Last week AHCCCS proposed a change to their pharmacy policy to make it easier for Medicaid members to get an extended supply of contraceptives.
The proposed change (to AMPM Policy 310-V) allows AHCCCS members to get a 12-month supply of oral contraceptive products at one time. Non-oral contraceptive products could continue to be dispensed in supplies up to 90 days.
The current policy limits all contraceptive products to a maximum 90-day supply. The revised policy is available here.
We submitted comments supporting the proposed policy change.
Providing a longer supply of oral contraceptives can help patients use their medication more consistently and minimizes gaps from delayed refills. Consistent access to contraception supports reproductive autonomy, healthier birth spacing, and improved maternal and infant health outcomes.
The change also improves efficiency by reducing unnecessary pharmacy visits and provider appointments that occur only to obtain routine refills.
AzPHA submitted this letter of support for the policy change. Our comments also recommended that AHCCCS clearly define the term “non-oral contraceptive products”, so health plans, clinicians and members understand which products qualify for the 90-day supply.
The public comment period remains open until July 26, 2026, at 5 p.m. AzPHA members can submit their own comments here.
