Arizona's Medicaid program (AHCCCS) must ask federal officials each year by March 30 for permission to pay for certain services cut or limited since September 2010, including dental care, when given to American Indian or Alaska Native members at participating Indian Health Service or tribal facilities, and it may pay for them once approved.
Official title: AHCCCS; waivers; American Indians; services
- September 12, 2026
- When federal approval is received: AHCCCS's ability to pay for the restored services
What changes
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NowEach year, on or before March 30, the AHCCCS director must apply to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for waivers or changes to the state's section 1115 waiver to allow payment for these services.
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NowThe services covered are those eliminated, reduced or limited in the state plan on or after September 2010, including medically necessary diagnostic, therapeutic and preventative dental services, when provided to American Indian or Alaska Native members by participating Indian Health Service facilities or participating tribal or tribal organization facilities.
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NowIn any year, the director must apply only for the waivers or waiver changes that have not already been approved and are not in effect.
BeforeExisting law already covered, subject to federal approval, adult dental services above the $1,000 yearly limit for people treated at an Indian Health Service or tribal facility, when those services qualify for 100% federal matching funds.
NowOnce federal approval is given, AHCCCS may (but is not required to) make payments for these services.
Who it affects
- American Indian and Alaska Native AHCCCS members
- Participating Indian Health Service facilities
- Participating facilities run by tribes or tribal organizations
- AHCCCS director and administration
What you need to do
Nothing.
What the law doesn't answer
- Which specific services were eliminated, reduced or limited since September 2010, apart from dental services
- Whether or when federal officials will approve the requests
- When payments to facilities would begin if approved
- How much the payments would cost or how they would be funded
- In which year the first March 30 application is due
This summary describes the law as enacted. Later laws, court rulings or referendum petitions can change the picture. Check the official text for the current wording.