About the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS)

Founded in 1982, the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (written as AHCCCS and pronounced 'access') is Arizona's Medicaid program, a federal health care program jointly funded by the federal and state governments for individuals and families who qualify based on income level.

Built on a system of competition and choice, AHCCCS is a $21 billion program that operates under an integrated managed care model, through a Research and Demonstration 1115 Waiver. Contracted health plans coordinate and pay for physical and behavioral health care services delivered by more than 93,000 health care providers to more than 2.2 million Arizonans.

In 2022, AHCCCS celebrated its 40th anniversary. This brief history of AHCCCS highlights the program's many accomplishments and changes throughout the years.

  • 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: Accountability, Community, Courage, Innovation, Leadership, Passion, Quality, Respect, and Teamwork
  • Credo: Our first care is your health care.

AHCCCS Insights: Data to Inform Decision-Making

Need information to help understand the AHCCCS landscape to make informed decisions? View the AHCCCS Insights: Data to Inform Decision-Making page.


The Strategic Plan describes the role of AHCCCS in meeting its short and long-term challenges. The Plan, which is revised and updated annually, is developed within the context of Arizona's economy and a view toward the future health and economic well-being citizens of Arizona citizens.

Current Plan:

Prior Plans:

Governor's Office of Strategic Planning and Budgeting (OSPB)