D Customers in Jail, Prison or Other Detention Facilities

 

 

Revised 12/17/2024

Policy

A person in a detention facility like jail, prison or juvenile detention may apply for MA before being released. The application can be approved but benefits generally cannot start until the person is no longer an inmate.

Exception: 

 

See Processing Pre-Release Applications for Inmates.

Definitions

Term

Definition

Inmate

A person who is:

  • An inmate in a prison within the Arizona Department of Corrections;

  • An inmate of a county, city, or tribal jail;

  • An inmate of a prison or jail, prior to arraignment, conviction, or sentencing;

  • Incarcerated but can leave prison on work release or work furlough, and must return at specific intervals;

  • Released from prison or jail due to a medical emergency, with no court probation order, who would otherwise be incarcerated except for the medical emergency;

  • Ordered by the court to reside in the Arizona State Hospital;

  • A child in a juvenile detention center prior to disposition (judgment), due to criminal activity;

  • A child in a juvenile detention center prior to disposition, due to care, protection, or in the best interest of the child (ex., Child Protective Services), if there is no specific plan for the child that makes the stay at the detention center temporary; or a

  • A child placed in a secure treatment facility if the facility is part of the criminal justice system.

NOTE     For more details about when a person may be considered an inmate, see MA525.

Eligible Juveniles

A person who become incarcerated while enrolled in AHCCCS or are determined eligible for AHCCCS while incarcerated and is:

  • Under 21 years of age or

  • Former foster youth up to the age of 26

 

Legal Authority

Program

Legal Authorities

All programs except KidsCare

42 CFR 435.1009; 42 CFR 435.1010

KidsCare

42 CFR 457.310