About 10,000 more Arizona children could qualify for health coverage under the state’s Medicaid program next year. 

Arizona’s Medicaid agency, known as the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, or AHCCCS, this month submitted a request for federal approval to expand its KidsCare program.

Arizona lawmakers this year passed a bill, which Gov. Katie Hobbs signed, to increase the income limit for KidsCare eligibility. Children in families that make up to 200% of the federal poverty level can currently get coverage in Arizona. The new law boosts it to 225%, which would be $67,500 a year for a family of four.

AHCCCS is seeking a waiver from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to amend its contract with the federal government. 

If approved, AHCCCS hopes to implement the eligibility change early in 2024.