What do Arizonans want from Medicaid?

Arizona voters across party lines want Medicaid contracts to prioritize transparency and local accountability

Key findings from the Arizona Statewide Healthcare Benchmark Survey (field dates Aug. 14–18, 2026; n=650 adults; margin of error ±3.84%) show broad, tripartisan support for local, provider-led management of the state's Medicaid (AHCCCS) contracts. Arizona voters reject insurance practices that delay care or obscure costs, and they support financial transparency, accurate provider networks, prior-authorization reform and continuity of care for vulnerable populations.

Published denial metrics and faster turnaround for acute care

59% of adults want state limits and monthly public reporting on prior-authorization denial rates. That includes 57% of Republicans, 56% of independents and 70% of Democrats.
83% of Arizonans are concerned that national corporate health plans delay or deny medically necessary care to boost profit margins.

Continuity for vulnerable populations

71% of Arizonans prioritize continuity with local health systems over rotating contracts among out-of-state bidders, including 72% of Republicans, 71% of independents and 75% of Democrats.
86% rate continuity with established local doctors and health systems as essential.
66% trust local, provider-led Arizona health systems to manage AHCCCS, compared with 17% for national corporate insurers.
60% say sudden cancellations of specialized care, such as ABA autism therapy, are completely unacceptable.

Accurate provider directories

55% favor mandatory state penalties for inaccurate behavioral health directories, including 57% of Republicans, 57% of independents and 56% of Democrats.
Only 16% are very confident in the accuracy of current provider directories for mental health and specialty care.

Pharmacy pricing and auditability

75% want fully transparent pass-through pharmacy pricing in Medicaid contracts, including 80% of Republicans, 76% of independents and 81% of Democrats.
83% say it is critically important that the state partner with health plans that have clean program-integrity records and no history of overcharging or billing fraud.