About AHCCCS Administration

About the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS)

The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (written as AHCCCS and pronounced 'access') is Arizona's Medicaid program. AHCCCS oversees contracted health plans in the delivery of health care to individuals and families who qualify for Medicaid and other medical assistance programs.

• Mission: Reaching across Arizona to provide comprehensive, quality health care to those in need.
• Vision: Shaping tomorrow's managed care...from today's experience, quality and innovation.
• Values: Passion, Community, Quality, Respect, Accountability, Innovation, Teamwork, Leadership
• Credo: Our first care is your health care.

AHCCCS Organizational Chart [PDF, 30KB]

About the Director

Tom Betlach

As Director, Mr. Betlach reports to the Governor and is responsible for the health coverage of 1.3 million Arizonans at an annual cost of $8.5 billion. The agency administers multiple sources of governmental and private funds and is responsible for regulatory oversight and compliance of Medicaid managed care health plans and health care providers to assure quality of care, fiscal accountability and cost containment. 

Mr. Betlach has over 20 years of experience in Arizona State government, including five years of service as director of the Governor's Office of Strategic Planning and Budgeting (OSPB) under Gov. Jane Hull and nearly eight years of service as the AHCCCS deputy director, where he was responsible for overseeing the financial operations for the agency, the financial regulatory oversight of the contracted health plans, program rate setting, information technology, member services and program integrity functions. 

Mr. Betlach earned his bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Wisconsin and his master's degree in public administration (MPA) with an emphasis in finance and budgeting from the University of Arizona.

Announcement of Tom Betlach's Appointment as AHCCCS Director - 11/3/09 [PDF, 140KB]