658 |
| Each additional person | +$630 |
KidsCare (Under Age 19) — 225% FPL
KidsCare is for children who earn too much for regular Medicaid but still need help. It covers children up to age 19 with income up to 225% of the FPL.
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,993 |
| 2 | $4,058 |
| 3 | $5,123 |
| 4 | $6,188 |
| Each additional person | +$1,065 |
⚠️ KidsCare Premium: Families pay a monthly premium of $10–$70, covering all eligible children. This program is not available to children of state employees.
2026 AHCCCS Income Limits for Adults and Families
Arizona expanded Medicaid under the ACA in 2014. That means adults without children can now qualify. The income limits below apply to most working-age adults and families.
To learn more about who qualifies for coverage, see our guide on Arizona Medicaid eligibility in 2026.
Adults Ages 19–64 — 133% FPL
Adults must not be enrolled in Medicare, and their children must have health insurance coverage.
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,769 |
| 2 | $2,399 |
| 3 | $3,028 |
| 4 | $3,658 |
| Each additional person | +$630 |
Parents and Caretaker Relatives — 106% FPL
This category covers parents or relatives who take care of a child in their home.
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,410 |
| 2 | $1,912 |
| 3 | $2,414 |
| 4 | $2,915 |
| Each additional person | +$502 |
Pregnant Women — 156% FPL
Pregnant women qualify at a higher income level. The limit also increases for each expected child.
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,075 |
| 2 | $2,814 |
| 3 | $3,552 |
| 4 | $4,290 |
| Each additional person | +$739 |
✅ Postpartum Coverage: Under permanent federal law, pregnancy coverage extends for 12 months after delivery.
2026 Income Limits for Seniors and People with Disabilities
Arizona has several programs specifically designed for elderly residents and those with disabilities. These programs have different rules for income, assets, and medical need.
ALTCS — Long-Term Care (Nursing Home or Home-Based Care)
ALTCS (Arizona Long Term Care System) helps people who need nursing home level care. It covers both nursing facilities and home and community-based services (HCBS).
Key 2026 ALTCS Limits:
| Rule | 2026 Limit |
|---|---|
| Monthly Income Limit | $2,982 per individual |
| Asset/Resource Limit | $2,000 (individual) |
| Spousal Asset Protection | $32,532 – $162,660 |
| Home Equity Exemption | Up to ~$752,000 |
Important Notes:
- You must require nursing-home level of care (verified by a medical screening)
- If your income exceeds $2,982/month, you may still qualify by setting up a Miller Trust (Income-Only Trust)
- AHCCCS may recover program costs from your estate after age 55
- Spousal protection rules allow a community spouse to keep between $32,532 and $162,660 in assets
To apply for ALTCS, call 1-888-621-6880 or 602-417-7000.
SSI Cash — Social Security Administration
| Individual | Couple | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Income Limit | $994 | $1,491 |
| Asset Limit | $2,000 | $3,000 |
SSI-MAO (Medicaid for SSI Recipients)
| Individual | Couple | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Income Limit | $1,330 | $1,804 |
| Asset Limit | None | None |
Freedom to Work — For Working Adults with Disabilities (Ages 16–64)
| Rule | 2026 Limit |
|---|---|
| Income Limit (earned only) | $3,325/month (250% FPL) |
| Monthly Premium | $0 – $35 |
✅ Only earned income is counted for Freedom to Work. Unearned income is not included.
Medicare Savings Programs 2026
These programs help low-income Medicare beneficiaries pay their Medicare costs. They are funded through AHCCCS and the federal government.
Understanding what each pays can help you choose the right program — you can also compare these programs with the Medicaid Fee Schedule 2026 to better understand covered services and reimbursement rates.
Individual Income Limits
| Program | Monthly Income (Individual) | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| QMB – Qualified Medicare Beneficiary | Up to $1,330 | Part A & B premiums, coinsurance, and deductibles |
| SLMB – Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary | $1,330 – $1,596 | Part B premium only |
| QI-1 – Qualifying Individual | $1,596 – $1,796 | Part B premium (first-come, first-served) |
Couple Income Limits
| Program | Monthly Income (Couple) |
|---|---|
| QMB | Up to $1,804 |
| SLMB | $1,804 – $2,164 |
| QI-1 | $2,164 – $2,435 |
⚠️ QI-1 funding is limited — apply early in the year for the best chance of approval.
Key 2026 Arizona Medicaid Updates
Several important changes took effect in 2026. Knowing these updates helps you plan ahead.
- FPL Updated February 1, 2026: The 2026 Federal Poverty Level baseline is $15,650/year (~$1,304/month) for a single person — roughly a 3% increase over 2025.
- ALTCS Limit Rose to $2,982/month: Up from ~$2,901 in 2025, following the Social Security COLA effective January 1, 2026.
- ACA Expansion Still in Place: Arizona continues to cover adults up to 138% FPL without needing dependent children.
- Federal Policy Watch: The proposed “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” calls for $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts over 10 years. If passed, the first cuts could begin in 2026, including reductions to HCBS services. Legal challenges are ongoing.
How to Apply for Arizona Medicaid in 2026
Applying is free and takes as little as 15–20 minutes online. Here is how to get started:
- Online: Visit healthearizonaplus.gov — the fastest option
- By Mail: Send your application to AHCCCS, P.O. Box 25520, Phoenix, AZ 85002-5520
- In Person: Visit a DES/Family Assistance Office — call 1-855-HEA-PLUS (1-855-432-7587) to find the nearest location
- For ALTCS Only: Call 1-888-621-6880 or 602-417-7000
Processing Times:
- Standard applications: up to 45 days
- Disability-based applications: up to 90 days
- Benefits may be retroactive up to 3 months if you were eligible before you applied
Official Sources
Always verify your eligibility with official government sources:
- 📄 AHCCCS Eligibility Requirements (Revised February 1, 2026): azahcccs.gov/Members/Downloads/EligibilityRequirements.pdf
- 🌐 AHCCCS Official Site: azahcccs.gov
- 💻 Health-e-Arizona Plus (Apply Online): healthearizonaplus.gov
- ℹ️ DB101 Arizona (Disability Benefits Resource): az.db101.org
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the income limit for Arizona Medicaid in 2026?
For most adults ages 19–64, the limit is $1,769/month for one person (133% FPL). Pregnant women can earn up to $2,075/month. Children have higher limits. All limits were updated February 1, 2026, based on the new Federal Poverty Level.
2. Does Arizona Medicaid have an asset limit in 2026?
Most AHCCCS programs have no asset test. Only ALTCS (long-term care) and SSI programs have asset limits. ALTCS limits an individual to $2,000 in countable assets.
3. Can I get Arizona Medicaid if I have no income?
Yes. If you have little or no income, you likely qualify. AHCCCS covers adults, children, pregnant women, and seniors at varying income levels. Apply online at healthearizonaplus.gov.
4. How long does it take to get approved for AHCCCS?
Standard applications take up to 45 days. Disability-based applications can take up to 90 days. Benefits may be retroactive up to 3 months if you were eligible before you applied.
5. What is KidsCare and who qualifies in 2026?
KidsCare covers children under 19 who earn too much for free Medicaid. The income limit is 225% FPL ($4,058/month for a family of 2). A monthly premium of $10–$70 applies. Children of state employees are not eligible.
6. What is the ALTCS income limit for 2026?
The ALTCS (long-term care) income limit is $2,982/month per individual as of January 1, 2026. If you earn more, you may still qualify by setting up a Miller Trust. You must also meet a medical need screening requirement.
This article is for informational purposes only. Always verify your eligibility with official Arizona Medicaid sources. Income limits and program rules can change.
