The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) has launched new resource ahead of Medicaid work requirements.
Why it matters: Nearly 417,000 AHCCCS members could be impacted by new federal Medicaid work requirements taking effect Jan. 1, 2027.
To help members prepare, AHCCCS and community partners have launched KeepMyAHCCCS.com.
The website was developed with input from health plans, providers, advocacy organizations, community groups and AHCCCS members to ensure content is accessible and responsive to member needs.
The big picture: The new website serves as the state's central hub for information on eligibility, exemptions, reporting requirements and resources related to the implementation of federal Medicaid work requirements established under H.R.1.
What's on the site:
Interactive eligibility screener
Information on exemptions and special circumstances
Reporting requirement guidance
FAQs and educational materials
Outreach resources for community partners
Resources connecting members to employment, education, training and volunteer opportunities
Updates as additional federal guidance becomes available
What they're saying: "Our priority is ensuring that members and community partners have access to clear, reliable and easy-to-understand information," said AHCCCS Interim Director Roberta Harrison.
For providers: AHCCCS says the site includes tools and resources to help providers, health plans, advocates and community organizations educate members and support compliance efforts.
What to watch: AHCCCS plans to continue statewide outreach and education efforts over the coming months as implementation details are finalized and federal guidance evolves.
Go deeper: Visit KeepMyAHCCCS.com for the latest information and member resources.
July 2026 cohort of the Clinical Leadership Certificate Program graduates 44 participants
The Clinical Leadership Certificate Program, offered in partnership with Creighton University’s College of Professional and Continuing Education, graduated 44 participants from the July 2026 cohort.
Why it matters: Throughout the program, participants strengthened their leadership capabilities through the study of leadership theory, systems thinking, emotional intelligence, change management and resilience-building strategies.
By fostering transformational and people-centered leadership practices, the course empowered participants to lead with purpose, navigate complex challenges and support sustainable, values-driven organizational change.
What graduates are saying:
“This class has shown me that being a strong healthcare leader is not only about making decisions but also about supporting others, advocating for patients and creating a collaborative environment where everyone can succeed.”
“I have already started having serious conversations with our leadership team about culture. I can see that it is vitally important for all of us to be on the same page with this in order for us to make any meaningful change.”
The big picture: The completion of this cohort represents an important investment in Arizona's healthcare workforce and the development of leaders committed to creating positive and lasting impact within their teams and communities.
The GOP’s $50 billion rural health fund is coming up short, hospital leaders say
Why it matters: Rural hospitals hoped a new federal fund would help offset the impact of major Medicaid cuts.
Instead, many leaders say the funding comes with restrictions that limit its effectiveness.
The big picture: Congress created a $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Fund to support rural providers as Medicaid spending is reduced.
Hospital leaders initially viewed the fund as a financial lifeline for struggling communities.
Yes, but: Rather than providing broad operational support, the program focuses on transformation initiatives such as workforce development, technology upgrades, AI tools, remote monitoring and chronic disease programs.
What they're saying: Many rural healthcare executives support innovation but argue it is hard to focus on transformation when hospitals are facing immediate financial pressures and potential service cuts.
Some worry new programs may not be sustainable once federal funding expires.
Looking ahead: States are investing fund dollars into healthcare workforce programs, electronic health records, hospital resiliency efforts and other modernization projects.
While these initiatives may improve care delivery over time, questions remain about whether they can make up for the larger financial impact of Medicaid reductions.
The bottom line: Rural health leaders agree that innovation is important, but many remain unconvinced that the Rural Health Transformation Fund is large enough or flexible enough to address the challenges facing rural hospitals.
Inside CMS’ medical frailty, Medicaid work requirements guidance
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued its most detailed guidance to date on how states can identify Medicaid enrollees who are considered medically frail and therefore exempt from work requirements.
Why it matters: As states prepare to implement Medicaid work requirements, the policy will play a key role in determining which beneficiaries must meet work-related obligations to maintain coverage.
The details: According to the guidance, there are multiple pathways for individuals to be classified as medically frail.
The framework is intended to help states establish consistent processes as they build and administer their Medicaid work requirement programs.
Yes, but: While CMS has provided more clarity, important questions remain unresolved.
Stakeholders continue to seek additional direction on how states will apply the criteria in practice and how eligible beneficiaries will be identified and protected from unnecessary coverage disruptions.
What to watch: State Medicaid agencies, health systems and advocacy groups will be closely monitoring implementation efforts.
How broadly or narrowly states interpret medical frailty exemptions could significantly affect access to coverage for individuals with complex health needs.
The bottom line: CMS has taken a major step toward defining medical frailty exemptions under Medicaid work requirements, but operational and policy questions remain as states move toward implementation.
Get to know them: Healthcare is constantly evolving, and continuing education helps professionals stay current while strengthening the skills they bring to their patients and organizations.
Creighton University offers continuing education designed for healthcare professionals seeking to maintain licensure, expand their expertise and advance their careers.
Programs span medicine, nursing, dentistry, pharmacy, occupational therapy, physical therapy and other healthcare disciplines, with opportunities to earn continuing education and continuing medical education credits.
Creighton was the first university to receive joint accreditation as a provider of interprofessional continuing education, allowing healthcare professionals across disciplines to learn together and earn continuing education credit.
Whether you’re fulfilling continuing education requirements or building expertise for what comes next in your career, explore Creighton’s current offerings at lifelong.creighton.edu.
Emerging Leaders in Healthcare Scholarship recipients
AzHHA is proud to announce the two Emerging Leaders in Healthcare Scholarship recipients:
Ashley Salazar, outpatient services director, Little Colorado Medical Center
Dominque Cole, senior director of revenue cycle, Little Colorado Medical Center
The big picture: Their applications, professional achievements and commitment to advancing healthcare excellence distinguished them from a highly qualified group of candidates.
Each scholarship will assist with registration, travel and accommodations for the 2026 Arizona Hospital Leadership Conference.
The bottom line: This scholarship was established to support emerging healthcare professionals who demonstrate strong leadership potential, a commitment to improving health outcomes and dedication to serving underserved populations.
Congratulations to Ashley and Dominque, and thank you to Creighton University for their sponsorship of the scholarships.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Oct. 21-23 – 2026 Arizona Hospital Leadership Conference The 2026 Arizona Hospital Leadership Conference will be held at the El Conquistador Tucson, a Hilton Resort on Oct. 21-23. This will be an inspirational gathering of more than 200 hospital and healthcare executives seeking opportunities for continuing education, meaningful discussion and relationship building. Registerby Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026.
Friday, Oct. 16, 2026 – APIC Grand Canyon Fall Conference Join infection prevention professionals and healthcare partners from across Arizona at the Desert Willow Conference Center in Phoenix for Mission Possible: Zero Harm. Whether you’re new to infection prevention (IP) or a seasoned IP, you’ll find practical takeaways, fresh perspectives and opportunities to learn from experts and colleagues across the state. Register now.
Save the date: Jan. 8-9, 2027 – 3rd National Pediatric Disaster Conference The conference, which will be held in Scottsdale, Ariz., will focus on pediatric mass casualty incidents and innovative approaches to strengthening preparedness, response and recovery efforts for children. AzCHER encourages members to save the date and take advantage of this opportunity to learn, connect and strengthen pediatric readiness. Registration details coming soon.
