Preparing for the AHCCCS Works Program

AHCCCS Works Program: An Overview

In 2015, SB1092 was passed into law by the Arizona legislature, requiring AHCCCS to introduce the AHCCCS Works program,  which was later introduced in 2019. AHCCCS Works seeks to promote health and wellness by requiring certain Medicaid recipients to engage in community engagement activities, such as employment, education, job skills training, or volunteer work, as a condition for receiving and maintaining AHCCCS benefits. Since enactment, AHCCCS has had a waiver that suspended the implementation of AHCCCS Works, but we are currently expecting the program to go live as early as October 2025. 

Key Features of AHCCCS Works

1. Eligibility: The program targets able-bodied adults aged 19-55 who do not have dependents. Individuals who are pregnant, medically frail, or caregivers for a dependent are exempt from the requirements. 
2. Requirements: Participants must complete a minimum of 80 hours per month of community engagement activities. These activities can include employment, education, job skills training, or volunteer work.
3. Support Services: The AHCCCS program provides support services to help participants meet the requirements, including job training programs, educational opportunities, and access to community resources.

How Providers Can Prepare to Implement AHCCCS Works

1. Understand the Program Details

Providers - especially health homes and PCPs - should familiarize themselves with the specifics of the AHCCCS Works program, including eligibility criteria, required activities, and available support services. Providers should review and revise their standard operating procedures and programs to meet requirements. 

2. Develop Educational Materials

Creating educational materials, such as brochures, flyers, and online resources, can help inform patients about the AHCCCS Works program. These materials should outline the program's goals, requirements, and available support services. AHCCCS provides a frequently asked questions here. Providers can distribute these materials during appointments, through their websites, and in community centers.

3. Collaborate with Community Organizations

Building partnerships with local community organizations can enhance the support available to patients. Providers can collaborate with job training programs, educational institutions, and volunteer organizations to create a network of resources that patients can access to fulfill their community engagement requirements.

4. Offer Personalized Support

Providers should offer personalized support to patients participating in the AHCCCS Works program. This can include one-on-one counseling sessions to discuss the program's requirements, help patients identify suitable community engagement activities, and connect them with relevant support services.

5. Monitor and Track Progress

Implementing a system to monitor and track patients' progress in meeting the AHCCCS Works requirements is essential. Providers can use electronic health records (EHR) to document patients' activities and ensure they are on track to fulfill the program's conditions. Regular check-ins and follow-up appointments can help address any challenges patients may face.

6. Advocate for Patients

Providers should advocate for patients who may face barriers to meeting the AHCCCS Works requirements. This can include working with AHCCCS to address any issues, seeking exemptions for patients who qualify, and ensuring patients have access to necessary support services.