418 Transitional Medical Assistance (TMA)

Revised 01/27/2026

Caretaker relatives and the children they live with may become ineligible for Medical Assistance due to excess earned income of the caretaker relatives. TMA allows these customers to have up to 12 months of additional coverage.

 

Policy

Customers can receive six months of TMA eligibility if:

• At least one member of the household received Medical Assistance as a Caretaker Relative in three of the last six months;

• At least one month of the Caretaker Relative coverage was received immediately preceding the month they became income ineligible; and

• The household is ineligible for Medical Assistance because of increased earnings of the Caretaker Relative.

 

NOTE     The caretaker relative and the children they live with must be currently receiving AHCCCS as a Caretaker Relative or Child to be eligible for TMA. If an eligible spouse or child moves into the home they can be added to the TMA program. 

NOTE     There is no income limit for the first six months of TMA.

 

In addition to the conditions of eligibility listed above, TMA customers can receive an additional six months of TMA eligibility if:

• The customer whose earned income caused ineligibility continues to work; and

• The household has income at or below 185% of the FPL.

 

NOTE     Once approved, TMA can be discontinued if: 

• The caretaker relative stops working

• The caretaker relative or the child move out of the home

• The TMA period ends

 

Definitions

Term	Definition
TMA	Temporary extension of Medicaid coverage provided to families who lose eligibility for Medicaid due to an increase in earned income.

 

Service Package

Customers eligible for the Transitional Medical Assistance program receive full AHCCCS Medical Assistance services.

 

Enrollment

Customers approved for full coverage under the Transitional Medical Assistance program are enrolled in AHCCCS Complete Care (ACC) plan (MA1102).

 

Customer Costs

Customers do not pay a premium for coverage under the Transitional Medical Assistance program. However, the customer will have co-payments for certain services (MA1202A).

 

Legal Authority

Program	Legal Authorities
Transitional Medical Assistance	42 USC 1396u-1(c)(2) 42 USC 1396r-6 42 USC 1396a-52 45 USC 608(a)(11)(A) 42 CFR 435.110, 42 CFR 435.112, 42 CFR 435.188 ARS 36-2901(6 AAC R9-22-1427