Don't Get Dropped. AHCCCS eligibility may change. Don't lose your HIV care.
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Due to state budget cuts and a proposed revision to AHCCCS eligibility, up to 160,000 individuals may lose their AHCCCS benefits in the coming year. This includes health and behavioral health care benefits.
Right now, the changes to AHCCCS Care have not been approved by CMS and are being challenged in court. However, is important for ALL AHCCCS eligible clients who are living with HIV to know what changes may occur and be prepared to act quickly. Don't get dropped! Keep your HIV care.
Who will be affected by the proposed changes?
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Adults without children (AHCCCS Care) proposed freeze effective July 1, 2011.
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Parents with income between 75% and 100% of federal poverty level (a monthly income of $1,159 to $1,545 for a family of 3) (1931 Parents) Proposed freeze January 1, 2012.
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Anybody who is not enrolled in AHCCCS before any changes take effect and would only qualify under one of the two groups listed above.
How will these people be affected?
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If you are in one of the first two groups and currently enrolled in AHCCCS, you will have your eligibility "frozen," which means if you don't renew your AHCCCS eligibility on time, every time you will lose services. You will not be able to reapply Under those groups and would need to qualify as disabled or over aged 65 under the SSI MAO program.
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If you are not enrolled in AHCCCS before any changes occur, you will not be able to enroll, but AHCCCS will work with you to see if you qualify as disabled under the SSI MAO program.
I'm currently an AHCCCS client. What do I need to do?
Make your HIV care a priority, regardless of whether any AHCCCS eligibility changes occur or not. Here are some tips:
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If you are enrolled in AHCCCS, you need to renew your AHCCCS eligibility on time, every time.
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DES and AHCCCS will send you 3 notices about renewing before your benefits end:
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60 days before your renewal is due, you will be told to complete a renewal form or go to www.healthearizona.org to renew
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10 days before your benefits end you will be told that your benefits are ending and what date. You will still have enough time to renew.
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A few days before your benefits end you will get a last warning letter. You will need to contact your eligibility worker immediately in order to complete your renewal.
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Check www.myahcccs.com or www.myfamilybenefits.gov to find out what your renewal date is, and to make sure your address and phone number are up-to-date:
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Write down your renewal date on your calendar, or someplace that you see on a regular basis.
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Tell your case manager and/or medical provider what your renewal date is, so they can remind you.
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Remember to go to www.healthearizona.org or www.MyAHCCCS.com or www.myfamilybenefits.gov or contact your eligibility worker if your phone number or address changes.
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Any time you receive a letter or notice from DES or AHCCCS, you've got to read it and take the immediate action. If you need help, call your case manager, medical provider or an AHCCCS benefits specialist right away.
What do I need to do if I'm not currently enrolled in AHCCCS?
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If you qualify for AHCCCS, you need to enroll NOW. It's important to receive medical care for your HIV. Plus, if any changes take effect, you will already be enrolled.
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Don't wait! If the proposed changes do take effect, you may not be able to enroll.
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If you need help enrolling, contact your case manager. If you don't have a case manager, these agencies can help people living with HIV to enroll in a variety of health care and supportive services:
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Care Directions: 602-264-2273
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Chicanos por la Causa: 623-247-0464
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Ebony House: 602-254-6180
What if I want more information?
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Contact your case manager, medical provider or AHCCCS eligibility worker.
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Ask your case manager and medical provider for an update every time you see them.
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Bookmark this web page and check it regularly for important updates.
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Visit the AHCCCS website, www.azahcccs.gov often for updates.
What other HIV services are available in the community?
The Ryan White Part A program provides people living with HIV with health care and supportive services. To learn more about Ryan White services, and other services available to people living with HIV, contact one of these case management organizations:
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Care Directions: 602-264-2273
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Chicanos por la Causa: 623-247-0464
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Ebony House: 602-254-6180
Additional resources are listed below.
Local HIV Resources
Pharmacy Assistance Resources
National HIV Resources