AHCCCS to Host Additional Comment Period on Medicaid Demonstration

AHCCCS is currently seeking to renew Arizona's Section 1115 Medicaid Demonstration, which expires September 30, 2027. On September 30, 2026, following a public comment period held from July 23 through September 6, 2026, AHCCCS submitted its renewal application to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

In October 2026, CMS notified AHCCCS that the renewal application did not meet two federal requirements under 42 C.F.R. 431.408, which CMS reviews before it determines whether an application is complete. Specifically, the budget neutrality materials made available for public comment needed to include actual expenditure data for the current demonstration period, and at least one of the two required public forums needed to be held in-person or in a hybrid format.

On October 15, 2026, AHCCCS withdrew the application to address both requirements and is now conducting an additional public comment period that includes two hybrid public forums and an updated budget neutrality workbook reflecting historical actual expenditures. The policies and programs proposed in the renewal have not changed. AHCCCS anticipates resubmitting its renewal application to CMS in December 2026, following completion of the additional public comment period.

The additional public comment period begins on November 9, 2026, and comments will be accepted through December 14, 2026.

Comments submitted during the initial public comment period remain part of the official record and do not need to be resubmitted. However, interested stakeholders are welcome to submit additional comments or feedback during this period.

The current Section 1115 Medicaid Demonstration remains in effect through September 30, 2027, and this additional public comment period does not affect AHCCCS members' current coverage, benefits, or services.

The two public forums will be held on the following dates and times. Meeting location and call-in information can be found on the following AHCCCS Waiver Renewal Webpage -

• November 13th, 2026, from 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM (Hybrid)
  Joel D Valdez Main Library - Tortilita Room, Third Floor
  101 N. Stone Ave.
  Tucson, AZ 85701
• November 18th, 2026, from 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM (Hybrid)
  AHCCCS Building – Grand Canyon Conference Room, Second Floor
  150 N 18th Ave.
  Phoenix, AZ 85007

Comments may be submitted through December 14, 2026, in writing via e-mail to waiverpublicinput@azahcccs.gov or mail to:

AHCCCS
c/o Division of Public Policy and Strategic Planning
150 N. 18th Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85007

The 1115 Waiver provides Arizona with the flexibility to design and improve Medicaid services through innovative approaches that expand access to comprehensive, quality health care. Public feedback helps ensure these programs continue to reflect the needs, priorities, and experiences of Arizona communities and the populations AHCCCS serves.