The Federal Emergency Services (FES) program pays for emergency services provided to undocumented immigrants and immigrants who are lawfully residing in the U.S. but who do not meet the “qualified immigrant” requirements for full-coverage AHCCCS medical assistance. (See document entitled Qualified Immigrants’ Eligibility for AHCCCS Medical Assistance) These individuals must meet all eligibility requirements under a Medicaid program, but for immigration status. Only certain persons are eligible for the FES program. To qualify for FES, a person must be aged (65+), blind, disabled, a pregnant woman, a child, or parents of a dependent child. AHCCCS only covers medical services defined as an “emergency medical service” pursuant to state and federal law. FES-eligible persons are not enrolled in a health plan. AHCCCS pays emergency service providers on a fee-for-service basis only. A person can apply for the FES program at the hospital during an emergency episode or anytime at the FAA office.
Law/Rules: A.R.S. §§ 36-2901.06, 36-2903.03; Ariz. Admin. Code, R9-22- 217 and R9-22-1419(C).