Cost is one of the biggest barriers keeping people from seeking addiction treatment. If you have AHCCCS — Arizona's Medicaid program — that barrier may not exist for you. At The Barbell Saves Outpatient Center, we accept AHCCCS and work hard to make treatment accessible to every Phoenix resident who needs it. Here's what you need to know about using your AHCCCS coverage for outpatient rehab.
What Is AHCCCS?
AHCCCS stands for the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System. It is Arizona's Medicaid program, providing health coverage to low-income individuals and families, pregnant women, children, and people with disabilities. As of 2025, over two million Arizonans are enrolled in AHCCCS.
AHCCCS is administered through regional behavioral health authorities and managed care organizations. For most behavioral health services — including addiction treatment — coverage is coordinated through the Regional Behavioral Health Authority (RBHA) assigned to your county. In Maricopa County, that organization is Mercy Maricopa Integrated Care.
What Does AHCCCS Cover for Addiction Treatment?
Under federal law and Arizona state policy, AHCCCS is required to cover substance use disorder treatment as an essential health benefit. This includes a wide range of services at no cost to most enrollees:
- Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)
- Standard outpatient therapy and counseling
- Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) including Suboxone and Vivitrol
- Psychiatric evaluations and medication management
- Individual and group therapy
- Case management and care coordination
- Peer support services
For the vast majority of AHCCCS members, these services come at $0 out of pocket — no copays, no deductibles, no cost-sharing for behavioral health treatment.
How to Verify Your AHCCCS Coverage
The easiest way to confirm your coverage is to call us directly. Our intake team will verify your benefits on your behalf — at no cost and with no obligation. All we need is your AHCCCS member ID and date of birth, and we can typically confirm your coverage within 24 hours.
You can also verify coverage yourself through these channels:
- Call your AHCCCS managed care plan directly (the number is on your member ID card)
- Log in to your AHCCCS member portal at healthearizonaplus.gov
- Call the AHCCCS member helpline at 1-800-654-8713
What to Ask When You Call
When verifying benefits, ask specifically: "Is Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) treatment covered under my plan, and what is my cost share?" In most cases, the answer will be full coverage with no cost to you.
How to Enroll in AHCCCS If You Don't Have It Yet
If you're uninsured, you may qualify for AHCCCS and not know it. Arizona expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, which means eligibility extends to most adults earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level — roughly $20,000 per year for a single adult.
You can apply for AHCCCS at any time through these options:
- Online at healthearizonaplus.gov (fastest option, usually approved within days)
- In person at your local Department of Economic Security (DES) office
- By phone at 1-855-HEA-PLUS (1-855-432-7587)
- Through a certified enrollment counselor at a community health center
Don't wait until enrollment is finalized to reach out to us. We can begin the intake process and treatment planning while your AHCCCS application is pending, so you don't lose any time.
Getting Started at Barbell Saves With AHCCCS
The process of starting treatment at The Barbell Saves Outpatient Center is straightforward. Here's what to expect:
Step 1: Call or Submit an Assessment
Reach out by phone or through our online form. Our team will ask a few questions about what you're experiencing and what kind of support you're looking for. This is confidential and judgment-free.
Step 2: We Verify Your Insurance
We'll confirm your AHCCCS coverage and explain exactly what is covered. If there are any gaps, we'll discuss options transparently — no surprises.
Step 3: Complete a Clinical Assessment
A licensed clinician will meet with you for an intake assessment, typically lasting 60–90 minutes. This helps us understand your history, your goals, and the right level of care for you.
Step 4: Start Treatment
Once your assessment is complete, you can begin the program — often within the same week. Our IOP runs Monday through Thursday, 4:00–7:00 PM, making it compatible with most work schedules.
We believe that cost should never be the reason someone doesn't get help. If you have AHCCCS, you have coverage. Let us help you use it.