Action Update

Consumer Voice Opposes Arizona’s Medicaid Prior Quarter Coverage Waiver Amendment

May 22, 2018

Consumer Voice sent a letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) opposing the State of Arizona's proposal to waive the federal protection that provides up to three months of retroactive Medicaid coverage for Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) members. Under the proposal, AHCCCS would provide coverage only as far back as the first day of the month of application.  Retroactive coverage is vital to vulnerable long-term care consumers and protects older adults and their families who experience unexpected health care needs and may not be able to file a prompt Medicaid application.  The Medicaid application process often can take weeks or months.  This proposed waiver would leave Medicaid-eligibile consumers without coverage when they have health care needs, especially when those needs are unpredictable and necessary.

Read Consumer Voice's full letter here.