www.MercyCareAZ.org

July 21, 2022

AHCCCS Planning for the End of the Public Health Emergency



Applicable to: Mercy Care Complete, Mercy Care RBHA, Mercy Care Long Term Care, Mercy Care DCS CHP and Mercy Care DD

                           

In March 2020, the federal government declared a national “Public Health Emergency” (PHE). Based on this, AHCCCS was required to suspend disenrollments for most members (unless they moved out of state, aged out of KidsCare, voluntarily disenrolled, or died). Disenrollment suspensions will remain in place until the end of the Federal PHE. It is unknown at this point when the federal government will terminate the existing PHE. The federal government has indicated that it will provide states at least 60 days notice prior to the end of the PHE.  


Once the PHE ends, AHCCCS is required to reinstate its standard redetermination processes and disenroll individuals who no longer meet eligibility criteria. If members continue to meet eligibility requirements, their Medicaid coverage will be renewed for another year. Approximately 75% of renewals are completed automatically without involvement from the member or a state worker. Members will receive a letter from AHCCCS informing them that their coverage has been continued, ended, or that additional information is needed from them in order to determine eligibility.  


To ensure that members do not experience any gap in health care coverage, AHCCCS asks all members to:

  1. Ensure that their mailing address, phone number, and email address on file is correct in www.healthearizonaplus.gov, or by calling Health-e-Arizona Plus at 1-855-HEA-PLUS (1-855-432-7587), Monday through Friday 7:00 am - 6:00 pm.
  2. Check their mailbox for a letter from AHCCCS about renewal of coverage.
  3. Respond to any requests from AHCCCS for more information so the agency can accurately determine eligibility.


For more help, members may contact Mercy Care or a community assistor organization. There are over 200 community assistor organizations across the state who can help individuals navigate the Medicaid or CHIP (the Children's Health Insurance Program, called KidsCare in Arizona) renewal process. Mercy Care's Member Services department can assist as well. Mercy Care's Member Services department can be reached at 602-263-3000 or 800-624-3879. 


After the end of the PHE, individuals who no longer qualify for AHCCCS may have other health care coverage options such as coverage through the Health Care Marketplace. More information about the Marketplace can be obtained at HealthCare.gov or by calling the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325). Children who no longer qualify for Medicaid may be eligible for KidsCare. We will keep you apprised as we learn more from AHCCCS.  


As always, don't hesitate to contact your Mercy Care Network Management Representative with any questions or comments. You can find this Notice and all other provider notices on our Mercy Care website.



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