Skip to main content
  • Provider site
  • Contact us

    • Join Mercy Care ACC‑RBHA with
    SMI

    Understanding health benefits can be a challenge. But we’re here to walk you through the process. On this page, you can learn how to qualify for Mercy Care ACC-RHBA with SMI.

    How to apply

    What is Mercy Care ACC‑RBHA with SMI?

    What is Mercy Care ACC‑RBHA with SMI?

    This is short for Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) Complete Care Regional Behavioral Health Agreement. This plan provides physical and behavioral health care coverage. We serve people with a serious mental illness (SMI) designation (PDF). Our service area includes Maricopa, Pinal and Gila counties. It doesn’t include ZIP codes 85542, 85192 and 85550.

    What is AHCCCS? 

    AHCCCS is short for Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System. It’s the Medicaid agency that serves people who live in Arizona. You’ll see it written as “AHCCCS.” And people call it “access.” AHCCCS offers health services to people who meet certain income and other requirements.  

     

    How to qualify 

    To get services from Mercy Care ACC-RBHA with SMI, a person must have both:

    A functional impairment means a person:

    • Can’t live in an independent or family setting without supervision
    • Is seriously disruptive to their family or community
    • Can’t function well at work or in school
    • Is at risk of getting worse

    Behavioral health providers must screen people for SMI. Adults must get screening for SMI regularly if they receive:

    • General mental health services
    • Substance use services 

    People must be at least 17 and a half years old to have an SMI screening.

    A person’s guardian or legal representative can ask for SMI screening. 

    A hospital can also ask for a screening. This is an urgent referral and the contracted provider must screen for SMI within 24 hours. 

    Transition age youth (TAY) must get screening as part of their transition into adulthood. Need to set up a screening? Call 602-586-1841 or 1-800-564-5465 (TTY 711) if you don’t have:

    • A primary care physician (PCP) for a referral 
    • A behavioral health home
    • Providers must screen within 7 business days of the SMI determination referral request. 
    • Providers send their SMI evaluation packets to one of the groups that determines SMI for the final SMI determination. 
    • People receive written notice of the decision within 3 business days of the first screening. The notice has info about the right to appeal the decision.

    Apply for benefits 

    You must be a member of the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment Health System (AHCCCS) to get benefits and coverage from Mercy Care ACC-RBHA with SMI. You can apply for AHCCCS for yourself, your family or someone close to you: 

    Online: Visit at Health-e-Arizona Plus (English and Español). Choose “APPLY ONLINE.”  

    By mail: Visit the AHCCCS website, download and print the form. See the steps under “Print an Application.” Then, mail it to: 

    Arizona Department of Economic Security 
    Family Assistance Administration 
    PO Box 19009  
    Phoenix, AZ 85005-9009 

    Need help with your form? Call 1-855-HEA-PLUS (1-855-432-7587). You can get help Monday to Friday (except state holidays), 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

    Learn more about Mercy Care ACC-RBHA with SMI. 

    If you don’t qualify for AHCCCS

    You may still be able to get treatment. Learn about the mental health block grant (MHBG).

    Or call us at 602-586-1841 or 1-800-564-5465 (TTY 711). We’re here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

    You can join a Mercy Care health plan or the American Indian Health Program (AIHP). You can also get services through:

    • Indian Health Services Facilities
    • Tribally Operated 638 Health Care Facilities
    • Urban clinics: Urban Indian Health Programs

    Need to switch health plans? Visit the AIHP. 

    Need help with general questions? You can also email Tribal Relations.   

    Check your status 

    The decision on your health coverage can take up to 90 days. You’ll get a letter from AHCCCS with either: 

    • Approval of your application and next steps 
    • Denial of your application and info about how to appeal the decision  

    You can check the status of your application: 

    Online: Creating an account at Health-e-Arizona Plus (English and Español) allows you to: 

    • Apply for coverage online (faster than printing and mailing the form) 
    • Check your eligibility status 
    • See letters and messages 
    • Print forms 
    • Manage your benefits  

    By phone: Call 1-855-HEA-PLUS (1-855-432-7587).  

    Watch your mail 

    Your coverage starts as soon as the state approves your application. You’ll get a Mercy Care welcome packet and member ID card in the mail. 

    No longer qualify for health benefits? 

    You may still qualify to get treatment for mental health, drugs or alcohol use. Certain state and federal grants cover treatment. To learn more, call us at 602-586-1841 or 1-800-564-5465 (TTY 711). You can also check “grants for treatment” under the health and wellness tab at the top of this page.

     

    Don’t lose your benefits

    Already a member? Be sure your contact info is up to date. Then you’ll get notice when it’s time to renew your Medicaid coverage. Need to update your address, phone number or email? Call 1-855-432-7587. Or log in to your online AHCCCS account to make your updates.

     

    Need language help? 

    You can get all our printed materials in other formats. You pay nothing for these materials. This includes your member handbook and provider directory. You can also get info in languages other than English. Call us at 602-586-1841 or 1-800-564-5465 (TTY 711).

    Learn more about language help.

    Questions?

    You can call Member Services at 602-586-1841 or 1-800-564-5465 (TTY 711). We’re here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.