Arizona Complete Health Joins Settlement Agreement to Advance Statewide ALTCS Medicaid Contract
Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC), a Fortune 50 healthcare enterprise dedicated to transforming the health of the communities it serves, announced that its Arizona subsidiary, Arizona Complete Health, has joined a landmark settlement agreement with the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) and three other health plans. This agreement will enable the organizations to collaboratively move forward in providing managed care services for members enrolled in the Arizona Long Term Care System – Elderly and Physically Disabled (ALTCS-EPD) program.
The ALTCS-EPD program is a cornerstone of Arizona’s Medicaid framework, delivering comprehensive long-term services and supports to nearly 26,000 elderly and physically disabled Arizonans. These services include integrated physical and behavioral healthcare, prescription drug coverage, and a wide array of home- and community-based services (HCBS). The goal of the program is to help beneficiaries remain in their homes and communities for as long as possible, promoting independence, dignity, and a higher quality of life.
Under the terms of the settlement, Arizona Complete Health will begin offering services to ALTCS-EPD members statewide effective October 1, 2025. The agreement includes a three-year base contract period, with annual renewal options for up to three additional years, for a potential total contract term of six years. This strategic milestone expands Arizona Complete Health’s footprint across the state and solidifies its leadership role in delivering high-quality, person-centered care to Medicaid recipients with complex needs.
A Decade of Commitment to Arizona’s Medicaid Population
Since entering the Arizona market in 2006, Arizona Complete Health has played a central role in the state’s Medicaid landscape. Today, the plan serves more than 400,000 AHCCCS members across a broad array of programs and services. Its longstanding presence, coupled with a strong performance record, has positioned Arizona Complete Health as a trusted partner to both AHCCCS and the communities it serves.
Centene Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer, Sarah M. London, emphasized the importance of this new agreement in continuing that mission. “We have proudly served AHCCCS members for nearly two decades, and this new agreement represents an important step forward for the people who rely on ALTCS-EPD services,” said London. “Our focus remains on delivering integrated, whole-person care and improving health outcomes for Arizona’s most vulnerable populations. This settlement allows us to do just that, by ensuring continuity of care and strengthening our collaborative relationship with the state.”
Supporting Members Through a Smooth Transition
The settlement comes after a previously contentious procurement process for the ALTCS-EPD program was resolved through collaborative negotiations. By reaching a mutual agreement, AHCCCS and the participating health plans are now able to redirect their attention toward implementation, operational readiness, and member support in the lead-up to the October 2025 go-live date.
Arizona Complete Health President and CEO Martha Smith expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve ALTCS-EPD members across all regions of the state. “We are honored to have been selected to deliver services to ALTCS-EPD members statewide,” Smith said. “This resolution reflects a shared commitment to putting members first and ensuring that their care is uninterrupted and of the highest quality. As we prepare for the program’s launch next year, our teams will be focused on a seamless transition, strong provider engagement, and culturally competent care delivery.”
AHCCCS has committed to keeping members and stakeholders informed throughout the transition. Over the coming months, the agency will distribute formal notices to members detailing plan assignment updates, member choice options, and any other relevant program changes. AHCCCS has also published a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document on its official website and will continue to share additional resources as implementation efforts move forward.
Understanding the ALTCS-EPD Program
The Arizona Long Term Care System is one of the nation’s most mature Medicaid managed long-term services and supports (MLTSS) programs. It serves Arizonans who are age 65 or older or who have a physical disability that meets eligibility criteria for nursing home level of care, even if they continue to live in the community.
A hallmark of the ALTCS program is its emphasis on home- and community-based services. These supports enable members to remain in familiar environments, maintain social connections, and reduce reliance on institutional care. Services covered under ALTCS-EPD include:
- Personal care and homemaker assistance
- Attendant care and respite services
- Adult day health care
- Habilitation services
- Behavioral health counseling
- Primary and specialty medical care
- Prescription medications
- Nursing and therapy services
By integrating physical health, behavioral health, and long-term services into a single coordinated delivery system, the ALTCS-EPD program ensures that members receive comprehensive care that addresses the full spectrum of their health and social needs.
Centene’s Broader Commitment to Medicaid and Vulnerable Populations
Centene Corporation is one of the largest Medicaid managed care organizations in the United States, serving over 15 million Medicaid members nationwide. The company brings deep experience and proven models for coordinating care for individuals with complex health conditions, particularly those who rely on long-term services and supports.
In addition to providing access to medical, behavioral, and pharmacy services, Centene and its subsidiaries invest in social determinants of health (SDOH) initiatives that address factors such as housing instability, food insecurity, transportation, and health literacy—factors that have a profound impact on overall well-being and health outcomes.
Arizona Complete Health is no exception to this approach. The health plan has implemented community investment strategies across the state, partnering with local organizations to support housing assistance programs, community-based health workers, and culturally tailored member outreach initiatives. These investments reflect the company’s holistic philosophy: that improving healthcare outcomes starts with understanding and addressing the broader conditions that affect people’s lives.
Next Steps: Preparing for a Statewide Launch
With the settlement agreement finalized, Arizona Complete Health will turn its focus to operational preparations for the October 2025 launch. This includes developing region-specific implementation plans, expanding provider networks to ensure adequate access statewide, enhancing member outreach and education, and ensuring that internal systems and personnel are aligned to support a smooth and equitable rollout.
AHCCCS and Arizona Complete Health will also work closely with advocacy organizations, community-based groups, and healthcare providers to support the transition. Special attention will be given to ensuring continuity of care for existing ALTCS-EPD members and mitigating any disruption during the handover period.
For More Information
To help members, caregivers, and providers stay informed about the upcoming changes, AHCCCS has developed an FAQ document, which is accessible on its website at www.azahcccs.gov. Additional communications and stakeholder updates will be issued periodically as the implementation timeline progresses.
As the October 1, 2025 start date approaches, Arizona Complete Health remains committed to delivering high-quality, person-centered care to every ALTCS-EPD member and to working collaboratively with the state of Arizona to improve health outcomes for its most vulnerable residents.
