Children Need a Healthy Start to Have a Successful Future

All Arizona children deserve to have access to the resources and services needed to thrive. As the cost of living continues to rise, ensuring that all families have equitable access to high-quality health care is one of the best ways to support the most vulnerable years in a child’s life.

We believe the state must take an active role in supporting families. By investing in and protecting programs such as AHCCCS and Kids Care, Arizona is investing in the future of children. Our goal is to drive legislative changes for health care that is…

AFFORDABLE
for all families

ACCESSIBLE
in every corner of the state

ACCOUNTABLE
to taxpayers and participants

What is Medicaid or AHCCCS?

Medicaid, which in Arizona is known as AHCCCS, provides health coverage to millions of Americans, including eligible low-income adults, children, pregnant persons, elderly adults, and people with disabilities. AHCCCS is administered by the state of Arizona, according to federal requirements. The program is funded jointly by Arizona and the federal government.

What is CHIP or KidsCare?

The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), known in Arizona as KidsCare, provides health coverage to children and families with incomes too high to qualify for Medicaid, but who cannot afford private coverage. 

The AHCCCS agency offers KidsCare health insurance for eligible children (under age 19) who are not eligible for other AHCCCS health insurance. For those who qualify, there are low monthly premiums.

Defending Medicaid/AHCCCS is Vital to Arizona Children and Families

In February of 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a budget resolution that requires devastating Medicaid cuts. Such cuts would cut off hundreds of thousands of Arizonans from vital services through AHCCCS and would impact Arizona’s overall health care system and economy. Especially at this time when families are already struggling to afford a roof over their heads and a trip to the grocery store, our federal lawmakers should protect, not cut essential health services. Children’s Action Alliance is hosting webinars to educate and mobilize community members, has drafted an organizational sign-on letter in support of defending Medicaid funding, and is working with partners across the state to stop cuts to AHCCCS.

AHCCCS has provided information about Arizona’s Medicaid program to provide information about who obtains health care services through AHCCCS in the state and by county. Visit the webpage and view the report for important insights into how children, seniors, and many more Arizonans have a lifeline through AHCCCS.

The Arizona Chamber Foundation has provided information about the economic impact of federal Medicaid cuts on Arizona’s economy. Read the report.

Every Arizona Child Deserves a Healthy Life

Children with health coverage do better in school, earn more as adults, and give birth to healthier infants when they grow up. Health coverage ensures children can go to school ready to learn, and students who are ready to learn are ready to lead.

For every $1 spent on early childhood, up to $16 is saved through decreased special education, social welfare, and crime-related costs.

Investments early in life also increase high school and college graduations and spur economic development.

Health Coverage is a Crucial Investment

AHCCCS and KidsCare are a critical source of health coverage for more than one out of three Arizona children and more than half of all children living in rural Arizona. These programs help families navigate health emergencies and reduce the burden of uncompensated care on our state’s health system. Both are especially important to the health of rural health centers and tribal lands, where access to medical attention is limited.

“My experience with AHCCCS has been fabulous and having health insurance has been a great support to me. I am at peace because if I find myself in need, I know that I can make a call and have the health coverage I need to access services to regain my health.”

–Alma Celia, AHCCCS member

Publicly Funded Health Insurance Helps Everyone

A significant portion of Arizonans rely on Medicaid & CHIP coverage. These programs are important to everyone and should be accessible, comprehensive, and effectively administered. With the costs of treating uninsured patients costing the US over $42 billion per year, publicly funded health insurance saves money and lives.

“My husband works and does well at his job, and we do okay. But right now my nephew is living with us, and there are more of us, so AHCCCS works well for us at this time.”

– Fatima

AHCCCS is for Children and Adults

AHCCCS is not limited to covering children, but provides services for adults up to age 65, including:

Dental Care

AHCCCS provides comprehensive dental services to children and youth that save the state money by preventing costly health complications caused or exacerbated by poor oral health. Adults are also eligible for limited emergency dental benefits, and advocates are pushing to expand preventative benefits to adults as well.

Internal Link

Postpartum Care

AHCCCS offers up to 12 months of postpartum health care coverage after birth for inpatient or outpatient care, medications and other services to ensure children enjoy a healthy start.

2026 Legislative & Policy Priorities

As cuts are made to federal funding of health care, ensuring all families have affordable health care is one of the best ways to support the most vulnerable years in a child’s life. All children deserve a healthy start in life so they can grow and thrive in school and beyond. Yet Arizona is among the five states with the most uninsured children in the nation, and, as a result, many children often go without routine preventive care to stay healthy. Access to affordable health services, whether through AHCCCS, KidsCare, or Marketplace plans is critical.

  1. DEFEND HEALTH CARE FOR ARIZONANS BY PROTECTING AHCCCS/KIDSCARE from unnecessary funding cuts and attempts to impose new enrollment obstacles for eligible Arizonans
  2. ALLOCATE REVENUE TO PREVENT AHCCCS ENROLLMENT LOSS AMONG ELIGIBLE ARIZONANS, including IT infrastructure modernization and to address Medicaid shortfalls created by federal law
  3. INCREASE ACCESS TO ORAL HEALTH CARE through an Oral Health Care Study Committee to research the cost savings and health benefits of AHCCCS coverage of comprehensive adult oral health services

Resources

Read the latest

Health

Protected: Are Arizona’s 3-Year-Olds Healthy and Ready to Learn?  

There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.

Health

Closing Arizona’s Child Care Gap: Why Investing in Infrastructure Matters 

Health

How Did Your Representative Vote on Keeping the Cost of Health Insurance Affordable?

Health

2026 Legislative & Policy Agenda

Health

Arizona's Children Deserve Safety, Not Fear