Local healthcare providers fear impending changes to Medicaid eligibility could leave hundreds of thousands of Arizonans without coverage, forcing people to delay care until they face health emergencies — resulting in overcrowded emergency rooms and higher costs, even for people with insurance.
The “One Big Beautiful Bill” that Republicans and Trump passed last year slashed nearly $800 billion from Medicaid over the next decade and added new eligibility requirements to the program. Starting in 2027, certain adult recipients will be required to work, go to school, volunteer or participate in another approved activity for at least 80 hours a month or earn at least $580 a month to keep their healthcare coverage.
States and public health advocates are bracing for millions to lose coverage. A recent survey found that nearly half of all current Medicaid enrollees are unprepared to submit the necessary documentation to remain on their state Medicaid plans…