KidsCare enrollment once again open in Arizona after yearslong hiatus
Sep 1, 2016, 2:27 PM
(AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
(AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
PHOENIX — Arizona’s working families can now get health care coverage for their children without going broke.
KidsCare has started again. The health insurance program may cover families who make too much to qualify for AHCCCS, Arizona’s version of Medicaid. Monthly premiums will not go above $70.
“For too long, working families have struggled with premiums, deductibles and co-pays that have made it difficult for them to get proper medical care for their children,” Dana Wolfe Naimark, president and CEO of Children’s Action Alliance, said.
“It’s good for kids to see a doctor as soon as they are feeling sick. It prevents minor illnesses from getting worse, keeps children from missing too much school.”
The program shut down in 2010, leaving Arizona without an AHCCCS alternative. It was signed back into law this year by Gov. Doug Ducey.
Sen. Bob Worsley, R-Mesa, one of five Senate Republicans who backed the measure, said it was important to make sure that children can get medical care.
“These are children who need health care, who are in the most needy situation,” Worsley said. “And at least currently, this is not costing us anything here in the state. And so I think it made sense and I was passionate about making sure we got it for those sick kids.”
Enrollment is not capped. To find out more information on the program and how to apply, people can visit coveraz.org or azahcccs.gov.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
